Self-administered shots for puppies
- Thread starter elmwood
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Thomas Liggin
Boxer Insane
Hmmmm, I don't know, but here are some things to think about.
How would you obtain the vaccines? Seems to me that you would need a prescription. Perhaps, but I doubt that your local pharmacy stocks vaccines for pets. While they may be available at other sources, such as pet supply establishments, you would still need a prescription.
That would need to be obtained from a vet. While it is probably possible, no doc worthy of their salt would write a prescription without first having examined a patient. A doctor familiar with a patient's history and condition may write or renew prescriptions, but other than that, I don't know.
Syringes are a similar concern, as is the skill necessary to administer the shots appropriately, whether they be subcutaneous or intramuscular.
Some dogs don't even flinch when they get vaccinated, others can be traumatized by needles. It's better that they associate that with the vet's office than run away from you whenever they see you with something as innocuous as a dinner spoon in your hand.
Also, keep in mind, that when a puppy is brought in for shots, they get a routine exam by the vet. Their weight is recorded, their hearts and lungs get listened to, and they get palpatated to detect anything abnormal.
The vet will, or should, pay attention to the condition of their coat, nails, eyes, temperament, etc., looking for symptoms that you or I might overlook. They will usually request a stool sample to check for worms and parasites such as coccidia.
They also, or should, ask several other questions, regarding housebreaking, eating and sleeping habits, and how they are getting along with other family members, including other animals/pets.
These visits also serve to acclimate a puppy to a vet's office. A good vet will spend a bit of time on the floor with a puppy, making friends with it. This can establish a "rapport" between a vet and your pup, which can serve you and your dog well should they require the vet's attention in the future.
Just some food for thought.
Tom
How would you obtain the vaccines? Seems to me that you would need a prescription. Perhaps, but I doubt that your local pharmacy stocks vaccines for pets. While they may be available at other sources, such as pet supply establishments, you would still need a prescription.
That would need to be obtained from a vet. While it is probably possible, no doc worthy of their salt would write a prescription without first having examined a patient. A doctor familiar with a patient's history and condition may write or renew prescriptions, but other than that, I don't know.
Syringes are a similar concern, as is the skill necessary to administer the shots appropriately, whether they be subcutaneous or intramuscular.
Some dogs don't even flinch when they get vaccinated, others can be traumatized by needles. It's better that they associate that with the vet's office than run away from you whenever they see you with something as innocuous as a dinner spoon in your hand.
Also, keep in mind, that when a puppy is brought in for shots, they get a routine exam by the vet. Their weight is recorded, their hearts and lungs get listened to, and they get palpatated to detect anything abnormal.
The vet will, or should, pay attention to the condition of their coat, nails, eyes, temperament, etc., looking for symptoms that you or I might overlook. They will usually request a stool sample to check for worms and parasites such as coccidia.
They also, or should, ask several other questions, regarding housebreaking, eating and sleeping habits, and how they are getting along with other family members, including other animals/pets.
These visits also serve to acclimate a puppy to a vet's office. A good vet will spend a bit of time on the floor with a puppy, making friends with it. This can establish a "rapport" between a vet and your pup, which can serve you and your dog well should they require the vet's attention in the future.
Just some food for thought.
Tom
Draymia
BW Adviser<br><img src="/forums/images/modpaw.gif"
I have given my guys their vaccinations for years and years. I buy mine from my vet, but a lot of vets will not sell vaccines or else sell them for so much it is not worth it. You can purchase from some of the catalogs, but do be careful with some of the "all in one" or cheaper vaccines. The ones I have seen in feed stores are not ones I would use. The biggest problem with getting a good vaccine was the good old USA FDA passing a law around 10-15? years ago, that you had to buy in unopened boxes which was great for veterinarians. Having to buy a minimum of 25 vaccines makes it very hard for the average person.
As for the vet giving a pup a physical when doing the vaccination. That is a very good and valid point. But, most vets in my area have their Techs give the vaccination and actually never even see the puppy. It is still a good chance for the puppy to meet and get some positive loving from the Tech. I pay a $50.00 office call plus anything else,for my vet to check my pups.
Giving the vaccination is really easy with experience. But, you do need some experience to make it quick, easy and painless.
With just one pup I think I would just go with your vet. Remember to check out the new vaccination protocols for some thoughts on not over vaccinating. You can do a search right her on BoxerWorld of "vaccination protocols" for lots of interesting reading.
As for the vet giving a pup a physical when doing the vaccination. That is a very good and valid point. But, most vets in my area have their Techs give the vaccination and actually never even see the puppy. It is still a good chance for the puppy to meet and get some positive loving from the Tech. I pay a $50.00 office call plus anything else,for my vet to check my pups.
Giving the vaccination is really easy with experience. But, you do need some experience to make it quick, easy and painless.
With just one pup I think I would just go with your vet. Remember to check out the new vaccination protocols for some thoughts on not over vaccinating. You can do a search right her on BoxerWorld of "vaccination protocols" for lots of interesting reading.
I wouldn't risk it with Drake. I live in a rural area and I know many people who do administer shots/worm meds they purchase from the rural feed store. In my opinion, Drake is a member of the family and I would want the vet to do anything to him that might affect his well being
This is amazing. Not seeing the Vet, when you go for a check up. To me that is like going to the Doctor but only seeing the nurse. No offense to the vet tech. I was actually considering that career years ago but eventually chose nursing.Draymia said:.
But, most vets in my area have their Techs give the vaccination and actually never even see the puppy. .
Draymia said:As for the vet giving a pup a physical when doing the vaccination. That is a very good and valid point. But, most vets in my area have their Techs give the vaccination and actually never even see the puppy.
I can't believe that either. I wouldn't take my dog to a vet for vaccinations if the vet didn't even see them.
Jill's boxer
Banned
self administered shots
another thing that should be mentioned is the possibility that your puppy could have a reaction to the vaccine and could then go into anaphylactic shock--you would have to get the vet's quickly unless you know how to treat it and have the necessary meds to do so.
As for seeing a tech for vaccinations instead of the vet...depending on the hospital, the vet does the initial exam and vaccs, then followup boosters are done by the tech...you can see the vet if preferred, you just need to specify this--a few hospitals I have worked at operated this way--the charge to for "tech appointments" was less than an exam charge to see the vet. Only our senior techs performed these exam apppointments and vaccines were not given if the tech suspected an ill pup--the vet then came in for the exam...
another thing that should be mentioned is the possibility that your puppy could have a reaction to the vaccine and could then go into anaphylactic shock--you would have to get the vet's quickly unless you know how to treat it and have the necessary meds to do so.
As for seeing a tech for vaccinations instead of the vet...depending on the hospital, the vet does the initial exam and vaccs, then followup boosters are done by the tech...you can see the vet if preferred, you just need to specify this--a few hospitals I have worked at operated this way--the charge to for "tech appointments" was less than an exam charge to see the vet. Only our senior techs performed these exam apppointments and vaccines were not given if the tech suspected an ill pup--the vet then came in for the exam...
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