How to Do Puppy Vaccinations and Give Your Puppies Shots

REVIEWED BY
Dr. Mark, U of Missouri Veterinary Medicine grad and 40+ years working with dogs, exotics and livestock

You Can Give Your Puppy Shots If You Follow Proper Technique

Giving your puppy vaccinations or shots is not for the faint of heart. While it can save you lots of money and trips to the vet, you must be committed to learning proper technique. You must also have a firm grasp on how to reconstitute (mix) a vaccine, where to administer the shots on the body, and what signs indicate a dangerous vaccine reaction.

Why I Chose to Vaccinate My Puppies Myself

I became the mother of two new chihuahua puppies and my son got a third brother from the same litter shortly after. When we went to get them their first puppy shots, we were shocked at the cost and decided to research alternatives—we simply couldn't afford it.

A friend of ours from church had told us that some people give their dogs shots themselves. I was aghast at first about the thought of even touching one of my puppies with a needle (I'm one of those needle-phobic people), but my husband thought this was a good idea, so we decided to research proper vaccine protocols.

Caution! Have Your Puppy Examined Prior to Vaccination

Please be sure to have all new puppies examined by a veterinary professional before starting them on vaccines. It is extremely important that you do this!

If a puppy is not healthy when given a vaccine, it is not going to work, and they may end up getting parvo or something else and might even die. If, for example, the puppy has a worm infestation, giardia, or is already ill from something else, the vaccine is not going to work and may even make them worse off.

Vaccine Handling and Protocols

Before you prepare to administer the vaccines, abide by the following:

• Always verify that the vaccines that you have purchased have been properly refrigerated. Vaccines that have not been refrigerated properly will not work.
• Always verify what type of vaccines you are administering, where they are to be administered, how they are to be administered, and how often. Vaccination guidelines can be found on the American Animal Hospital Association website.
• Always check the expiration date on the vaccines you are going to administer and make sure they have not expired.
• Familiarize yourself with what indicates a vaccine reaction in a dog and be prepared to act accordingly.
• Save your vaccine sticker (off of the vial) in the event of a vaccine reaction and for your own documentation.

Puppy Pack Vaccines

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Buying Your Own Puppy Shot Packs

I suppose for a nurse or medical professional, the thought of giving your puppy a shot might not be a big deal, but for me, I was a nervous wreck. Knowing that this would save us about $300 though, I decided it was definitely worth looking into.

I decided to do some research on the Internet and talked to the local feed store owner who sold "puppy shot packages" in his store. (You can also purchase puppy shot packs on the internet.) What I found out was that there are quite a few people who routinely do this and have no problems giving their puppies vaccinations. Our friend from church was one of them. Our friend explained that his family had always given their family dogs shots the entire time he was growing up and that it was a natural thing for them.

Still not quite convinced, I sat on the fence about doing anything for a good week or two. Finally, I got up the nerve to go purchase the puppy vaccines and offered to be my husband's assistant while he gave them their shots. I still wasn't thrilled about being involved in this, but I figured it was better for me to hold them and help him than some stranger.

How to Give a Subcutaneous Injection

Directions on Giving Your Puppies a Shot

The first thing you need to know is where to give the shot. There are different routes of administration when it comes to injections in general:

• subcutaneous (under the skin)
• intramuscular (into the muscle)
• intranasal (into the nose)
• intravenous (into the vein)

What Vaccines Does My Puppy Need?

• DHPP (also termed DA2PPV, DHPP, DA2PP, or DHPPV)
• rabies (must be administered by veterinary professionals)

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Be sure to watch where to properly administer a vaccine and how (in the video). Incorrect administration may require emergency intervention.

At What Time Should I Give My Puppy a Vaccine?

At first, this might sound like a strange thing to consider; however, it is very important that you administer your puppy's vaccine on a day and time when your veterinarian is open! Administering your puppy's vaccine on a non-holiday weekday morning is probably the best time—your veterinarian will be open in the event of any worrisome reaction or other issues.

Directions for Administering a Vaccination to Your Puppy

Here are steps you should take in giving your puppy their vaccination.

