We humans have been trained to think we have to rely on medical professionals to vaccinate our dogs.
We get a card in the mail that indicates Rover is due for his shots. We pick up the phone and make an appointment with the dog’s veterinarian. Finally, shot day arrives and we load the dog in the car. We arrive at the vet’s office and Rover is shaking in terror as you try to drag him through the office door. The doctor examines the dog and it takes less than a minute to vaccinate him. We pay a hefty bill and leave for home knowing that Rover is good for another year. Finally, we arrive back home exhausted and broke.
The truth is that you can avoid this scenario. That does not mean that dogs should not get their vaccinations. It does mean that you can cut costs and still insure that your dog – no matter its age – is protected against serious diseases.
It is possible to purchase canine vaccines at places other than the vet’s office. In fact, some veterinarians will sell dog vaccines to clients they know are responsible and capable of administering shots. There are numerous online sites from which to purchase vaccines. In addition, some farm stores and pet stores sell canine vaccines.
The most important thing is to make sure that you buy fresh vaccines manufactured by reputable companies. Many breeders and trainers can help point you in the right direction.
Vaccinating your own dogs is actually easy. If your dog does not obey well, it is best to have a helping hand when you attempt the endeavor because you need to keep the dog still throughout the process.
Most dogs, especially nervous ones, will be glad to forego a trip to the vet’s office. You just may find that Rover is happy to stay at home with you and avoid the commotion that often goes along with a busy vet office.
Once you have the vaccine in hand, it is time to prepare to administer the shot. Do whatever is necessary to calm your nerves. Rover will pick up on your nervousness.
Most vaccines can be given just beneath the skin. This type, which is referred to as a subcutaneous vaccination, is easier to deal with than one that requires it be given in the muscle.
A good target area for the needle prick is the loose skin on the back of the dog’s neck. Seek out the area that a mother dog uses to pick up and carry their offspring.
The first order of business is to prepare the vaccine. Most will come in two parts – a vial of liquid and a second vial that contains a dry powder. When you are ready to undertake the vaccinating, tighten the needle onto the syringe and insert it into the vial that contains the liquid. Use care and pull the plunger back toward you so that the liquid is transferred to the syringe.
Next, pierce the vial of powder with the needle and depress the syringe plunger to add the liquid to the powder. Shake well and then carefully suck the mixed vaccine back into the syringe.
Lift the dog’s skin and insert the needle. You should pull back slightly on the syringe plunger to be sure the needle is not in a blood vessel (if it is, blood will enter the syringe as you pull back the plunger) and then administer the vaccine.
One should note that administering a rabies vaccine is a little more difficult because this vaccine is usually given in the hind leg. Perhaps, this is one that you want to take Rover to the vet’s office for.
Drs. Foster and Smith, a popular online source of many pet products, offers a video on their website. Visit http://www.drsfostersmith.com/videocenter/printable_instructions.cfm?videoid=171 to view it.
If you do choose to do your own vaccinating, be sure that you keep good records that can be shared with the dog’s vet in the event of any illness.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the only time many dogs visit a vet’s office is to get their vaccinations. If you choose to administer your own, you still should consider having your dog examined by a veterinarian annually. This can go a long way in the early detection of serious health issues.
Related posts:
- To Vaccinate or Not Vaccinate – That Is the Question
- How to Get Your Puppy to Sleep on the First Few Nights Home
- Home Remedies for Canine Ear Infections
