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My 3-year-old dog needs vaccines. Can I give them myself at home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 3 years and 3 months old | 60 lbs

So I have been an awful dog mom! I have had Buster since he was 10 weeks old and he has never had any vaccines except for his Rabies shot. He is now 3 years old. I would like to administer the shots myself. What shots does he need? And am I able to administer them myself?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 3rd, 2017

Good on you for wanting to get Buster's vaccines! While you can get the vaccines he needs from a tractor supply store, I never recommend it. Tractor supply stores are notorious for handling and storing vaccines improperly, and I have colleagues with numerous stories of dogs coming down with parvo and distemper who had been vaccinated with vaccines from stores. It's too much of a risk, and if he did come down with something serious like parvo, it would cost you so much more to treat than the cost of having a vet give the vaccine. In addition, diseases like parvo and distemper have no cure, and are very often fatal. It's best to take him into your vet to get the DHPPi combination vaccine (distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parainfluenza). I hope this helps!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on January 1st, 2020
Do not vaccinate yourself, I never recommend it. Owners often give the vaccine wrong, rendering it ineffective. In addition, places that sell vaccines often store them wrong, making the vaccine ineffective. I cannot tell you how many cases of Parvo and distemper I have seen in dogs who have been vaccinated at home. In addition, Cali need rabies, it's required by law and can only be given by a vet. I strongly urge you to have her vaccines done by a vet, her heath is too important.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 21st, 2018
He will need to at-least get a parvo/distemper vaccine and a rabies vaccine.
The core vaccines (Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, Adenovirus2, Parainfluenza) are normally given every three years after they are over a year old. The necessity for other vaccines (leptospirosis, Bordetella, etc.) will depend on the dog's environment and are given more frequently.

For more information about the vaccines, I've put a link to the vaccination guidelines below.

wsava.org/sites/default/files/WSAVA%20Owner%20Breeder%20Guidelines%2014%20October%202015%20FINAL.pdf

As always, I recommend the vaccines be given as directed by your veterinarian to ensure the vaccine is given appropriately and to ensure adequate support is available in case of a vaccine reaction.

Below is a link to a low-cost vaccine clinic in your area.

http://www.humanerescuealliance.org/vaccination-clinic

I hope that helps and all is well with Tippi.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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