Not only have I had to give my snakes shots b4, but I'm also a nurse. Which I'm not saying that is anything like a vet, but it sure does help. First of all, like the first post said, give the shot in the first 1/3 of the body. Secondly, it sure would help if you had someone to help you hold the snake. Bent needles and multiple puncture wounds are not good. Thirdly, always make sure the bevel of the needle is up during injection. If you see blood when you pull back that means you are in a vein and you just simply pull the needle back out without injecting the medicine and try another spot. Inject the medicine slowly if you can. Not too slow, but don't just push it all in one quick movement. And I'm not sure about all meds for snakes, but I know a lot of them you are not suppose to massage into the skin if it leaves a bubble or welt under the skin. It will self absorb. I sure do hope this helps you and good luck. It gets easier I promise!