Final answer:
A subcutaneous injection is placed in the subcutaneous tissue beneath the skin. This is a common method for delivering vaccines and certain medications in both humans and animals, known for its ease and effectiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Subcutaneous injections involve administering medication into the subcutaneous tissue that lies between the skin and the muscle. This type of injection is often used for vaccines and certain medications because it allows for slow, sustained absorption of the drug into the bloodstream. To perform a subcutaneous injection on a pet, you would typically pinch a fold of the animal's skin and insert the needle at a 45-degree angle into the base of the pinched skin, usually in areas where there is sufficient loose skin such as the side of the abdomen or the back of the neck.
This method is known for being less painful and easier to administer, especially in animals. It's important to understand the correct technique and precautions that need to be taken to ensure that the drug is delivered safely and effectively. In the veterinary context, a subcutaneous injection might be required for administering vaccines or treating conditions like heartworm where larvae are transmitted to a dog's subcutaneous tissue by an infected mosquito.