This adorable little puppy can only handle so many vaccines. As a breeder, it is frustrating when I place a healthy, happy puppy and 3 months later it starts to have various symptoms. Almost always we can correlate the onset of symptoms with vaccines. We strongly encourage our clients to give ONE NEEDLE AT A TIME, ONE MONTH APART! Here is a recommendation:
- Never give more than one needle poke at a time, wait 3-4 weeks between vaccinations
- 6 weeks Old: Distemper +Hepatitis +Parainfluenza + Parvovirus
- 7 weeks Old: Puppy well check and stool check
- 10 Weeks Old: Same as 6 weeks+Leptocpirsis
- 14 Weeks Old: Same as 10 weeks +Borditella (kennel cough)
- 20 Weeks or Older (if allowable by law): Rabies
- 1 Year: after the last vaccine do a titer to see if the puppy has immunity to Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
- 1 Year after Rabies vaccine. Rabies, killed the 3-year product
- Perform vaccine antibody titers for distemper and parvovirus every three years thereafter, or more often, if desired. Vaccinate for rabies virus according to the law.
This is a recommendation based on my personal experiences. Every spring when you go in for the annual heart worm check your puppy does not necessarily need a distemper/parvo vaccine. Consider doing a titer to see if your dog has immunities to these diseases. If it does there is no need to vaccinate. If not, of course, a booster should be given. Try and educate yourself on the adverse effects of over vaccinating. Also, do not give a vaccine if your dog’s health is stressed in any way. It only makes sense not to compromise the immune system with a vaccine if the body is already struggling. Consider the area where you live. If there are not a lot of ticks then giving Bravecto, a flea and tick repellent would be sufficient in protecting your dog against Lyme disease. You wouldn’t need the Lyme vaccine. However, if you live in a highly populated tick area you would consider giving the Lyme vaccine in addition to Bravecto. You are your dog’s advocate. Educate yourself.
Another thing to remember as a dog owner is if your dog ever has a loose stool, hold his food and give a Pepto Bismol tablet. Your dog may have just eaten a dead frog and his digestive system needs a rest. Be practical. If he continues to have a loose stool he should see your vet, but many times the problem can be resolved by holding the food for at least one feeding, possibly 24 hours, giving one Pepto tablet 3 times a day.
My goal is to help my clients have healthy, happy puppies. I am not a veterinarian but I do have 38 years experience living with dogs and helping people with theirs.