How to Give a Dog a Shot When Pregnant

If your dog must have a shot while pregnant, you should take some precautions before giving the injection. However, if at all possible, most animal specialists recommend waiting. Receiving a shot a couple of months late probably will not endanger your pet. Research indicates that most pet vaccinations are actually effective for well over a year. If you must give your pet a shot while pregnant, never use a live vaccine. It could kill the puppies she is carrying.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog
• Shot
• Medicine
• Cotton ball
• Rubbing alcohol

1. Wait until you are sure that the dog is at least 4 to 5 weeks pregnant. This is because dogs are pregnant for roughly two months and during the first half of the pregnancy fetal development is most vulnerable.

2. Use only killed vaccines to immunize your pet during pregnancy. While a "modified" virus may not cause illness in a dog it may be able to infect unborn puppies.

3. Talk to your veterinarian about the risk of the shot versus the risk of waiting until the dog has delivered.

4. Make sure the dog is well before giving any shots. If there are any symptoms of illness, whether mild or severe, you should wait. This could include a skin condition, lameness, or worse.

5. Clean the area on the dog's back between the shoulder blades with rubbing alcohol.

6. Lift the skin slightly and poke the needle in quickly and firmly.

7. Inject the medication. Be on the alert for any unexpected symptoms. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice anything irregular.

Tips & Warnings

• If you plan to breed your dog, make sure all vaccinations are up to date.
• Check the manufacturer's warning about the drug's ability to transfer through the placenta to the unborn pups and the possible effects.

Resources

• Vet Medicine about vaccinations
• Current thoughts on shots

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