How to Give a Pet a Shot

While a visit to the vet is the best thing for most people, occasionally, a pet may need to be given a shot at home. A pet owner should always consult their veterinarian before deciding to administer injections at home.
There are two principal types of injections that can be given at home under veterinarian supervision: subcutaneously and intramuscularly. Those words translate in to "beneath the skin" and "in the muscle."

Hypodermics for Pets

The syringe size depends upon the type of animal that is getting a shot; a kitten will need a much smaller syringe than a horse or a calf. In the United States, disposable syringes and needles are available at any animal or livestock supply store. Most of the disposable syringes are marked in cc's. However, most vaccines and antibiotics give dosages in ml. Not to worry, those are actually the same amount when it comes to giving a pet a shot.

The needles are also disposable and interchangeable with the syringes. They come in a wide range of sizes from very thin and long, to thick and short. Your veterinarian will recommend the proper size needle for your specific pet and the type of shot your pet needs.

Medicines for Pets:

Many vaccines and antibiotics require refrigeration. Be sure to keep the medicines on ice when transporting them for your pet's safety. Read the directions on the bottle and any notes from your veterinarian before you give your pet a shot. Always double check especially when it is a few days between the shots for your pet. Make mental notes of whether the shot is subcutaneous or intramuscular.

Prepare the shot for your Pet

Attach the needle to the syringe. To fill the syringe, remove the protective covering from the needle. Pull the plunger back to fill the syringe with air. Insert the needle into the medicine bottle. Most bottles have a rubber cap that will allow you to fill the syringe without exposing the entire bottle of medicine to the air. Hold the bottle upside down and steadily force the air from the syringe into the bottle. This provides air pressure inside the bottle which will make it easier to fill the syringe. Slowly pull the plunger backwards to allow the medicine to fill the syringe. While still holding the bottle upside down, tap the syringe lightly to encourage any air bubbles towards the needle. If necessary, push the plunger back in to force the bubbles out of the syringe.

Check the gage carefully to be sure you have the proper dosage.

Immobilize your pet, if necessary. Some pets, like some people, are scared of needles, and some do not seem to notice a shot at all.

To give a shot subcutaneously, lightly pinch the lose skin behind the arm. Carefully slide the needle just under the skin keeping it parallel to the muscles beneath. Push the plunger lightly. In some instances, an animal may need to have more than one injection site to keep swelling down. If so, use half of the shot in one location on your pet, and move to the other side of your animal to give the second half of the shot.

To give a shot intramuscularly, firmly pat your proposed injection site three or four times. This will help to numb the skin slightly. One of the best locations for an intramuscular shot is the buttocks. Push the needle straight into the muscle. Again, you may need to use more than one injection site to keep swelling to a minimum. Your veterinarian can provide you with instructions if it is necessary.

As soon as the medicine is inside of your pet, place the protective cap back onto the needle to keep anything from an accidental shot. The residue on the needle can make a human sick.

Be sure to reward your pet with lots of attention and to release him if you had to immobilize him.

Watch your pet closely for a few hours in case he has an allergic reaction, especially if it is a new-to-him medicine or vaccine.

Washington State University: Intramuscular Techniques

Washington State University: Subcutaneous Techniques