Hi, I have 2 of my dogs that are about due for distemper shots. Question is : the vet wants $45. per dog plus $40 office visit. She'd probably only hit me for the one dog but both at the same time. Anyways, at tractor supply store they have a shot for $6. that had canine distemper, parainfluenza, and some other in it. Can I buy those or will the extra meds be a bad thing? It is a 5 or 6 way shot. I wish I could remember what all is in it. I just don't want to OD my dogs. Any help would be appreciated.

thanks,

Bill

I've done all my own except rabies for years - huge $$ saver for us. But I'm a pharmacist with injection training and experience. As Phyllis says, you need to educate yourself and develop a desired protocol and stick to it. I give shots starting a 6-7 weeks every 3-4 weeks (3 shots minimum) until age 16 weeks. Then again in one year, then every 3 years. That's the latest AVMA guidance. But you need to decide on whether you're going to cover for corona, and you need to be careful about reactions to lepto.

Just want to share real life experiences. It is not fun to watch a friend who lost 2 of her three dogs in 6 days because the disease her dogs contracted didnot listen to the titres levels.  She believed in just the rabies too and other shots evey 3 years. "My dogs donot go any where just my yard and leash sidewalk walks.".... A few years ago when I brought Rocky into the Vet because of uncontrolled diarrhea, my Vet said," At least we can rule out the diseases I often see in my office because of lack of vaccinations." The last time Rocky and I were to  our Vet a few weeks ago, my Vet said another one of my neighbors Labs is being treated for a disease which could have been prevented by vaccination.  Super powerful bugs are out there. These bugs donot listen to these studies that prove dogs are over vaccinated.

Isn't parvo a virus? Can you vaccinate against a virus?
I am under the imresion that it needs to run it's course,good or bad.
 

or maybe that's after they have it?

yep, just thinking about what I wrote and it doesn't make much sense.

Getting rid of it is the hard part protecting against it is easier.

While I feel there is always something that can happen, you can't guard against it all and while there are extreme cases we do need to keep a level head as to what is practical and what is an over reaction

I have always discussed vaccines, etc with my vet and we always come up with the plan jointly.  She knows what is causing problems in the area and she is also up on the latest and greatest info on vaccines, state requirements, etc, so it works pretty good.  I figure I pay her for the medical advice and knowledge. One of the reasons I love my vet is it is a partnership where the dogs are concerned.  She knows I am knowledgeable and care about my dogs, so she takes the time to explain things and work with me on treatment plans.

 Besides she is an Aggie.  And those of you in Texas know they have the greatest vets.  That is saying allot since I am a Longhorn.

I use the 7 way. As for lepto, since allergic reactions to that are more common than the other components in the shot, if you're going to give it, make sure the dog has been vaccinated multiple times with lepto and been fine. One exposure with no reaction does not mean the dog is safe. No human or animal has a true allergic reaction on first exposure. It has to be second or subsequent exposure.