[Ellie May]

There have been a few problems reported about drawing from the jugular but overall I'd rather Ellie get blood drawn than have a vaccine.

Unless she has an IV, her blood is ALWAYS drawn from the jugular. That is what her vet prefers because on small dogs the leg veins collapse easily. Like any medical procedure there is a risk but I trust her vet enough to allow them to draw it from there. If you are nervous, I would definately recommend that you amke sure that the vet draws it and not a tech-in-training. Also, if the dog wiggles or they make a mistake and go too far, the dog can bruise. Ellie does quite often because she wiggles. Just watch for hematomas or blisters if that happens. If they let the dog leave bleeding, find a new vet.

Another reason that vets draw from the jugular on small dogs is because it's their largest vein and the blood comes faster.

It used to make me very nervous also but as long as the vet knows what he/she is doing and the dog is restrained, it is pretty safe. I would request the leg if that is an option though.