You can save money by giving your own shots at home. Many different places sell them, here locally you can buy them at Greens Feed and Seed in Charleston for $7.99(Duramax 5ck/v) or you can get them at Valley Cash Feed Store in Nitro for $4.50(Bicor 5 in 1). When you buy a puppy from me, you can purchase additional Vanguard Puppy 5 shots and syringe/needle from me for $5.00 if you like, however, these shots need to be kept cold, so you will need to take them home and store them in the refrigerator. Here are instructions on giving a shot at home.

1. Tighten the needle on the syringe and insert it into the liquid vial. Withdraw all the liquid.

2. Inject the liquid into the vial that contains freeze-dried or powdered portion of vaccine.

3. Remove syringe and roll the vial(not shake, as that can cause air bubbles) for a few seconds to mix well.

4. Insert the needle back into the vial and withdraw the entire mixed contents. Remove the needle and syringe from the vial. Hold the syringe with the needle pointing upward. If there is air in the syringe, push on the plunger slowly to eject the air through the needle. You are now ready to give the vaccine.

Then inject . . . it's easy!

Most vaccines may be given just beneath the skin. For dogs, the best and least sensitive area is the loose skin over either shoulder. Simply lift the skin, insert the needle, pull back slightly on the syringe plunger to be sure the needle is not in a blood vessel (if it is, blood will enter the syringe as you pull back the plunger, if it is you will need to withdraw the needle and try again), and then administer the vaccine. This method is called subcutaneous (under the skin) vaccination.

Some vaccines may also be given intramuscularly (into the muscle). However, if given the choice, the subcutaneous method described above is the easiest and safest way for you to administer vaccines.

Info from Drs. Foster & Smith

Schedule for 5 Way shots

6 Weeks	First 5 way shot*
9 Weeks	Second 5 way shot*
12 Weeks	Third 5 way shot*
16 Weeks	Fourth 5 way shot*

**A 5-way vaccine, usually includes adenovirus cough and hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Some studies have shown that it can be hazardous to give a chihuahua puppy as shot containing leptospirosis and/or coronavirus, so we don't give either of those.

A yearly booster should be given each year on the date of the last 5-way shot. The booster can be a 5, 6 or 7 way shot.

Rabies vaccine should be given at 6 months and then again as determined by state laws, which vary.

Lyme vaccine should be given where Lyme disease is a concern or if traveling to an area where it occurs.

Bordetella vaccine should be given every 6 months if your dog is boarded, and some kennels require proof of this vaccine before they will board your pet.