Vaccine protocol
The following vaccine protocol is offered for those dogs where minimal vaccinations are advisable or desirable. The schedule is one I recommend and should not be interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It’s a matter of professional judgment and choice.
Vaccination Schedule
8-9 weeks of age
Distemper + Parvovirus (usually in combination with Adenovirus (Hepatitis))
12-13 weeks of age
Distemper + Parvovirus (usually in combination with Adenovirus (Hepatitis))
16-17 weeks of age
Distemper + Parvovirus (usually in combination with Adenovirus (Hepatitis))
24-26 weeks of age
Rabies – give a few weeks apart from other vaccines
16 months of age (1 year after last booster)
Distemper + Parvovirus This is an optional booster or titer. If you intend not to booster after this optional booster or intend to retest titers in another three years, this optional booster at puberty is wise.
18 months of age (1 year after first rabies vaccine)
Rabies – give a few weeks apart from other vaccines this should be a 3-year vaccine
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, except where circumstances indicate that a written waiver needs to be obtained from the primary care veterinarian.
At Mount Magic we recommend to just give the above core vaccines. below some more informations about vaccines your vet might suggest or recommend.
Leptospirosis
This is one of the vaccinations we do not recommend. Recent studies have shown that the vaccine only protects for 4 different strains of Lepto while there are 200 different strains! Differently put: a 1:50 (2%) chance that your dog is vaccinated for the right one. The vaccine for Lepto is also really hard on your puppy. It isn’t unusual for dogs to have a reaction to the vaccine. If your dog gets infected with the lepto bacteria (which is not common) you can treat him and it isn’t life threatening compared to the more dangerous diseases Parvo & Distemper.
Bordetella (kennel cough)
Usually needed for dog schools and boarding kennels. Even when vaccinated your dog can still get kennel cough but it will be a mild form. Kennel cough is very contagious but not dangerous usually dogs will build up immunity during their life so we recommend only to vaccinate when needed for training and or boarding. Vaccine doesnt have to be given every year so can be given when needed and will be good for 1 year.
Lyme, Canine Influenza and other vaccinations
You should discuss this with your vet if there are any signs of the disease in your area. Lyme disease vaccines are thought not to be very effective.
In general we would say not to vaccinate your dog when he or she is getting older (>7 years). Vaccinations are bad for their immune system and if your dog has always been healthy, then he or she will have made enough antibodies through it’s life.
Dr. Ron Schultz and Dr. Jean Dodds are very good vets to search on the internet as authorities on canine vaccines.