Vaccinations improve the health and vitality of dogs--especially puppies--but are often expensive. Veterinarians usually charge an office visit fee for their services in addition to the cost of the vaccine. Pet owners can now easily purchase vaccines for dogs from Internet pet supply (or farm supply) companies as an inexpensive alternative. However, the dog owner who plans to vaccinate his own pet needs to know what part of the body to give the vaccine, and which injection sites should only be attempted by a licensed veterinarian. The pet supply company should also provide information on the recommended injection site for any vaccine they sell.
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Intranasal
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A select few vaccines, such as the Bordetella or "kennel cough" vaccine, are injected intranasally. Intranasal vaccines are "injected" into the nostrils--half of the vaccine into each of the dog's nostrils. These vaccines are administered with a large syringe with no needle--making intranasal injections easy for a novice to attempt. Although this is the easiest injection location for the dog owner, there can be serious side effects for the pet if the owner injects an intranasal vaccine in any other location.
Subcutaneous
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Many vaccines, including the "puppy booster shots" (combination vaccines), are given subcutaneously. Subcutaneous vaccines are injected into the loose skin between the dog's shoulder blades. This is also an easy injection location for the novice to attempt. The pet owner simply pinches an ample fold of skin with one hand and administers the vaccine with the other.
Intramuscular
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Some vaccines for dogs must be given intramuscularly. Several large muscle groups can serve as injection sites. The vaccine manufacturer may specify which muscle is the best injection location for the vaccine. Intramuscular vaccines may be given in the following sites: triceps (back of upper foreleg); quadriceps (front of hind leg); semimembranosus or semitendinosus (inside back of hind leg); or lumbar (lower back) muscles. Intramuscular injections should only be attempted by a pet owner with a good working knowledge of anatomy or a veterinarian.
Intravenous
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A few vaccines, such as the rabies vaccine, must be given intravenously. The large veins of a dog's foreleg are commonly used for these injections. Intravenous injections should never be attempted by dog owners, but should be left to the veterinarian. This is especially true for the rabies vaccine, because county animal control agencies usually require proof that a veterinarian gave the rabies vaccine. This requirement helps to protect community health and safety by ensuring that all rabies vaccinations are up to date and properly administered.
Warning
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For some vaccines, the injection location is optional--they may be given subcutaneously or intramuscularly. For other vaccines, the injection location is critical, and failure to follow the proper protocol could endanger the dog's health. It is extremely important to be sure of the proper injection site for a vaccine before attempting to inoculate a dog at home. The injection sites for other pets such as cats are not always the same as for dogs, and should be researched separately.
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