What can you tell me about giving my puppy her vaccinations by myself as opposed to a veterinarian? How would I go about doing this? Where do I get supplies, etc. thanks!
2007-12-07 05:42:40 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Jefferspets.com sells vaccines. I think MN is the only state that they can't ship puppy shots to. Rabies can be given in some states by owners, but not others.
The vet clinic here buys the Galaxy and Duramunes. They also buy IMRAB of course.
2007-12-07 06:47:40 · answer #1 · answered by mama woof 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can usually by 5-way and/or 7-way vaccines at your local farm supply store. There should be instructions included on how to administer the vaccine. If not, you should be able to find a guide online.
You will still need to take your puppy to the veterinarian for a rabies vaccine. Only a licensed vet can administer a rabies shot.
It's usually a good idea to establish a relationship with an area vet even if you are going to do your own vaccinations. You never know when you'll need a vet for emergencies.
2007-12-07 13:48:03 · answer #2 · answered by K9Resqer 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
THere are several things you need to be concerned about when considering having your pup vaccinated anywhere but at a liscenced vet's office:
1) Quality of the vaccine: Vaccines are very delicate - they must be kept cold from the moment they are manufactured until they are injected into the pet. If they are allowed to get warm, even for a brief period, they will loose their effectiveness. It is common for untrained people to allow vaccines to sit out, and you would never know your dog has received a worthless shot if you give one of these.
2) Garauntees: Most vaccine manufacturers offer a guarantee - if your pet has been properly vaccinated with their vaccine and still somehow comes down with one of the diseases vaccinated for, they will pay for treatment. However, this only applies if the vaccine has been given by a liscenced vet with a doctor/patient relationship with you and your pet. So by trying to save a little on the vet visit, not only are you increasing the chance the vaccine you give your pet will be ineffective, you are giving up the protection of the manufacturerer's garauntee of their vaccine.
3) As part of the regular vaccination visits, the vet will examine your puppy for any health problems, and advise you as to the best way to keep him healthy. The vet starts a file on your dog, and gathers baseline date on what's normal for your dog. This can be extremely valuable if your dog gets sick. By skipping the pupppy vet visits you are giving up all this.
2007-12-07 14:10:47 · answer #3 · answered by naomi 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is not a good idea to self vaccinate especially a puppy. Dogs must be healthy in order to be vaccianted..an owner can't know for certain a dog/puppy is completely healthy. Some things aren't apparent and only a vet can detect a problem.
At home vaccination is also not recommended because you have no idea how it has been handled, stored, shipped. Drug companies will not guarantee vaccines given by owners and bought OTC...so if there is a problem you're out of luck. Another problem is many people don't know how to correctly mix or administer a vaccine.
Most vets, kennels & groomers will not accept owner given vaccinations.
People who self vaccinate often over vaccinate as well.They give too many combos. 5 or 7 way vaccinations are NOT recommended. It is no longer endorsed or recommended by the AAHA/AVMA or any of the 27 vet schools to give some vaccines such as coronavirus, adenovirus-1, giardia...also vaccines such as lepto, lymes, paranfluenza & kennel cough (bordatella) shouldn't be given to every dog/puppy. Puppies should not receive vaccinations under 8 weeks of age.
2007-12-07 14:19:24 · answer #4 · answered by Great Dane Lover 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
You can order them online at www.drsfosterandsmith.com or you can generally get them at Tractor Supply Company (TSC).
There are 3 types of vaccines. One goes under the skin, one goes in the muscle, and the third goes up the nose.
I recommend a 5 or 7 way depending on what's in your area as far as diseases. Definitely make sure it has parvo in it.
Most puppy vaccines are go under the skin. So you mix the vaccine, let it dissolve, fill your syringe with it again, make sure to get all the air out, as it would kill the pup. Lift up the skin at the scruff of her neck, and gently inject her with the vaccine.
Most rabies vaccines go in the muscle. Again mix the vaccine, let it dissolved, fill your syringe, get the air out of it. And plunge gently into her hip.
And the last type is up the nose, that's for bordatella. You again mix the vaccine, let it dissolve, suck it back in the syringe, take off the needle and put on the nose thingy, and drip the vaccine in her nostrils.
Edit: Here in Arkansas it is legal to give rabies vaccinations. There is no reason for it not to be other than vets wanting to charge $15 a shot. There has never been any instance of vaccination induced rabies in people. The vets just have you scared!
2007-12-07 13:53:55 · answer #5 · answered by Ista 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Giving a puppy it's shots is pretty easy!
After taking my first litter of 8 big German Shepherd Pups to the vet for all of their shots I thought - there must be a better way! I spoke with a more experienced breeder who had been doing her own for years. Her vet had shown her, and she showed me, and so on.
Depending on where you live (rural or urban) and your vets desire to make money :^) , he or she may give you a thumbs up or thumbs down on doing this yourself.
It's VERY important that you find a vet who approves and will put the shots you give into THEIR records for her. This generally means having a good discussion so the vet feels comfortable that you know what you're doing, and showing them the receipt for the vaccine and the peel-off label that goes into your record.
You can order from a variety of suppliers/catalogs, or get them at feed/farm supply stores. Just check the expiration dates and make sure they're stored properly. You might also check the lot #'s with the manufacturer to make sure they weren't recalled (happens occasionally).
Hope this helps!
2007-12-07 14:16:00 · answer #6 · answered by Becky 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
1) Check your state/county regulations. Certain states do NOT allow any vaccinations to be given by other than a licensed vet.
2) Check your local farm/ranch supply.
3) Valley Vet supply.
4) Doing it yourself is not much cheaper than having a vet do it and there are all the same risks.
add: It is NOT legal in ANY of the 50 states to administer a Rabies vaccine without a vet. That is why you have to buy the tag from the vet.
2007-12-07 13:59:49 · answer #7 · answered by Scelestus Unus 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
First thing I would do is consult with a vet to see what is needed and how often for a puppy. Then yearly after that. You can get them at a feed store. You must realize that the rabies shot has to be administered by a vet, state law.
2007-12-08 04:11:23 · answer #8 · answered by Tin Can Sailor 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
in addition to what has already been said about improper handling. There is also the risk for an allergic reaction anytime a vaccine is given. If you are at a vet clinic they can treat with a steroid right there, however what are you going to do at home if your dog has an anaphylactic reaction.
2007-12-07 23:58:15 · answer #9 · answered by ALM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u should only give your puppy shots if u know how... if not the best thing for your pup isto let the vet do it ... if u know how then get the shots from your vet ...
ok i use to get my pups vaccines at the farm supply store too...but my pups stil got sick, my vet said that a lot of time the vaccines at the farm stores are not kept at the propher temps... which makes the vacinees bad or some times they're out dated ... so its best buy from your vet... ! please do not buy the ones from farm supply stores
2007-12-07 13:50:10 · answer #10 · answered by nonibear 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