What gauge needle do you use?

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grapey

grapey

Member Since 2012
I have always used 31 gauge (the Relion needles at Walmart) but they were out the other day so I bought the 29 gauge. Lily gives me a little "squeak" when I give her a shot :( and I feel more "resistance" when I'm poking the needle through her skin. Is this something she could get used to? I'm just wondering if 29 is considered a "big" needle.

I guess I'm mainly wondering if we can use up the box before getting another box of 31, which she's used to. Right now we have 48 days left with this box. But I don't want to hurt her.

Thanks!
 
I always use 31. 29 seems a little thick, especially when we recommend that size as a lancet for newbies to get more blood..
 
I used only 29g on Bob. He didn't seem to mind, and he got shot into muscle. I don't think the difference between 29 and 31 is significant enough to cause more pain. Are they the same length?
 
The difference is usually in the length as well. 29 gauge are the 12.7mm length ("long") and 31 gauge are the 8mm ("short"). I have the hardest time with the short needles and Mikey always yelps when I use them and I end up with fur shots about 50% of the time. When my brother gives shots, however, it's completely reversed and he does better with the short needles. As Carl said, there's not much difference between 29 and 31 gauge, so it really comes down to shooting technique and which works better for both of you.

And if you don't like the long, I'll swap you what's leftover from my short box (I think like 60 of them still) for your longs. :lol:
 
You're right about the length! But to me that feels like it shouldn't be an issue if I just try not to stick it all the way in. Which I haven't been able to do yet, I admit! The short needles are harder to see through the fur, but I like to shave an area around her shoulders, even though she's been getting shots for about a year and three months now. I just feel a lot more confident, even though she looks goofier.

I appreciate all your input! Seeing that some of you use 29s makes me feel better--that I'm not a horrible cat torturer!
 
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