If you're looking to get your dog vaccinated, you may be wondering what your options are and if going to the vet's office is your only choice. Today, our Corpus Christi vets discuss your options when it comes to where you can get vaccines for your dog.
Are dog vaccinations at home an option?
If your dog requires routine vaccinations, you may wonder if you can have the vet administer them in the comfort of your own home, or if you can simply administer them yourself. While it is possible, there are some things you should consider beforehand:
- Should I give my dog shots?
- What shots does my dog really need?
- What shots should we avoid?
- Can I properly administer them myself?
Is vaccinating my dog at home safe?
Over-the-counter pet vaccinations for dogs can cause an infection or some sort of reaction within hours or even a couple of days of administering them.
Anaphylactic shock is the most serious form of reaction and can be fatal for dogs if they don't receive immediate treatment. Although this reaction is rare, it is something to keep in mind. Signs of anaphylactic shock in dogs include:
- Low blood pressure
- Reduced breathing rate
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Coma
This is why it is often recommended to have your dog vaccinated at a veterinary or vaccination clinic where your dog can receive appropriate care if they do have a reaction.
What about visiting a dog vaccination clinic?
Every dog or puppy should have a complete physical exam before they are given any vaccinations. If you are visiting a vaccination clinic rather than a veterinary office, you should check that they perform exams. If not, you should wait and have the vaccinations completed at a vet clinic, or at least have an exam performed before going to the clinic.
Are there any vaccines that must be given at a clinic?
By law, the dog rabies vaccination needs to be administered by or under the supervision of a veterinarian. It is also worth noting that it is illegal to administer vaccines to pets that belong to someone else whether you are paid or not.
Where can I get vaccines for my dog?
There are several places where vaccines can be purchased, although it is not recommended to trust products purchased at a store. Some of the vaccines that can be purchased to administer at home include:
- Distemper
- Adenovirus (Type 1 and 2)
- Parainfluenza
- Parvovirus
Other optional vaccinations can be given to your dog, such as the Bordetella vaccine, at home.
Pros & Cons of Giving Your Dog a Vaccination At Home
Pros of Home Vaccines
- Can be administered without leaving the house.
- The dog may feel a reduced amount of stress.
- Can be cost-effective.
- Shots can be given when you'd like.
Cons of Home Vaccines
- You may waste money on vaccines that expire before they are used.
- You may hit a vein and cause embolisms, tissue sloughing, or nerve damage.
- There is an increased risk of injury.
- Certain shots legally need to be administered by a vet.
- Dogs may have a severe reaction and require immediate emergency medical attention.
- You don't know the origin of the vaccines.
- Additives may be present in these cheaper vaccine options which may cause cancer or immunological diseases.
- Vaccines may end up in your dog's eyes, nose, or mouth causing adverse reactions.
- Your dog may experience an increase in allergies with home vaccinations.
- You may be unable to properly restrain your dog to administer the vaccine.
- You will be skipping wellness exams that are crucial for your pet's health.
- You do not receive a certified proof of vaccination certificate.
- You may need a prescription for needles and syringes for dog vaccines.
In Conclusion
To best protect your dog and ensure their safety, all vaccinations should be administered by your primary vet or at a pet vet vaccination clinic. As you can see from the pros and cons above, the cons far outweigh the benefits. The risk to the health of your dog is not worth the amount of money you may save. Administering vaccines at home has the potential to cause adverse reactions and accidents that could lead to serious injury or even death.
When it comes to vaccinating your dog, it is best to leave it to the professionals.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding people or pets. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding asthma or other allergy symptoms.