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How To Vaccinate Your Pet
Most vaccines may be given just beneath the skin. For dogs, the best and least sensitive area is the loose skin on the back of the neck - where their mothers picked them up and carried them when they were young. Simply lift the skin, insert 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. This method is called subcutaneous vaccination (under the skin). In cats, inject most combination vaccines subcutaneously under the loose skin over one of the shoulders. Feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccines are usually given under the skin on the outside of the left rear leg. Rabies vaccine is generally given by your veterinarian into the right rear leg. 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. 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. Caution: If you choose to vaccinate your own dog or cat, there are a few things you should consider first. Remember, any animal could have an adverse reaction to any vaccine. Adverse reactions from vaccinations are rare but do happen. The worst case scenario occurs when the dog or cat has what is termed an analphylactic reaction. These hypersensitivity reactions cause a number of physiologic disturbances within the body that result in low blood pressure, slow heart rate and depressed breathing rate. What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis? The most common symptoms are the sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, coma, and death. The animal's gums will be very pale, and the limbs will feel cold. The heart rate is generally very fast but the pulse is weak. There is usually no facial swelling. How is anaphylaxis treated? Anaphylaxis is an extreme emergency. If you think your cat is having an anaphylactic reaction, seek emergency veterinary assistance immediately. Epinephrine should be given as soon as possible - we are talking within a few minutes. IV fluids, oxygen, and other medications are given as needed. If you vaccinate your own pets, you should have epinephrine available and know how to use it in case a reaction occurs. If your pet ever has a reaction to a vaccine, you should immediately report this event to the manufacturer, and to the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics at (800) 752-6255 or www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/cvb. Subsequent vaccinations should be given by your veterinarian.
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.
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