Sub Q Shots For Dogs
Because dogs with renal disease actually urinate more, vitamin B12 deficiency easily occurs. Your dog may also lose his appetite due to insufficient vitamin B12. Your vet may suggest vitamin B12 shots for supplementation. These shots may be given intravenously, usually in a rear leg, or by syringe directly into the dog's mouth. Fort Dodge Duramune Max 5-CVK/4L Dog Vaccine - The Puppy Shot Booster For subcutaneous vaccination of healthy dogs 6 weeks of age or older as an aid in the prevention of disease caused by canine distemper infectious canine hepatitis canine adenovirus type 2 canine coronavirus canine parainfluenza canine parvovirus Leptospira canicola Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae. Vaccination is the best way to protect your dog from illnesses associated with canine infectious tracheobronchitis, particularly if your dog frequents kennels, groomers, dog parks, dog sporting events or training classes. While some veterinarians recommend the Bordetella vaccine only for dogs who spend time in those environments, many others. What is IN a Rabies Vaccine for Dogs? A rabies vaccine is manufactured from a killed form of the rabies virus. There is no chance of your dog getting rabies from having the vaccine. When injected under the skin (subcutaneous injection) or into the muscle (intramuscular injection), it stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies to the virus.
This material must not be used for commercial purposes, or in any hospital or medical facility. Failure to comply may result in legal action.
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 16, 2020.
- Care Notes
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
What is a subcutaneous injection?
A subcutaneous injection is a shot given into the fat layer between the skin and muscle. Subcutaneous injections are used to give small amounts and certain kinds of medicine.
What should I know about the syringe?
There are 3 parts to a syringe: the needle, the barrel, and the plunger. The needle goes into your skin. The barrel holds the medicine and has markings on it like a ruler. The markings are for milliliters (mL). The plunger is used to get medicine into and out of the syringe.
- Insulin syringe: This holds a maximum of 1 mL of medicine. The syringe has markings from 10 to 100. The marking at 100 is the same as 1 mL. The marking at 50 is the same as ½ mL.
- Tuberculin syringe: This syringe holds up to 1 mL of medicine. It has a needle that is slightly longer than an insulin syringe. The syringe is marked every 0.1 mL.
Where can I give a subcutaneous injection?
The following are sites where you can give a subcutaneous injection:
- Abdomen: Uncover your abdomen. You may give an injection within the following area: below the waist to just above the hip bone and from the side to about 2 inches from the belly button. Avoid the belly button.
- Thigh: Uncover the entire leg. Find the area halfway between the knee and hip and slightly to the side. Gently grasp the area to make sure you can pinch 1 to 2 inches of skin.
- Lower back: Uncover the back from the waist to the top of the buttocks. Imagine a line that runs across the back just above the crack between the buttocks. An injection may be given below the waist and above this line. Give the injection halfway between the spine and the side.
- Upper Arm: Uncover the arm to the shoulder. Have the person getting the injection stand with his hand on his hip. Stand next to and a little behind the person. Find the area halfway between the elbow and shoulder. Gently grasp the skin at the back of the arm between your thumb and first 2 fingers. You should be able to grasp 1 to 2 inches of skin.
How do I choose the best place for a subcutaneous injection?
- Keep track of where the injections are given: Make a list of the sites you can use. Write down the date, time, and the site each time you give an injection.
- Change sites for the injections: It is important to use a different site each time you give an injection. This prevents scars and skin changes. The sites where injections are given should be at least 1 inch away from each other. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to inject the medicine in a certain site.
What do I need to give a subcutaneous injection?
- One alcohol wipe
- One sterile 2 x 2 gauze pad
- A new needle and syringe that are the correct size
- Disposable gloves, if you have them
How do I give a subcutaneous injection?
Subcutaneous injections can be given straight in at a 90 degree angle or at a 45 degree angle. Give the injection at a 90 degree angle if you can grasp 2 inches of skin between your thumb and first finger. If you can grasp only 1 inch of skin, give the injection at a 45 degree angle.
- Open the alcohol wipe: Wipe the area where you plan to give the injection. Let the area dry. Do not touch this area until you give the injection.
- Prepare the needle: Hold the syringe with your writing hand and pull the cover off with your other hand. Place the syringe between your thumb and first finger. Let the barrel of the syringe rest on your second finger.
- Grasp the skin: With your other hand, grasp the skin.
- Insert the needle into the skin: Hold the syringe barrel tightly and use your wrist to inject the needle into the skin. Once the needle is all the way in, push the plunger down to inject the medicine.
- Pull out the needle: Remove the needle at the same angle you put it in. Gently wipe the area with the gauze pad.
How do I get rid of used syringes and needles?
