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Why Vaccinate at Home?


Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff

It's easier than you think...

Vaccines and syringe

It's Much Less Expensive
You can save a lot of money by vaccinating at home.

It's Easy
While you may feel a little nervous the first time, it gets easier every time you do it. Most vaccines are given under the loose skin low over the shoulder or on the rear leg.

It's Guaranteed Fresh
Because we sell so many, we receive fresh vaccines every week. All of our vaccines are shipped with ice packs in an insulated carton and in strict accordance with federal regulations. We also recommend that you request Next Day or Second Day Air service when you order vaccines.

It's Less Stressful On Your Pet
The comfortable surroundings of your home are the most natural and relaxed place to vaccinate your pet. And it's convenient to you.

We're Here To Help You
If you ever have any questions about vaccinating your pet and want us to walk you through the procedure, please feel free to call one of our representatives at 1-800-381-7179. Or if you would like more information about vaccines, please visit our Pet Care Center.

How To Vaccinate Your Cat

Vaccine for Your Dog Vaccinate Your Dog Vaccinate Your Dog Vaccinate at Home
1. Tighten the needle on the syringe and insert it into the liquid vial. Withdraw all the liquid, unless it is a multi-dose vial. Then withdraw 1 ml (1 cc). 2. If a second vial contains freeze-dried or powdered portion of vaccine, inject the liquid into that vial. If there is no second vial, proceed to Step 4. 3. Remove needle and syringe and shake vial as shown for a few seconds to mix well. Insert the needle back into the vial and withdraw the entire mixed contents. 4. Inject any large amount of excess air in the syringe back into the vial. Remove the needle and syringe from the vial. You are now ready to give the vaccine.

Vaccinating cat in shoulder area Then inject . . . it's easy!

Subcutaneous vaccines:
Most vaccines for cats may be given just beneath the skin (subcutaneously). To give subcutaneous vaccines, lift the skin into a triangle and inject into the middle of the triangle. After inserting the needle, pull back slightly on the syringe plunger to be sure the needle is not in a blood vessel (if it is, blood will enter the syringe as you pull back the plunger), and then administer the vaccine.

For feline distemper combination vaccines that do not contain a feline leukemia (FeLV) component, vaccinate under the loose skin low over the right shoulder (see photo, left). Avoid the area between the shoulder blades. For vaccines containing FeLV, vaccinate under the skin low on the outside of the left rear leg. Rabies vaccine is generally given by your veterinarian low on the outside of the right rear leg (see photo, right).

Intramuscular vaccines:
Many vaccines may also be given intramuscularly (into the muscle). However, given the choice, the subcutaneous method described above is the easiest and safest way for you to administer vaccines. If you must give a vaccine intramuscularly, have a veterinary professional show you how.

Intranasal vaccines:
Most intranasal vaccines need to be mixed like injectable vaccines. After mixing, the needle is removed and an adapter supplied by the manufacturer is placed on the end of the syringe. In some cases the vaccine is drawn up into a dropper. Generally the entire dose is given, half in each nostril. It is normal for animals to sneeze or shake their heads after the vaccine is given.

Note: If your pet is sensitive or hard to handle, ask someone to help hold your pet while you give the vaccine.

Use Needles & Syringes Only Once
With any vaccine or injectable medication, always use a separate sterile needle and syringe for each injection. Safely dispose of all used syringes and needles.

If you have any questions about vaccinating your pet at home, please feel free to call one of our representatives at 1-800-381-7179.

 

 

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