Once puppies have reached 6 weeks old and are no longer nursing from their mother, they may become susceptible to a number of canine diseases. The most common are distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus. However, bringing your puppy to the veterinarian can be an expensive and unpleasant experience for your puppy, and many vet and pet stores now supply easy, step-by-step, fresh vaccination packages to encourage you to take an active step toward your puppy's good health.
Things You'll Need
- Vaccine
- Syringe
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton ball
Instructions
Find the right spot. The most common injection site for puppies is on the back of the neck, between the shoulders. There are two ways to inject. If you decide to do it subcutaneously, you will be injecting the vaccine into the fatter tissue below the surface of the skin. Intramuscularly involves injecting the vaccine into the dog's thigh. Once you have made the decision, find a safe and stable area to place your puppy and keep your materials within reach.
Fit and tighten the needle on the syringe and insert it into the vial, drawing up all the liquid. Some vaccination packages may require several doses. If the vaccination contains freeze-dried powdered vaccines, inject the liquid into the vial and shake the vial for 15 seconds to ensure the contents are mixed.
Release some of the liquid by pushing down on the syringe, which also removes any air. Hold the puppy firmly on a flat, stable surface, such as a table. Locate the injection site by placing your finger on the back, center of the puppy's neck, between the shoulders and dab rubbing alcohol onto the site using a cotton ball.
Pinch the puppy's skin using your thumb and forefinger. Use your free hand and push the needle slowly under the raised skin between your fingers. Inject the liquid by pushing down on the plunger with your thumb. Watch the syringe closely so no blood enters. If this is the case, you have inserted the vaccination into the puppy's vein. Remove the syringe slowly and massage the area for a few seconds.
Watch your puppy closely for 24 hours. Some puppies have allergic reactions to the vaccines. It's normal for your puppy to be a little groggy, but look out for a slight fever, lack of appetite, swelling, hives, vomiting and diarrhea. Bring your puppy to the vet if your puppy displays any of these symptoms.