It is important to dispose of the needles and syringes correctly. Do not throw needles into the trash. You may receive a hard plastic container made especially for used syringes and needles. You can also use a soda bottle or other plastic bottle with a screw lid. Make sure that both the syringe and needle fit into the container easily and cannot break through the sides. Ask your healthcare provider or a pharmacist what your state or local requirements are for getting rid of used syringes and needles.
What are the risks of a subcutaneous injection?
You may get an infection, have the needle break in your skin, or hit a nerve. You may have scarring, lumps, or dimpling of the skin from a subcutaneous injection.
When should I contact a healthcare provider?
- A fever, sneezing, or coughing develops after the injection is given.
- There is a lump, swelling, or bruising where the injection was given that does not go away.
- You have questions about how to give an injection.
When should I seek immediate care?
- A rash or itching develops after the injection is given.
- Shortness of breath develops after the injection is given.
- The mouth, lips, or face swells after the injection is given.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright IBM Corporation 2020 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. All illustrations and images included in CareNotes® are the copyrighted property of A.D.A.M., Inc. or IBM Watson Health
Further information
Subq Shots For Dogs
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Dexamethasone is a powerful anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive drug that can treat several conditions in dogs. It’s more powerful than prednisone and 30 times stronger than the cortisol steroid hormones that dogs produce naturally in their adrenal glands.
This drug is prescribed for dogs who suffer from allergies or arthritis, as well as other conditions caused by the immune system’s overactive response to perceived threats.
Sub Q Shots For Dogs
It requires a prescription from your veterinarian. You should follow instructions closely, as misuse can result in further infections and side effects. You can easily order dexamethasone online from Chewy’s pharmacy with your vet’s prescription.
Here’s what you should know about the uses, dosage, and side effects of dexamethasone for dogs.
Uses Of Dexamethasone For Dogs
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Dexamethasone can be used to treat many issues in dogs. As an immunosuppressant, it can treat conditions where the immune system overreacts to perceived threats, thus causing inflammation and other problems.
It can also ease pain caused by inflammation in certain conditions, such as arthritis.
Here are some medical conditions in dogs that may be treated with dexamethasone:
- Allergies
- Swelling from inflammation
- Adrenal problems like Addison’s disease
- Systemic lupus
- Skin disease
- Colitis and other gastrointestinal problems
- Autoimmune disease
- Respiratory issues
- Liver disorders
- Hematologic disorders
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Nervous system disease
- Tumor growth
- Shock
- Nephrotic syndrome
Dosage Of Dexamethasone For Dogs
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The following is a guideline for general use of this drug in dogs and must not replace your veterinarian’s advice for your individual dog.
The usual dosage of dexamethasone for dogs varies based on the condition that’s being treated.
For instance, treatment of inflammatory condition usually requires a dose of 0.1 to 0.3 mg per pound of body weight twice a day.
As an immunosuppressant, on the other hand, the dosage is higher — usually 1 to 3 mg per pound up to three times a day.
Other conditions may also require a dosage of anywhere from 0.1 to 3 mg per pound.
Of course, you must follow your vet’s instructions carefully. This is a powerful drug, so it’s easy to overdose on it, which can cause hormonal or metabolic changes that could result in death.
Do not stop treatment unless your vet tells you to do so, even if symptoms improve. Your vet can also adjust the dosage based on your dog’s needs.
Sub Q Injection For Dogs
Side Effects Of Dexamethasone In Dogs
There are many possible side effects for dogs who take dexamethasone. Furthermore, long-term use increases the risks that these effects will appear. If you see side effects in your dog that concern you, then let your vet know so they can adjust the dosage or treat the symptoms.
Here are several side effects that dogs might experience while taking dexamethasone:
- Appetite changes
- Increased thirst or urination
- Drowsiness
- Hyperglycemia
- Adrenal deficiency
- Poor healing from wounds
- Muscle loss
- Weakness
- Behavior changes
- Brain swelling
- Increased seizures
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Panting
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Digestive tract ulcers
- Lethargy
- Skin thinning
- Pancreatitis
- Weight gain
Certain medical issues in dogs may worsen due to use of dexamethasone. Therefore, your vet should be aware of any other conditions your dog suffers from, such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, heart problems, kidney disease, osteoporosis, glaucoma, or ulcers.
Your vet should also be aware of any other drugs your dog is taking, especially other steroids, immunosuppressants, or NSAIDs, as these can interact poorly with dexamethasone and cause serious problems.
As with almost all medication, there is also a risk of allergic reaction that can lead to anaphylaxis — a life threatening condition. Although these reactions are rare, you should watch for signs such as coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, itching, or other symptoms of allergic reactions. If you see these signs, then you must contact your vet immediately.
Has your dog ever taken dexamethasone? Was it an effective treatment? Then let us know in the comments below!