Puppy Care Schedule
11 recurring tasks keep a puppy in good shape, across 5 categories. Budget roughly $390–1,780 a year at typical U.S. prices — 7 of them you can do yourself.
Dental
| Task | How often | Est. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tooth Brushing Routine DIY | Monthly | $0–15 | Brushing a few times a week with dog-safe toothpaste does more for dental health than anything else at home. |
Grooming
| Task | How often | Est. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bath DIY | Every 2 mo | $0–90 | Every 4-8 weeks for most coats; more for oily or outdoorsy dogs, less for dry skin. |
| Nail Trim DIY | Monthly | $0–25 | Every 3-6 weeks. If you can hear clicking on the floor, they're too long. |
| Coat Grooming DIY | Every 2 mo | $0–80 | Brush-outs and trims on a schedule that fits the coat — every 4-8 weeks for many breeds. |
Parasite
| Task | How often | Est. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heartworm Prevention DIY | Monthly | $8–20 | Monthly chewable or topical, year-round. A single missed dose can leave a gap. |
| Flea & Tick Prevention DIY | Monthly | $10–25 | Monthly preventative, year-round in most climates. Protects against fleas, ticks, and tick-borne disease. |
| Deworming DIY | Every 3 mo | $10–30 | Broad-spectrum dewormer; puppies more often. Many monthly heartworm products also cover intestinal worms. |
Vaccines
| Task | How often | Est. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy Vaccine Series (DHPP) | Monthly | $20–50 | Core puppy boosters every 3-4 weeks from ~6 to 16 weeks (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza). |
| Rabies Vaccine (first booster) | Yearly | $15–35 | First rabies shot at ~12-16 weeks, boosted one year later, then every 3 years. |
| Bordetella (Kennel Cough) | Yearly | $20–40 | Often required for boarding, daycare, and grooming. Every 6-12 months depending on exposure. |
Vet
| Task | How often | Est. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy Checkup | Monthly | $40–90 | Frequent visits during the first months — growth checks, vaccine rounds, and spay/neuter planning. |
Common questions
How often does a puppy need maintenance?
A puppy has 11 recurring tasks across 5 categories — from frequent, quick jobs to once-a-year items. The schedule below lists each one with how often it's due and what it typically costs.
How much does puppy upkeep cost per year?
Budget roughly $390–$1,780 a year at typical U.S. prices. 7 of the 11 tasks are DIY-friendly, which pulls the real number toward the low end.
What puppy maintenance can I do myself?
7 of the 11 tasks here are marked DIY — routine, low-cost jobs that don't need a pro. Each row below notes which is which.
Intervals and costs are typical-case estimates for U.S. owners; your climate, usage, and local prices will shift them. Information here is general and may be estimated or AI-assisted — not professional, medical, or veterinary advice. Verify against your owner's manual, a professional, or your vet before acting. See our Terms & Disclaimer.