The general consensus at this time is that dogs should receive DHLPPs (that's distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, lepto, parvovirus) every 3-4 weeks, beginning at 6-8 weeks of age and ending at around 14-16 weeks of age. That basically boils down to shots at 8, 12, and 16 weeks. DHPP should be re-administered at 1 year and then every three years thereafter. We vaccinate our puppies at 7, 10, 13 & 16 weeks. Refer to Rabies (below) for that schedule. Here is a great link that supports why we do not re-vaccinate, as recommended by most veterinarians: At the top of this page is a link to download an article that explains the study of over 40 years that supports we may be way over vaccinating our animals. Consider asking your Vet for a TITER at your Booster time to see if your puppy or dog really does need re-vaccinating for his booster shots. The study says he won't need it, likely for his entire life! Rabies is not included in this study as Rabies Vaccinations are required by Law. No other vaccinations are required by law. Some studies show that this is way over vaccinating and this can potentially be a contributing cause of the increase of Cancer and shortened life spans of our pets. Bordetella vaccines are optional and should be based upon lifestyle. Some vets think Bordetella should be administered every 6 months, others vote for every 12 months. Bordetella is not one of the vaccines included in our puppy vaccinations. This is an optional vaccine and is necessary when boarding your dog at most boarding facilities.
Rabies: Some states require rabies vaccines annually while others require this to be done every three years, so be sure to check with your vet. In California we vaccinate at 4 months old then, 12 months later and every 3 years thereafter.
Leptospirosis vaccines cause lots of controversy. Lepto can spread to people and it is becoming more prevalent, so many vets are now recommending giving it with initial puppy vaccines (no sooner than 14 weeks of age) and booster every year. This is a marked change from a few months back, when many vets thought lepto shots weren't worth the perceived risk of increased adverse reactions caused by lepto vaccines. These older vaccinations were only good for about four months, and the lepto vaccine did have many side effects, which included ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK! Although we have not experienced it ourselves we have heard horror stories of puppies going into anaphylactic shock and dying from the vaccine. According to a conversation with a trusted veterinarian there is a new vaccine for Lepto and the risks of the side effects with this new vaccine are minimal. One of the newer vaccines is distributed by Elanco US inc. If your dog contracts Lepto and it is caught early, treatment is with antibiotics (penicillin) and fluids. Lepto is causing Liver or Kidney Failure and is actually now considered worse than Parvo. I recommend you consult with your veterinarian and make your own decision if you should vaccinate for Lepto. As of 2005 there were only approximately 12 cases reported in California annually. It is becoming quite common in California now and the expense to treat for it can reach up to $8,000 and no guarantee of success. It's terrible to get a call when a puppy goes into anaphylactic shock from getting a vaccination and even worse if the puppy dies. Although not vaccinating for Lepto is a personal decision, please discuss it with your veterinarian and know the risks, be prepared in the event your puppy has a reaction to the vaccination. Please call us if you have any questions you would like us to clarify our personal position on this.
Here is an informational link on Symptoms of Leptospirosis, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and more: www.b-naturals.com/newsletter/leptospirosis
We deworm our pregnant females 10 days prior to delivery however, there are typically parasites in the muscles of the pregnant bitch that are passed onto the puppies at time of delivery. We deworm our puppies at 2,4,6 & 8 weeks of age.
Myth v. Fact Myth: A 7-way shot is better than a 5-way for all dogs. Fact: A 7-way shot includes Lepto (Leptospirosis or Leptospira Bacterin) and should not be given to puppies under 14 weeks. In truth, if your dog is not likely to be in the presence of wild animals, there may not be a need for the Lepto and the danger it presents is not worth the risk to us. One of the regular side effects of this vaccine is anaphylactic shock! To lose a puppy over a vaccination is horrible but to lose an entire litter is irreplaceable. If unsure, contact your veterinarian. This is a very personal decision. Myth: Your puppy’s first shots should be given at 6-8 weeks. Fact: Many vets now believe that if every puppy were vaccinated against Parvo (Canine Parvovirus or CPv or Pv) at around 4 weeks old, this disease could be eradicated entirely in time. In reality, we believe the puppies are still under moms antibodies until after 6 weeks of age so vaccinating prior to 6 weeks may be a useless vaccination. Then the typical follow-up with a 5-way vaccine should be given 3-4 weeks later and again 3-4 weeks after that. Puppies under 16 weeks should have 3 rounds of puppy vaccines and a booster shot after 16 weeks of age, then a booster shot every 3 years thereafter according to the UC Davis Protocols. Puppy vaccinations do not include rabies. In California Rabies is due at 4 months of age, a booster shot 1 year later and every 3 years after that. Once a animal or person contracts rabies there is no antidote! Myth: My breeder gave my puppy all of his/her shots. Fact: If you got your puppy at less than 16 weeks old, it is highly unlikely. Even if you got your pup at more than 16 weeks, there is room for doubt. If you are not 100% positive, give at least one round. Better safe than sorry. Myth: Some brands of Parvo vaccine (or other vaccines) don’t work or are dangerous. (e.g. I gave my dog a shot and he died.) Fact: When vaccinating any animal (including humans) it is important to note that the incubation period can be as long as 2-3 weeks, thus full protection is not achieved until then. If a dog seems to have contracted a disease shortly after a vaccination, the animal most likely already had the disease. Even a dog with all of the recommended vaccinations could contract a disease. Nothing is 100% effective. There are too many variables at play. And there are other dangers. As with anything that we put into (or on) our bodies, there are possible side-effects. With injections, some possibilities include swelling, redness and hair loss around the area, allergic reactions, seizures and even death.
This information is provided through years of research and should be considered opinion and is not to take the place of your regular veterinary care and recommendations.