Dog shots can be necessary on a yearly basis (i.e. the vaccines) or when the dog gets sick and requires various injections (i.e. insulin shots). The shots are commonly administered at the veterinarian’s office, but there are a few shots that can be administered at home. However, if you have no experience in administering shots, you need to learn how to do so or have the vet perform this activity.
When Dog Shots Are Required
Shots are first given to the dog when he is 6 to 8 weeks old, as the dog requires immunization for various canine diseases. After the first core vaccines, the dog will require yearly booster shots. Some vets only recommend boosters once in 3 years.
In addition, certain dogs may need injections, which are more effective than drugs:
- Antibiotics for infections
- Steroids for severe swelling and to suppress the immune system
- Epinephrine shot, only in emergency situations, if the dog develops an anaphylactic shock
Diabetic dogs will need periodical insulin shots, which are necessary to keep the glucose in the blood at a normal level.
When to Give Shots to Your Dog
If your dog only requires vaccines and booster shots, you are better off if the shots are administered by a professional. However, if you have experience in giving shots to pets or humans, you can try administering the vaccines yourself, but only after having consulted the vet. There are various vaccines available online that are easy to administer.
However, if your dog has a chronic disease such as diabetes or is likely to develop an anaphylactic shock, you will have to administer the shots yourself, as it is more convenient and in some cases, you don’t have the time to go to the vet.
Insulin shots will be needed at least once every 2 days, so it will be difficult for you to go to the vet every time.
Also, if the dog has an anaphylactic shock, if you don’t administer the shot within 7 minutes, the dog can die.
How to Give Dog Shots
If you have decided that you can administer the dog shots or it is more convenient to give the shots yourself, as you save a lot of time doing so, you will need to learn how to safely administer the shots.
When starting out (especially if you have a large dog), you will need to get someone to assist you while you administer the shots, as you only have 2 hands and you will need to hold the needle, hold the dog and keep the dog calm. Once you learn how to administer the injections and you are confident on your own, you don’t need an assistant.
- Get the solutions needed to be injected. You will also need a syringe and a sterile needle, alcohol and a cotton swab.
- Prepare your dog, by placing him on a table. Cover him in a blanket or a warm towel. Your assistant can hold the dog.
- The injection should be administered at the back of the dog’s head, between his shoulder blades.
- Reward your dog after each injection.