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. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I also think that every dog benefits from an annual exam, just like kids do.  And adults, too, for that matter. I have a friend whose internist recently found a very early stage cancer just from a routine exam. It was so early, they got all of it and her prognosis is excellent. That would not be the case if she hadn't gone for her annual physical.

The vet may see or feel something you didn't notice or didn't know wasn't normal. Just as in people, there are conditions that when caught early, can be easily treated and/or cured, but can become very serious if they go on for too long without treatment.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Definitely an annual exam, even if one did one's own vaccinations is a good idea.

[BG and Gavin]

+1 on the anual exam.  I like that the vet gives my dog a good going over.  He always does a thorough exam of his hips and joints in particular (he knows I am paranoid about this).  I also usually have a couple of silly little questions which he patiently answers. 

My relationship with my vet was invaluable when Gav was going through several febric episodes over a year ago.  He did a courtesy consult with a specialist, called me and emailed me on a couple of occasions with results and ideas.  All that and follow up visits at no extra charge.  Plus his office filled out the rather cumbersome TDI medical form and provided me with copies of certificates for all of his vaccinations at no charge. 

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

I agree with having a good relationship with your vet. In my case self vaccinating would not negate this as I see her often enough with the two dogs and she does know everything about them in regards to their health. She cares that vaccinations are just done, not that they have to be done by her.
This I know because I do go to the clinic for them and we have discussed the cost savings. So whether I do them or the clinic does it , she appears to respect that fact that they are done and that I take good care of our dogs. Vaccinations are maintenance, and unless they need a checkup, I don't need to see her. My vet has listened to Murphys anxiety about ear exams, and has taken the time to calm his fears, and is as gentle as can be with him to the point that he runs to her where he would have to be carried into other vets before this. I don't see any indication of my relationship with my vet being at risk here. Nor would I want a vet that would feel that Murphy deserved less than her best care, because he didn't get her vaccinations.
And yes, if they had a reaction to a vaccination, I'd have no hesitation to take them to her, as then it's a medical issue, and that is what she is there for.
How is that different than buying frontline or heart guard somewhere and then they have a reaction to one of those and you take them in?
As for expense, I am as thrifty as they come, always have been, and whether or not it's out of necessity or desire to be, it should be respected by the Vet anyone chooses. . Being thrifty does not necessarily mean being risky. For that matter, most of what I do save money on affords me to give better quality of care, food and treats to my dogs. I also groom them myself, clip nails, treat minor cuts, home cook, dehydrate top round for jerky, etc and etc,, all of which saves money partially, but in my opinion, for my dogs , is just me providing the best care for them.
Again, I see nothing wrong with giving vaccinations, but then again, I am a nurse and give babies vaccinations, draw blood and assist in surgeries, so a needle into a fatty part of a dogs neck is not scary or risky to me personally. Just my thoughts too.
And it is easy to validate shot records as one would write the lot number, manufacturer and expiration date on your own records just as the vet does. There may be places that need to see an official record, as in registering with the city and proving rabies shots were given, but that is one I would not give for that reason.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Yes, I think a vet has to sign the records re: rabies.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is a good point. In my area, the vet must administer the rabies shot, the vet techs can give everything else, but the vet must be the one who gives the rabies shot because he must also sign the paperwork that goes to the county. So I wonder how that would work if you gave the shot yourself.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I looked into this. The cost of the vaccines plus shipping, which is quite expensive due to overnight delivery , made it less feasible than the vet. Also, some vaccines, Lyme I think, only came in large dose vials which made it too expensive anyway.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I've given Bodetella to my dogs, but that was only after well puppy visits and prior exposure to the vaccine. I knew there should be no reaction since there was no prior history.
The initial puppy vaccines, in my opinion, should be medically monitored along with that visit growth and health are checked. After those though, how much more do you need? Not much! So unless you have a mass of puppies, I would not think it is cost effective.

[F, Calla & Luca]

It's true. Now that the dogs are on a 3 year schedule for most things it is easier. I just get Lyme and Bordetella more than that.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

.... Certainly glad Rabies can only be given by a vet visit. I've seen a possible/probable reaction to this in a 4 month-old puppy. I'd never want to attempt this alone. Just awful.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

If you know how, why not?  Save some money.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Ok- my favorite question - 

 

Would you vaccinate your own (human) children  ?