Reconstitution

• Draw up the liquid diluent from the vial into a syringe.
• Insert the syringe into the vial containing the powder.
• Allow the syringe's plunger to depress and gently assist the full transfer of diluent into the powder-containing vial.
• Remove the syringe.
• Gentle rock or roll the vial to mix the powder and diluent until all the powder is dissolved (make sure it is mixed thoroughly). DO NOT SHAKE!
• Draw up the mixed liquid using the syringe.
• If available, put a new 22 GA needle on your 3 mL syringe (each time a needle punctures a surface, it dulls the edge and can create pain upon injection).

Correct Dog Restraint

Restraint and Injection

1. Place the puppy on a flat surface and hold the puppy in a gentle restraint (please use an assistant).
2. Locate the correct injection site for the vaccine you are administering.
3. Pull the puppy's skin up using your fingers and create a skin "tent."
4. Push the needle gently into the center of the tented triangle.
5. Pull the plunger of the syringe back slightly. Make sure that no blood enters the syringe. If there is blood, you have inserted the needle into a vein (DO NOT INJECT INTO THE VEIN). If this happens, remove the syringe, replace the needle, and try again.
6. If there is no flash of blood, push the plunger of the syringe to inject the vaccine.
7. Remove the syringe and cap the needle; be sure to dispose of it properly by putting the needle in a "sharps" container as it is considered hazardous waste.
8. Praise and pet your puppy.
9. Watch your puppy for at least 15 minutes for a vaccine reaction.

Common Misconceptions

• Using alcohol to "sanitize" an injection site on a dog is often ineffective. Sanitization requires contact time on direct skin. Leftover alcohol can cause stinging at the injection site.
• Vaccines should not be vigorously shaken. Instead, gently roll or rock them until completely dissolved.
• Rubbing the site of the injection after the vaccine is given not necessary.

What Is a Vaccine Reaction?

Our Puppies Did Well With Their Shots

I will not pretend that vaccinating our puppies was an easy or simple thing for me to do. I am used to taking all of my animals to a vet, but now that we have so many animals, I realize that this is the most cost-saving way to make sure that all of our animals get their proper shots (we have four dogs and four cats now).

Our puppies actually did pretty well with the vaccinations. Of course, it was a little uncomfortable for them, but they forgave us fast. Within minutes, they were off playing again. One word of caution: Do make sure you keep an eye on your puppy after their shots to make sure they don't have a vaccine reaction.

Giving your puppies their first vaccinations and giving your puppies shots gets easier each time you do it, and you will gain confidence each time you do it. We now have our friends and family bring their puppies over for their first shots, and puppy vaccinations are something we now do together as a family. As for the first time, I think I was more of a wreck than the puppies were!

Resources

• Bordetella and Mistaken Injections | ASPCApro
  Brush up on treatment options when a Bordetella vaccine is accidentally injected rather than the correct intranasal administration.
• AAHA Canine Guidelines: Rabies Vaccination by State
  

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

© 2009 Dorsi Diaz

Comments

Olivia Sanzzi from San Antonio on July 03, 2015:

What an excellent and practical article! Thank you for posting it!

Dorsi Diaz (author) from The San Francisco Bay Area on September 13, 2014:

@codoebo0) You can get them at most feed supply stores.

codieboo on September 13, 2014:

where can i get the vacine from???

sterlingsara94 on June 05, 2014:

What do we do if we only gave the fluid? The directions on my package didn't say to mix the fluid and powder so I have only give the fluid..

Dorsi Diaz (author) from The San Francisco Bay Area on April 05, 2013:

@campbell1) Your local feed store will tell you which ones you need for your type and size of dog, and depending on how old they are. And yes, a rabies ahot has to be done at the vet or a rabies clinic (sometimes pet stores hold low cost rabies clinics) because you will need the rabies certificate to show your dog has had the shot.

campbell1 on March 20, 2013:

Great article and video. Dumb question, when they get there 3 sets of shot at say 9wks,13wks and 18wks, is this just the DHLPP shots? Or is there two different types? I realize I think that the vet has to give the rabies shots though; am I right?

Dorsi Diaz (author) from The San Francisco Bay Area on September 11, 2012:

@Ellie) YW - since he is 4 months old I'm not sure at this point. I would ask the person at your feed store. Thanks for coming by!

Ellie on September 03, 2012:

I have a american skimo , he is 4 month old and he only have the first cicle of vaccine, when I should give him other cicle and wich one?

thank you for this wondeful page

Dorsi Diaz (author) from The San Francisco Bay Area on May 30, 2012:

@Angela) YW and thanks for coming by to read. Glad it helped!

Angela Brummer from Lincoln, Nebraska on May 27, 2012:

Thanks for the information I have given the shots to farm animals horses, cattle and sheep but, didn't know where to purchase this for dogs. Thank you this will save me a lot of money!

Dorsi Diaz (author) from The San Francisco Bay Area on April 06, 2012:

@rene) I believe you should still give them as the vet recommends. And the worm stuff you can get from a feed store. Even some super stores like Kmart and Walmart have it.

Rene' on April 03, 2012:

Hello! Thanks so much for this info. We have a 3 1/2 week old puppy whose mother ran off after a raccoon a few days ago and never came back. We have been feeding her Hartz puppy formula and she seems to be doing great. I don't know what breed she is exactly. I know she has some chihuahua in her from her mother, and if we are correct on who the father is he look like a beagle/dachshund mix. Right now she weighs 1 lb and 6 oz.

Should we still wait 7 to 12 weeks before giving shots, or should they be given sooner since she's not getting milk from her mother any more?

And what about worming her? Can I get stuff for that from the feed store as well?

Thanks so much!

Dorsi Diaz (author) from The San Francisco Bay Area on March 19, 2012:

@spenser) That I do not know...try google search for that one.

Sorry. (or the other links I have provided above)

spenser on March 17, 2012:

what happins if i miss is this dangerous to leak the vaccine onto the dog

Dorsi Diaz (author) from The San Francisco Bay Area on March 08, 2012:

@debrann) I've added a video to show you how to give the puppy shots above. That should help. Good luck.

debrann on March 06, 2012:

I am on a fixe income. I also am a diabetic and must give myself shot and didn't.. So next month I will order the shots from Dr. foster and smith at 3 dollars and 99 cents each plus 20 dollars for special delivery. The only thing is you said you would show a vedio giving the shot to the puppy and you didn,t.

Dorsi Diaz (author) from The San Francisco Bay Area on March 02, 2012:

@megan) You are right - that is one thing that could be fatal to our pets. But sadly there are so many things over the counter that we and our animals can have a nasty reaction to. In these times people are trying to save money but make sure there pets are vaccinated. This is for those that cannot afford to take their pets to a vet. The last time I took my Simon in it was almost $200. Yes I know that is the price we pay for having animals but it's still a lot when you have suddenly found yourself on a very fixed income. Thanks for reading and bringing this up.

megan-lvt on March 02, 2012:

This is all great until one of your dogs has a nasty vaccine reaction. This is why vets and vet techs go to school. You might save some money here and there but when something goes wrong you will be singing a different tune. BTW veterinarians and techs make next to nothing so no one is cheating any of you out of your money. It's called a service and it is as cheap as it can be.When you visit them you are paying a little more than the cost of the vaccine and by doing this you are paying for their knowledge.

Dorsi Diaz (author) from The San Francisco Bay Area on February 27, 2012:

@Mari) I believe they are the same.

Mari on February 23, 2012:

Just a quick question. is the vaccine that are sold at stores such as tractor supply the exact same ones that the vets use?

Dorsi Diaz (author) from The San Francisco Bay Area on February 14, 2012:

"When it comes to puppies most veterinarians are in agreement. Puppies should receive their first canine distemper, canine adenovirus (infectious canine hepatitis) and canine parvovirus at 7-9 weeks of age, then at 12-13 weeks of age, and finally at 16-18 weeks of age to insure they are solidly protected against these diseases. Shots given earlier than 9-12 weeks usually do not work because they are blocked by residual immunity passed on from its mother."

Sherry on February 10, 2012:

This is a great idea!! One question - My puppy is almost 12 weeks and has had one round so far (by his original owner.) How many more rounds does he need before his vaccines are complete. Thanks

Dorsi Diaz (author) from The San Francisco Bay Area on January 22, 2012:

@Rachel) I get mine from our local feed store. Close Feed and Supply in Hayward, Ca. You can also buy them from the Amazon listings above (check above in the article) Thanks!

Rachel on January 21, 2012:

Hi just wondering where u get the packs from

Dorsi Diaz (author) from The San Francisco Bay Area on January 09, 2012:

@valarie) When you buy your shots make sure you tell them the type of dog so they can give you the approriate shots. LOL - I know what you mean about those vet bills!

valarie38 on January 07, 2012:

This would be our first time giving our pups shots at home. Does it matter the weight of the pups? We have 7 pug pups and 6 other dogs, our vet is going to retire from our money. lol.

