DR. JEREMY PROSSER, D.V.M.

brewertonvet@gmail.com

Keeping your dog healthy is a no-brainer, and a big part of doing that is making sure they get their vaccinations and medicine. These shots help protect your dog from serious illnesses like rabies or parvovirus.

But sometimes, you might need to give these shots to your dog at home. For example, if your dog has diabetes, they need insulin shots just like some people do. Or, they might need regular shots to keep them healthy.

And here's the great part about doing this at home: it's a real money-saver! You won't need to visit the vet as often for these straightforward shots. Even better, your dog will be much more relaxed getting their shots in their comfy space. It's familiar, cozy, and where they feel safe—unlike the sometimes intimidating vet's office. Isn't that just wonderful for both you and your pet?

But there's still a lot to consider on how to give a dog a shot. Don't worry, we'll walk you right through them!

How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost?

The cost of dog vaccinations varies, typically between $20 and $50 per vaccine, influenced by the type of vaccine and the general veterinary charges in your region. These vaccines are usually given at your dog's yearly health check-up, meaning the overall cost of the visit will encompass an examination fee and depends on the number of vaccines your dog needs. Here's a cost analysis of each vaccine in the five most populous cities of the United States:

What Vaccines Does My Dog Need?

When you get a new dog, understanding how to give a dog a shot becomes important, especially regarding the timing of their vaccinations. If you're bringing home a puppy, often around 8 weeks old, they might not have received any shots yet. This means you'll be responsible for knowing how to give dog shots for most of their vaccinations. On the other hand, if you adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue, they typically have already given the dog its initial shots.

It's crucial to ask for the dog's medical and vaccination records wherever you're getting the dog, whether it's a breeder, shelter, or rescue group. These records inform you if the dog is up-to-date with their vaccinations and guide you on how to proceed with both core and non-core vaccines if you need to administer any at home.

What Are Core Vaccines?

Vaccines for dogs are split into two types: core and non-core. Core vaccines are important for all dogs as they stop serious diseases that can spread and cause outbreaks. Non-core vaccines, however, depend on the dog's lifestyle and where they live. 

Here are the core vaccines for dogs:

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies is almost always fatal as it attacks the brain and nervous system quickly; and it spreads through bites from infected animals like raccoons and bats. The rabies vaccine is a legal requirement to keep pets and people safe.

Canine Parvovirus Vaccine

This stops canine parvo, a very contagious virus that harms the stomach and immune system. Dogs with parvo get very sick and need a lot of care, which can be expensive.

Canine Hepatitis Vaccine

This vaccine is for a liver disease caused by an adenovirus, which hurts the kidneys and can cause blood clotting problems. About 10% to 30% of young dogs who get this disease might die.

Distemper Vaccine

This protects against canine distemper; the virus affects the brain and lungs and is often deadly. Dogs that survive this might have lasting brain damage. Wild animals can spread this virus, too.

What Are Non-Core Vaccines?

Some dog vaccines aren't for every pup out there. These are called optional, lifestyle, or non-core vaccines. They're given to dogs, who are more likely to catch certain diseases because of their way of life. 

When your dog is a puppy, and then every year during their check-up, your vet will decide if these vaccines are a good idea for your dog. Here are some of them:

Leptospirosis Vaccine

This one's for leptospirosis, a bacterial disease dogs can get from infected urine in water sources. It can cause serious damage to the liver and kidneys and can be deadly. The vaccine does a good job of protecting dogs from this disease.

Bordetella Vaccine

This one helps protect against kennel cough, caused by certain bacteria. It's a good idea for dogs who hang out in places like dog parks, daycare, boarding kennels or go to dog sports and training classes. The vaccine doesn't stop the infection entirely, but it makes it less severe and helps dogs get better quicker.

Lyme Disease Vaccine

Lyme disease comes from ticks and is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Dogs that love to be outdoors, especially those that go hiking or camping, might need this vaccine to stay safe.

Canine Influenza Vaccine

Dogs who might get kennel cough are also at risk for canine influenza, which is an airborne virus. This vaccine doesn't guarantee they won't get the flu, but it can make the symptoms milder and lower the chances of serious problems like pneumonia.

Can I Give My Dog Shots at Home?

The short answer is yes, you can give your dog shots at home, but there are important things to consider. First, you should only do this if you feel confident on how to give dog shots and have been properly instructed on how to administer injections—it's a skill that requires some knowledge and precision.

