How can I give my dog shots at home? Can I vaccinate my cat? As the Pet Vaccine Experts, we have a lot of customers ask how to give a dog or cat a shot. A subcutaneous method is one of the most common and safest methods for administering vaccines to dogs and cats. The idea of using a needle on your animals can still cause some owners to be intimidated. In this how-to video, Revival’s Former Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Bramlage, shows how to give pet injection vaccinations at home. He’ll cover how to mix a vaccine and how to give a dog or cat an injectable vaccine.

How to Give Your Dog a Shot

Unlike the intranasal vaccine, subcutaneous injections use a needle. There are two types of needles available to administer the vaccine. The blue needle, 22 gauge, is the most common one used for vaccinating and cause the least pain. Natural pain medications for dogs, is available and recommended for more easily frightened dogs. We also carry the 25 gauge, which is a light red color. This needle is tiny and requires more pressure to administer the vaccine. Dr. B warns that the pressure from the vaccine shooting out could tear tissue.

When handling needles, it’s important to properly dispose of them when you’re finished. That’s where a sharps container comes into play. These containers are used as a safe way to dispose of needles, syringes, and other sharp objects. Each state has its own laws and regulations regarding disposal of needles, so be sure to check with your state or county’s regulations concerning sharps containers. Sharps containers are affordable and easy to find, we actually carry a couple a couple sizes of containers. So next time you purchase vaccines, check out them out.

If you have more pet vaccination questions or need help with how to give a dog an injection, call us at 800.786.4751.

Discover why at Revival Animal Health we are The Pet Vaccine Experts.