Dorsi Diaz (author) from The San Francisco Bay Area on November 02, 2011:

@Kory) I think they were about $7 dollars per puppy.

Kory on November 02, 2011:

How much did the 6 weeks Shots cost you?

Dorsi Diaz (author) from The San Francisco Bay Area on September 19, 2011:

YW Kevin!

Kevin on September 18, 2011:

Thanks

Dorsi Diaz (author) from The San Francisco Bay Area on September 06, 2011:

@Becky) TY. I deleted that comment because I did not think it was appropriate. Shots for puppies and dogs are necessary to keep them healthy. Thanks for reading!!

Becky Katz from Hereford, AZ on September 05, 2011:

Kayla, I have noticing you leaving nasty comments all over hubpages. We don't do that here. We are nice to each other.

Dorsi Diaz (author) from The San Francisco Bay Area on January 19, 2011:

@Angie) from Pet Education regarding the puppies age for vaccinating:

When should puppies be vaccinated?

The length and timing of the window of susceptibility is different in every litter, and even between individuals in a litter. A study of a cross section of different puppies showed that the age at which they were able to respond to a vaccine and develop protection (become immunized) covered a wide period of time. At six weeks of age, 25% of the puppies could be immunized. At 9 weeks of age, 40% of the puppies were able to respond to the vaccine. The number increased to 60% by 16 weeks of age, and by 18 weeks, 95% of the puppies were protected by the vaccine.

Angie on January 15, 2011:

How young can the shots be given? thanks

vlad on January 05, 2011:

is that a cane corso on the video?

Dorsi Diaz (author) from The San Francisco Bay Area on October 10, 2010:

Yes Diana I agree. The vid is not mine, it only shows more detail of the injection. I clean everything and use a clean towel with wipes when we do our puppy vaccinations.

Thanks for reading.

Diana on October 09, 2010:

I would suggest preparing your injections in a bit more sterile environment than that displayed here to prevent cross-contamination.

Dorsi Diaz (author) from The San Francisco Bay Area on September 30, 2010:

John) We used the same vaccine each time. Thanks for stopping by!

John on September 27, 2010:

Great idea on vaccinating the puppy yourself; i also have a 8 week old puppy which isn't vaccinated yet and am thinking of doing it myself; i was wondering if the 5-way vaccine needs to be given 4 weeks apart after the first 5-way vaccine? just a concern i have before i order my set of vaccinations for him. thanks

Kathy on January 09, 2010:

If you fill the syringe with a bit of air first, then inject the air into the already mixed vaccine, the med will suck back up into the syringe easily.

Dorsi Diaz (author) from The San Francisco Bay Area on January 05, 2010:

That's a good idea Janice, keeping records of the puppies vaccinations is very very important. Thanks for stopping by everyone and glad the article on giving puppies vaccinations was helpful!

janice on July 28, 2009:

Great help. I've always given my animals their shots and it gets easier with practice. I've found it helpful to have a separate sheet or note card for each animal and I attach the label from the vaccine to the card with the date so I have a record of when the vaccines were given.

linjingjing on March 21, 2009:

This is a good idea

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C.S.Alexis from NW Indiana on March 09, 2009:

One of my dearest friends, being a vet tech would always give my animals shots and it does save a lot of money. I could never stick a needle into any living creature, don't even want to practice on the orange!

I know this is a very helpful hub for others, great job.

myserenity from California on March 01, 2009:

thanks so much for this one! i just recently adopted 2 pit bull puppies, and being unemployed i don't have much money to spare for vet bills, plus i have a demonstration speech for school and i was going to do it on vaccinating puppies [just so i could bring my dog to school =) ] this was very helpful, and gave me strength to go thru with it, after talking myself down so many times. i hope i don't get too freaked out!!

Angela Harris from Around the USA on February 23, 2009:

We always used to give our dogs shots ourselves. The problem was when we wanted to get them boarded or groomed, we had to have proof of vaccinations from a vet. Since we travel often now, we have to pay the outrageous charges to take them to the vet. It really is a great way to save money and is easy to do, though. This is a great primer for people who want to know how to do it.

jenster from Bay Area on February 22, 2009:

Great hub, I don't think I could handle doing it but I still think it is great and a great way to save money.

Jen