Talk With A Vet First

Before you start, it's important to talk to your vet. They can provide the right vaccines, teach you the correct technique, and advise on the best practices for doing it safely. Your vet will also tell you about the types of shots your dog needs, their schedule, and the right doses.

Identifying Underlying Health Problems

A pre-vaccination exam will be able to help uncover any hidden health problems your dog may have. Once any health concerns have been identified and addressed, this will help ensure that the vaccinations will actually leave the desired effect and not put your dog's health into further harm.

Vaccine Care

Remember, cleanliness and safety are crucial. Ensure you have a clean, quiet space to work in, and that your dog is calm. You'll need to know how to properly store and handle the vaccines, too. Some shots are given under the skin, while others might need to be injected into a muscle, so knowing the correct method for each vaccine is key.

If you're not comfortable with it, it's absolutely okay to leave this task to the professionals. One way or another, though, it's important to know the do's and dont's after giving them a shot. Your dog's health and safety always come first!

Pros Of Giving A Dog A Shot At Home:

Deciding to give your dog their shots at home can have several perks. Just make sure you're well informed about the right way to do it. Here are some of the known pros of self-administering vaccines:

No Vet Visits

You won't have to take your dog to the vet, which means no worrying about getting them there or dealing with any nervousness they might have in the waiting room.

Less Stress for Your Dog

Getting a shot at home, where they're comfortable and familiar with their surroundings, is often less stressful for dogs.

Convenient Scheduling

You can give your dog their shots whenever it fits into your schedule, making it a lot more flexible for you.

Saves Money

Doing it yourself means you skip the vet's office visit fee and any travel costs.

Cost-Effective Supplies

Buying the vaccines and supplies yourself might turn out to be cheaper than what you'd pay for each vaccination at the vet's office.

Cons Of Giving A Dog A Shot At Home

Consequently, when learning how to give dog shots at home, it's important to be aware of some potential downsides:

Health Risks from Improper Administration

There's a risk of incorrectly injecting the vaccine, potentially causing embolisms, tissue damage, or nerve injury to your dog.

Limited Vaccine Access and Management

Some essential vaccines, like rabies shots, can't be self-administered, and managing the quality, storage, and expiry of vaccines can be challenging.

Potential for Adverse Reactions

Dogs might have severe reactions to vaccines, requiring immediate veterinary attention, and there's also the risk of exacerbating allergies.

Physical Challenges and Safety Concerns

Large or restless dogs can be difficult to restrain, posing injury risks to both the dog and owner during the injection process.

Missing Comprehensive Health Checks

Administering shots at home means your dog could miss out on regular health checkups from a vet, which are important for detecting early signs of health issues. Plus, you won't receive an official vaccination certificate, which is often required for travel or boarding.

When Not To Self-Administer Dog Vaccines

In understanding which dogs should get shots, it's also key to know when not to vaccinate. If your dog falls into any of these categories, it's best to chat with your vet before going ahead with vaccines:

• Dogs who are either sick or recovering from surgery.
• Dogs currently being treated with glucocorticoids.
• Puppies that are younger than 6 to 8 weeks.
• Dogs that have had bad reactions to vaccines in the past.
• Nursing or pregnant females.

Also, it's becoming more common for vets to suggest that older dogs might not need routine shots after reaching a certain age. Make sure to ask your vet about this, and always follow their guidance.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to keeping your dog healthy, vaccinations are key. However, you might find yourself in a situation where you need to know how to give a dog a shot, especially for ongoing treatments like insulin for diabetes. While administering shots at home can save money and reduce stress for your pet, it requires proper knowledge and technique.

Before you start, it's important to understand the challenges. Not all vaccines are suitable for home administration, and certain dogs, like young puppies, pregnant females, or those with health issues, might need professional care. It's essential to consult your vet for guidance and training in safe and effective injection techniques.

Remember, while giving your dog shots at home can be convenient, your pet's health and safety are always the priority. If you're unsure or uncomfortable with administering injections at home, it's best to rely on professional veterinary care.

Get the Help Your Dog Needs at Brewerton Hospital for Animals!

There are a lot of advantages when it comes to giving your dog a shot at home, but nothing beats the hand of a trusted vet. Schedule an appointment with us and ensure your dog gets the best pet care they need. Here at Brewerton Hospital for Animals, your pet's overall safety is our priority.