Vet or no Vet

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

So...I was talking to a friend who does all their own vaccinations. The only reason they take a puppy or there dog to the vet is if something is wrong, but when it comes to their own shots they do them themselves. Wondering what others think of this? It saves a LOT of money. They do take them in to get their rabies shots but other then that no. Just wondering what some of you think about this. We are thinking about getting a buddy for Schulz and wondering if we can skip the whole vet thing....well other then the puppy wellness check. But do our own vaccinations. We do that with our horses just never thought about dog. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

On a larger scale basis, breeders etc., it would pay.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

We have a very nice low cost vet clinic in our area that does vaccinations for half to two thirds less than our vet. I don't know how much purchasing the medications are, but for $10.00 here and there it's been pretty cost effective. Just an idea for those who may have access to a clinic and do not want to vaccinate. If you have an idea of prices or can give us the website to research prices, I would certainly vaccinate my two if it worked out money wise. I too go to the vet for illness and rabies.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

I realize that you have the skills to do this BUT the downside to me is the relationship with your vet.  My vet (and staff) knows everything about my boys and has been so gentle and loving to them that even with shots and all - they run to her.  So if in an effort to save money I start giving them their vaccinations myself, then lets say one of them has a bad re-action - now I'm supposed to call her to help with the problem.  What if I by accident I hit a nerve - now I'm going to call her?  Can you see how this might affect the relationship with your vet who really needs to be your pets primary health giver.  I know vet care is way expensive but to me I'd be looking for other ways to cut costs and not run the risk of alienating my vet.  Just my humble opinion. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree, Jane.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I agree with Jane on this.  I go to a practice with about 6 vets, but Peri and Tacky always see the same one. She remembers everything about them. Heck, I called up the other day with a question, Tacky's vet was standing there and answered immediately, knowing exactly who "Taquito" is and what he needed.  That is priceless in my humble opinion.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I also agree with this.  Even if I was qualified to actually administer the injection, I would worry about potential reactions.  I would be very uncomfortable calling my Vet when I was the one who had given the vaccination.  To me there are more potential downsides than financial gains on this one.

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

Jane:

My thoughts exactly...I am a nurse so giving shots is no biggie to me..

I only buy Bailey's Trifexis from my vet too and only one month at a time.  I am fortunate that they are only blocks from my house.  So once a month Bailey and I head to the vet to pick up her Trifexis.  They are always asking me how she is and make a fuss over her.  This way we have an ongoing relationship with their office and the staff as well..

If I was to need them for anything at all, I know that they will go above and beyond because they know Bailey and me...

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

For me, it just isn't worth the risk.  I just had their annual shots done so I pulled the invoice.  It cost me $36.00 and that included their rabies and Bordatella along with the Dhlppc.  That didn't include the office visit charge as you would have to pay that anyway if you went in for just their rabies shot.  So, I'm not sure the risk would outweigh the cost savings.  I also have to show their shot records for many things involved with Sophie's Therapy work and I'm not sure they would take my word for it if I gave them myself.

[F, Calla & Luca]

My costs must be triple that.

[Katie and Sophie]

Something to look out for is that you need to be really careful of the temperature the vaccines are stored at, not only once you have them, but also at wherever you get them from and during their shipment.  If they deviate from the required temperature range they could be rendered ineffective.  A good friend of mine works at a vets office and they see many cases of puppies that have parvo who have been vaccinated at home with vaccinations from a chain store that weren't stored at the correct temperature.  I personally don't take the risk for that reason.  Just something to think about.

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

I agree there are other ways to save money besides doing your own vaccinations.  I think it is so important to build up a good history and trust relationship with your vet especially when dealing with a sick pet.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree.