Vaccinating...

[fannie]

Do any of you do your own vaccinating?

[kalina82]

i have in the past on my cat only because i was a vet tech at the time and one of the other tech's had purchased distemper vaccines for her cats. If you only have one animal, its not such a good idea cost wise because you cannot buy just one vaccine, you have to purchase a box of them and there are usually at least 25 in a box. Also if you have never given a shot before i don't advise starting now. There is a chance you can give it wrong, or there may be a reaction to the vaccine that you don't pick up on. IMO its just not a good idea unless you've done it before and have been shown how to do it by your veterinarian

[LuvMySissy]

My sister-in-law is a vet tech and she can do them for me, but I prefer the vet visit to have Sissy checked out. And, only a vet can administer Rabies vaccines.

[fannie]

I do all the vaccinating for our goats and I knew that some people did their dogs and cats as well. I've always taken them to the vet for it. I am in the process of placing a vet supply order this morning and I was contemplating the vaccines for my dogs and cats.

[kalina82]

Originally Posted by fannie

I do all the vaccinating for our goats and I knew that some people did their dogs and cats as well. I've always taken them to the vet for it. I am in the process of placing a vet supply order this morning and I was contemplating the vaccines for my dogs and cats.

I don't remember if the expiration date is a year later or two years later, so i don't know if it would be worth it to get the vaccines and do it yourself unless you can find a lesser quanitity of them. And like it was said before, only a vet can give the rabies vaccine. But the distemper, bordatella, boreilla, and leukemia vaccines can all be done by you. Also, don't forget that its good to take all your critters in once a year just for a physical exam.

[feminvstr]

I do my own shots as well local puppy owners come back for addtional shots for free...This way I know their done and an excuse to see the pup

[fannie]

Ok, so what vaccine do you use? I've got 2 litters of puppies due and it would be nice if I could do them myself. And, what age do you start vaccinating? I know I could look this up online, but I'd rather hear from someone here! I'm also going to talk to my vet before I do anything. He's great at showing me how to do things.

[feminvstr]

I buy the vanguard plus 5...I found price varies on the brand but best pricing was Dr. Foster/Smith ....the vaccinations come with an expiration date (usually lasting about a year)

Be sure and keep the peel off label after each shot, record them in the health record and document pack you make for each pup. If you ever get a reaction your vet and the mfg will want to know the lot number. For the record I have never had a reaction.

always remember never inject a muscle, lift the skin ! (I do it in the nape of the neck) If you have a fussy pup and want to distract them give a bit on peanut butter on the roof of their mouth just prior to the injection, they wont make a peep, their too busy enjoying the PB.

hope this helps

[kalina82]

Originally Posted by feminvstr

I buy the vanguard plus 5...I found price varies on the brand but best pricing was Dr. Foster/Smith ....the vaccinations come with an expiration date (usually lasting about a year)

Be sure and keep the peel off label after each shot, record them in the health record and document pack you make for each pup. If you ever get a reaction your vet and the mfg will want to know the lot number. For the record I have never had a reaction.

always remember never inject a muscle, lift the skin ! (I do it in the nape of the neck) If you have a fussy pup and want to distract them give a bit on peanut butter on the roof of their mouth just prior to the injection, they wont make a peep, their too busy enjoying the PB.

hope this helps

that's what i was gonna say. The only thing different i was gonna add was that when the vet or I gave vaccines we always did it in the left hip under the skin and marked down on their chart which hip we did it in so if there was a reaction or a lump formed we'd know for sure what it was from. The scruf is ok, and its easiest since it is the place with the most skin. Just mark down somewhere where you injected the pup. Also when giving an injection once you break the thru the skin, pull back a little on the plunger of the syringe so you to make sure you didn't hit any muscles or veins. If when you pull back you get blood then take the needle out and try again. do not inject if you see blood.

When you first posted i didn't know you were a breeder. I didn't pay attention to what section the post was in. i just saw it as a new post. I thought if was just you and your one or two dogs. But now that i know you have litters, then i would say its ok to buy your own vaccines.

[fannie]

Thank you, thank you!! It sounds exactly like how I give injections to my goats! lol I do theirs in their neck SQ. So I know exactly what you mean by lifting the skin, pulling back on the syringe to check for blood, etc. Thank you so much for the tip of the Peanut Butter! That's a fabulous idea!

[RMKC]

Originally Posted by feminvstr

I do my own shots as well local puppy owners come back for addtional shots for free...This way I know their done and an excuse to see the pup

You will never have to make an excuse to see your pup with me, as Rosi love to come over for a visit Kim !

[feminvstr]

BTW I start shots at 8 weeks (providing all the weights are good) and repeat at 11 weeks and final shot at 14-15 weeks.

Never wait longer than 4 weeks between shots and not before 3 weeks.

If you have a real tiny pup only give 1/2 shots (you still only do three in the same progression as mentioned above) or you can delay shots. I delayed Babies shots until he was 12 weeks old and had the vet do the first 1/2 shot I also left him there for the vet to observe for a few hours, making sure there was no reaction.

[fannie]

Again, thank you for the info. Anything else you can think of, just let me know!

[BamaFan121s]

I have ours vaccinated by the vet. That way she can 1) advise anyone calling that she knows for a fact they've had shots, 2) I like for her to screen them more than just once in any case.
Plus, where I am here, the state will not recognize the dog as current unless it can be proven that they were given by a lisc. vet.

[feminvstr]

Originally Posted by BamaFan121s

I have ours vaccinated by the vet. That way she can 1) advise anyone calling that she knows for a fact they've had shots, 2) I like for her to screen them more than just once in any case.
Plus, where I am here, the state will not recognize the dog as current unless it can be proven that they were given by a lisc. vet.

Ok Bama silly question is there a black market on vaccination labels? why would your state let alone your vet think the shot wasnt given if you have the labels proving it?? If you have a great relationship with your vet, there is no reason you cant bring in the health record on the pups final vet check and have the vet sign off each pup.