Make sure your Vet gives you all your shots under the skin at the back of your neck, this is called subcutaneously. It is safe for all your vaccines, and it does not make your poor little leg Muscles hurt. Small dogs can limp for a week, or for life, from damage done to the muscle by vaccines given in the rear leg muscle. It also introduces the vaccines into your system faster and shocks your system. We are small, We need it to absorb slowly from under the skin so we not get sick or be as apt to have a reaction.
here's a quote from a web site
Subcutaneous vaccines:
Most vaccines may be given just beneath the skin. For dogs, the best and least sensitive area is the loose skin over either shoulder. Avoid the area between the shoulder blades. 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 (under the skin) vaccination.
Intramuscular vaccines:
Some vaccines may also be given intramuscularly (into the muscle). However, if given the choice, the subcutaneous method described above is the easiest and safest way for you to administer vaccines.
On big dogs with big leg muscles it is not as bad to go with the muscle but remember that big dog gets the same size shot with the same needle as us little guys do. If you give your own shots you can cut the amount, but not Rabies cause they have to be given by a vet by law. Remember to save your receipts and have bought one for each dog even if you do not give the whole shot. If you have the receipt and it is dated then you can use it as proof of vaccine, most places.
Small dogs do better when shots are given a week apart, our little bodies just can't take that much shock. That is why if you get your rabies and buy your other shots from a farm store, you can give them at different times. Or just tell your Vet you are making another appointment for next week and you just want one shot today.
Its your Dog and Your Money, You are the boss. You tell them you want it under the skin and you want it spread out for your little love.
Older Vets may balk at under the skin cause they have been bitten, or cause it is just the way they have always done it. But Don't let em push you around, you do not want a limpy dog for the rest of his life. Go to another vet if you have to. Your little buddy only has 2 rear legs..
My Mom is very careful with us. and she tries to get our cousins parents to understand and to remember to ask. We love you and protect your with all our hearts and would die to protect you, the least you can do is to protect us !!! love you all.. XXOOOXXXOO
