Are you thinking of doing your dog's vaccinations yourself?
A couple things to keep in mind ....
Are you buying from a company that you feel confident in? Vaccines must be kept at a constant temperature. (refigerated). If you order from a mail order company and the ice pack is melted, will the vaccine be damaged? Was it mishandled during packing or shipping before it got to you?
Do you know the difference between Modified Live vaccine versus Killed or Recombinant? Do you know which is preferred and why?
Do you realize that Lepto and Corona are no longer recommended and that the 5 way vaccine (that many companies continue to sell) can actually cause lasting vaccine damage?
Do you know what to do in case your dog has an allergic or anaphylactic reaction to the vaccine? Do you have epinephrine on hand in case his throat would suddenly swell shut or corticosteroids to decrease dangerous inflammation/swelling, especially in the face/neck?
Does your vet recognize owner given shots as valid? If not, then some vets won't treat a pet that hasn't been vaccinated and the vaccines will have to be given again by the vet.
What if you want to take an obedience class? Or board your dog while you go on vacation? Most places won't accept that you did the vaccines yourself and will make you have a vet re-do them before allowing your dog to participate in a class or accept your dog into a boarding situation.
Rabies must, by law, be given by a licensed veterinarian in most states. Do you know what your local ordinances are?
Are you aware of the risks of vaccine induced sarcomas? Do you know how to give a subcutaneous injection versus an intramuscular one? What if you inject into a blood vessel?
Yes, vaccines can be an expense. But you are not only paying for the vaccine from the vet, but you are buying the administration from a licensed professional who knows the risks/benefits, who has the back-up in the office for an emergency reaction, as well as paying for the initial exam and record keeping of your pet.
Many vets frown upon lay people doing injections themselves and the line between practicing medicine without a license is a very thin one. Be sure you weigh the risks and benefits and KNOW what you are doing. |