Why is rabies vaccine given in the leg to prevent pet cancer?

This is an excellent question! Many vets now vaccinate on the legs instead of between the shoulder blades or elsewhere, as it makes it easier to monitor and treat vaccine reactions. Many vets also will assign a specific vaccine to a specific leg, so if there is a vaccine reaction (which is very rare) it is easier to tell which specific vaccine may have caused the problem.

Most vaccines can be given in a series on the same day as long as they are given in different injection sites, and your dog doesn't have a history of adverse reactions to vaccines. However, your vet will know your pet best and it's best to contact them with regards to any vaccine protocols they use, as they will have the most up to date information on the vaccine type and manufacturer they are using in their clinic that may counter indicate giving it on the same day. The only other thing I could think would be a potential liability issue if the injection is given the same time as a home-given injection and then an adverse reaction occurred, as it would be hard to determine what injection caused the reaction if not properly documented. If you have documentation of the vaccines you've given at home, I would make sure these are all up to date with your veterinarian to ensure there isn't any miscommunication going on.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Chase. The rabies vaccine is typically given in the right rear leg and leptospirosis in the left rear leg. This can result in muscle soreness in some pets. This could be making him uncomfortable and not wanting to use his rear legs normally. However, labrador puppies are pretty tough. So it is unusual for him to still be so painful. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian again or you seek a second opinion. In the meantime, do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Not entirely normal but sometimes pain at the injection site can occur. Is he limping on the leg the vaccine was given in? If not, then no. If yes, then maybe. Do you feel anything at the site of injection? Best plan is to call your vet so they can make a note in his record that this occurred and discuss with you if pain medication is needed. If the limp is in a different leg then something else is likely causing the limp which require an exam with your vet. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Some doctors do vaccinate there but others vaccinate in the shoulders or the hips. The location in dogs varies and as long as the vaccine is properly handled and administered, it will be effective. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hi, the injection needs to be administered subcutaneously so some areas are better than others, where the skin is lose. It is very important for vaccine to be administered correctly. Hope this makes sense.

Hello, it depends on wether the prescription is to be given in the muscle or under the skin. These will vary, however both neck and leg can receive both injections under the skin and in the muscle. However, there several important structures that one must avoid in both areas when administering an injection, I would not recommend injecting in an area that was not instructed by your veterinarian. If Mabel is sore from being injected in the same spot, then discuss with your veterinarian showing you a different position to perform this injection. Hope this helps and best of luck.