giving vaccinations yourself?

Question

Just wondering if anyone has ever had experience with the 7 in 1 shots that are sold at feed stores and some pet stores.
they are like $4 for everything but the rabies. I have heard of people doing this, are there any down sides?

just wondering what people thought, there is not right or wrong answer or reason to judge.

thnks cindy, that was why I was asking. We were a little weary about this, but with proper training and the right vax (through the vet) I'm sure it will be fine.

Answer 1

I don't use them but I know why you are asking - for your rescue.

Talk to your vet and see what they say. I'd also see if you could order a big batch of the stuff through the vet and get a better discount.

I bet if you talked to them enough, you could get some help with things like that. Plus a little training... =)

I'm going to start this so Vet Tech can see it.

Answer 2

I have been giving my dogs there shots for years. The only down fall that I have come across, is that if you need to bring the dog to the vet or boarding or anything like that, they may not accept then, because they were not issued by a vet.
Keep the package that the vax come in.

You have to go to a vet for the rabies, because that is required by a license vet and the vaccine is tracked.

Good luck

Answer 3

I did that a few times years ago for my cats and dogs. Think mine was the 5 in 1 though. I bought mine online at drs. foster and smith. The first time I did it, I didn't realize it did not come with the actual needle part lol, so I used one of my mom's diabetic needles. It was too small to hold the medicine, so I ended up having to do like 2 shots in each animal, that sucked. So make sure it comes with the syringe/needle part. Just make sure to clean the area off good before and after with some alcohol. And make sure to do it in the right place. Otherwise, had no problems with mine. It's a lot cheaper then doing it through a vet, that's for sure! And for the rabies shot, I just wait till they do the yearly clinic thing, usually costs only about 5.00. Ours is a "drive up" one, the animal stays in the car :)

Answer 4

I do my own dogs,too.I use the 5 way now that they are old dogs and only do it every three years.The rabies I have done at the vet.Someone mentioned cleaning the injection area with alcohol.I have been told NOT to use alcohol,as it can affect the vaccine,and my vet never uses it for vaccinations.I usually order mine from Foster and Smith or Care a Lot,but I have bought them at the local farm store.They are kept refrigerated and I've never had a problem,and my vet approves.

Answer 5

My husband breeds Beagles, and we give all of our shots ourselves. We have had very good luck with them. We give our puppies their first shots at 5 weeks old (per our vet's instructions).

Just make sure that you know how to give the vaccinations. Most are just under the skin. AND, as with any vaccination, animals will sometimes have a reaction to the vaccine. That will happen whether you do it yourself or take the dog to the vet. We have never had one of our animals have a reaction, but I have a friend who took her dog to the vet, and the dog had a reaction to the vaccine.

Just be careful giving the shot and keep an eye on your animals.

jen

Answer 6

I give the 5 in 1 myself and have had no problems, but I get the vaccination at my vets office ONLY. I would not trust to buy it anywhere else. I also do all of my families dogs and none has had problems.

Answer 7

I would NEVER use a 7 in 1. I do not vaccinate for more than 4 of those. That is over vaccinating!!! And at the feed store, you are counting on the fact that the "trained" staff got the vaccine in and put it away in a timely fashion....so the vaccine is still effective.

NO THANKS!!!!

Answer 8

We vaccinate our dogs, except rabies which the vet does. Just be sure to keep it cold until you use it.