Administering vaccinations/shots yourself/using a vet - Page 1

Looking for some honest imput,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, I would think the breedeers already have perfected some sort of method to defray vet bills?

What are the pros and cons of administering vaccinations/shots yourself without going to the vet, paying outrageous prices, (if you have muliple dogs). Now I understand emergencies and something outside the scope of the owners knowledge or expertise. But is it feasable to do everthing yourself???

We administer all but the Rabies vaccine to our puppies and dogs. Pros it's cost effective, you are not bringing young unprotected puppies to the vets office ( many bad things are picked up at the vet) less stress.
Cons- some states will not recognize vaccines given yourself ( FL was horrible for this) but here in NC it is allowable. In the case of vaccine reaction, the time it will take you to get to the vet's office.

Melissa

I get all my pups first vaccinations done by my vet, they get a full vet check at the same time so I have a vets opinion of the pups state of health and I have an official certificate to give to the pups new owner so their vet is fully aware of what has been done and when.  Boosters for my own dogs I do myself.

Margaret N-J

read the material that comes with it.  there is a lot of information in it.  dosage, warnings, instructions.  know whether it is to be given subcutaneous or IM.  we do all vaccinations and antibiotics ourselves.  the more you can learn about what you are giving, the better.
pjp

As long as you are prepred to handle an emergency such as anaphalatic shock or another vaccine reaction giving your own vaccines is fine.

As a registered nurse, I'm used to giving shots all the time, so do all my own vaccines.  I do, however, make sure to read ALL enclosed materials that come with the vaccines to make sure I know what to do and watch for!  For me, it's more the saving of time hauling big dogs to the vet, waiting your turn is a busy vet's office, and praying they don't pick up anything else while there than anything.  My vet gives the exact brand shot as I do, but I can do it for less than half the cost myself, do it at my own convenience, and save time/stress on the dogs.

Legal here in Idaho to administer everything but Rabies.  You can get single vaccines or combos at the local farm store, along with syringes and the like.  You have to have a licensed vet give the rabies, though.  Learn as much as you can, though, about what diseases are most prevalent in your area and whatever area you are going to, so you don't over-vaccinate for diseases that are not even an issue.

I second the reaction/shock warning, though.  First shots should be given by a vet, just in case of bad reaction, but if you are doing boosters, you can do them yourself, if it is legal in your area.

Crys