My 3-year-old dog needs vaccines. Can I give them myself at home?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 3 years and 3 months old | 60 lbs
So I have been an awful dog mom! I have had Buster since he was 10 weeks old and he has never had any vaccines except for his Rabies shot. He is now 3 years old. I would like to administer the shots myself. What shots does he need? And am I able to administer them myself?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 3rd, 2017
Good on you for wanting to get Buster's vaccines! While you can get the vaccines he needs from a tractor supply store, I never recommend it. Tractor supply stores are notorious for handling and storing vaccines improperly, and I have colleagues with numerous stories of dogs coming down with parvo and distemper who had been vaccinated with vaccines from stores. It's too much of a risk, and if he did come down with something serious like parvo, it would cost you so much more to treat than the cost of having a vet give the vaccine. In addition, diseases like parvo and distemper have no cure, and are very often fatal. It's best to take him into your vet to get the DHPPi combination vaccine (distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parainfluenza). I hope this helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on January 1st, 2020
Do not vaccinate yourself, I never recommend it. Owners often give the vaccine wrong, rendering it ineffective. In addition, places that sell vaccines often store them wrong, making the vaccine ineffective. I cannot tell you how many cases of Parvo and distemper I have seen in dogs who have been vaccinated at home. In addition, Cali need rabies, it's required by law and can only be given by a vet. I strongly urge you to have her vaccines done by a vet, her heath is too important.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on January 21st, 2018
He will need to at-least get a parvo/distemper vaccine and a rabies vaccine. The core vaccines (Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, Adenovirus2, Parainfluenza) are normally given every three years after they are over a year old. The necessity for other vaccines (leptospirosis, Bordetella, etc.) will depend on the dog's environment and are given more frequently. For more information about the vaccines, I've put a link to the vaccination guidelines below. wsava.org/sites/default/files/WSAVA%20Owner%20Breeder%20Guidelines%2014%20October%202015%20FINAL.pdf As always, I recommend the vaccines be given as directed by your veterinarian to ensure the vaccine is given appropriately and to ensure adequate support is available in case of a vaccine reaction. Below is a link to a low-cost vaccine clinic in your area. http://www.humanerescuealliance.org/vaccination-clinic I hope that helps and all is well with Tippi.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
I have a puppy that is due for a a 5-1 vaccine shot. Last time the puppy received the shot from the breeder it had an allergic reaction hives and swelling. I gave the puppy benedryl and it helped a lot but the hives were still present and swelling. I
Is the Canine Spectra 6 in 1 shot okay to use? I have an eight week old beagle that I got yesterday. He hasn’t had any shots yet and was wondering if that product is recommended and safe to use?
I have recently adopted a female boxer from a ad situation, she is perfectly healthy but has never had any vaccines, she is a year old. Would it be ok for me to give her a 5 way shot myself as I cannot afford for a vet to do it. If so what kind woul
I have purchased 9 in 1 vaccine , Can I start vaccination of my dog with 9 in 1 vaccine and what quantity of both combination vaccine should be injected?
My dog hasn’t been vaccinated she’s older than 12 weeks should I give her canine spectra 5?
My family was given a dog which is possibly 8 years of age. This dog MAY have been vaccinated before but we are not for sure. The person who gave us the dog is not available to give us the dogs health information. Should I go ahead and give the dog a
Can you buy shots for take home giving
I have a nine months Pitt, he still a baby. I want to know what shots he needs and how much will be.. is there a plan I can choose. Thank you..
I just moved to NY State with my 4.5 month old puppy. She's had her initial vaccines but is due for more vaccines and her rabies vaccine. I was wondering if I could buy the vaccines (including the rabies) online and then take them to a vet to be admi
I have 8 puppies and want to give the vaccinations by myself at home. I do not want to take the risk of taking them to a vet. Clinic , it could sress them and may acwuire diseases.
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
