Do-It-Yourself Vaccinations

While most pet owners prefer taking their dog or cat to a veterinarian when it comes time for vaccination, some pet owners are beginning to rely on do-it-yourself vaccinations in some cases.
 
Do-it-yourself vaccinations can be convenient for some pet owners and can be less costly. However, pet owners should consider the risks involved and other factors before deciding to take on vaccination of their pets themselves.

Benefits of Do-It-Yourself Vaccination

There can be many benefits of do-it-yourself vaccination. If your pet does not travel well, it may be quite difficult to take him to the veterinarian for regular vaccination. Many cats and dogs despise being put into carriers or taken on car rides, so being able to give a pet a vaccine without leaving the house can be a great convenience.

Many cats and dogs also become agitated when they are taken to a veterinarian, so do-it-yourself vaccines can be a great way to protect your pet against disease without causing him extra stress.

Do-it-yourself vaccines can also sometimes save money. Many veterinarians charge fees for office visits in addition to the fees charged for the actual vaccinations.

Do-it-yourself vaccinations are great options for dog or cat breeders, who may not be able to bring each cat or dog in to a vet on time for regular vaccinations.

Drawbacks to Do-It-Yourself Vaccination

Though there are many benefits to do-it-yourself vaccines, there are also a few drawbacks. In rare cases, cats and dogs can have adverse reactions to vaccines and can need immediate medical care. While this doesn’t happen often, pet owners should be aware of the risks involved with vaccinating their own pets and should be prepared to rush their pet to a veterinarian or animal hospital if complications do occur.

Vaccination is a relatively simple process, but can still be difficult depending on the pet in question. Pet owners should get detailed instructions from their veterinarian and may even want to consider having a veterinarian walk them through the process in the office for the first time. Pet owners are generally required to sign a release before being allowed to administer do-it-yourself vaccines.

Don’t Neglect the Yearly Check-Up
Vaccinations are often given during routine check-up veterinarian visits. Owners who choose vaccinate without a vet should not stop bringing their pets to the vet altogether. Check-up appointments are important for your pet’s health. Veterinarians can catch problems early on during check-ups, which can mean a better prognosis and earlier treatment for your pet.

When to Avoid Do-It-Yourself Vaccination

Do-it-yourself vaccination is not allowed in all cases. Under the law, rabies vaccines must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. Rabies vaccinations are required once yearly for dogs and cats, though only dogs are required by law to have yearly rabies vaccines.

Dogs and cats most often must receive their first vaccinations from a licensed veterinarian. This can ensure that the animal does not have any adverse reaction to the vaccines and that the animal gets a check-up before having the vaccine.

Dogs and cats, like people, should not be vaccinated when they are sick. Their immune systems can be weaker during illness, and a vaccine may cause extra problems for your sick pet.

Never buy a dog or cat vaccine from any source other than a licensed veterinarian or a licensed animal hospital. Other sources may not follow the correct vaccine protocols of veterinarians and animal hospitals.

Resources

The Pet Center (2007). Vaccinating Your Own Pet: What You Should Know. Retrieved November 7, 2007, from The Pet Center Web site: http://www.thepetcenter.com/exa/vacown.html.