Puppy Shots

Our first year with Denali was a bit rough in the health arena. Between pneumonia and constant diarrhea, we were in the vet a lot. I felt clueless and helpless, so I listened to anything that I thought would keep him safe and healthy. I didn't want to take any risks, so I vaccinated him against everything the vet recommended. Unfortunately, I had left my commonsense and scientific questioning behind. I naturally assumed that the vaccines the vet was recommending had been proven to be effective and were necessary. When we switched to a holistic vet, her first reaction was "Holy Cow! I've never seen such an over-vaccinated dog!" She explained that Denali's immune system was probably compromised with the onslaught of vaccines.

Below I will explain the options, telling you what I would do if I could do it over again.

1.) DHPP: Every dog needs DHPP. This series is also called distemper/ parvo shots. Parvo is a very serious disease and is fatal for puppies. A friend of ours lost a puppy to parvo because the dog had been exposed to parvo before it was completely vaccinated. To add insult to injury, they had to wait to get another puppy for 6 months because the virus can be active still and their apartment was infected. Luckily, it is highly preventable if you get the puppy series of vaccines. So just be prudent and be mindful of where your baby pup goes. Dr. Jean Dodds, a leader in judicious vaccines, and renowned immunologist recommends administering DHPP at these times: 9-10 weeks, 14 weeks, 16-18 weeks. At 1 year, the dog should have a blood titer taken to test for antibodies. If the dog is still protected (ample antibodies present) then the dog is protected for DHPP and doesn't need another vaccination.

2.) Rabies: Many, if not all, states require a rabies shot. Dr. Jean Dodds recommends rabies at 20 weeks or older, when required by law. The dog will need a 1 yr rabies vaccine at 20 weeks, and then a 3 yr vaccine at 1 year.

3.) Bordatella: most doggy daycares, boarding facilities, and dog parks require bordatella, which is supposed to protect against "kennel cough." Give bordatella, if required, via nasal drops. If your dog does not go to doggy daycare, or kennels, then the dog probably doesn't need bordatella. See Dr. Ron Schultz's guidelines, see links below.


DO NOT GET:
1.) Giarrdia: Some vets may say that the giarrdia vaccine is neccessary to protect humans against the protozoa, giarrdia (which causes severe diarrhea). Unfortunately,the vaccine given to the dogs has not been proven to be effective in protecting the humans or the dog.

2.) Corona

3.) Lyme: Here in the midwest, especially in the Chicago area the risk of Lyme Disease is fairly low. If you take the dog to high risk areas, then obviously vaccinate the dog.


Here are some great resources about vaccine information:

Dr. Jean Dodd's vaccine recommendations

Dr. Schultz's recommendations

Dr. Barbara Royal, our vet's sheet on vaccines