Vaccination Protocol

This topic has been an issue that has been debated for years. There has been more and more evidence, that shows there is reason for concern. This is a topic that is calling for more awareness on the part of vets, those that are involved in the fancy and all pet owners. There is concern for the health and well being of dogs..

On July 31,2002 an article appeared in the NY Wall Street Journal titled Are Annual Shots Overkill?

The article went on to state that recent studies ,are showing that annual vaccination programs may not be necessary for dogs and cats. Recent studies are suggesting that annual vaccinations may even be harmful.

This however concerns vaccinations and not an annual health exam. Exams help the vets to keep in touch with the pets and how they are developing and aging.

The September 2002, issue of the Whole dog Journal ,also reports the results of a study stating that antibody protection received from yearly vaccinations last longer than originally thought. Yearly boosters given for Parvovirus and Distemper were no longer necessary. A period of longer duration is being disclosed at this time, although controversy still exists at to exactly how long the immunity from the vaccine can last.

Several universities' that are conducting these studies are showing new evidence that vaccine protection may last for years. Why do we continue to vaccinate our dogs on a yearly basis? . It was always highly recommended by our vets that the dogs be vaccinated yearly, we are sent reminder cards to come in for a yearly exam and vaccines. Take the time to discuss with your vet , various options aside from vaccinating , to keep your dog immunized against disease.

Discuss ways of building a healthy immune system for your pet.

There are many new studies that are suggesting that we are over vaccinating our pets with yearly vaccines. New findings are suggesting that we may be actually CAUSING chronic problems in our dogs.

Here is actually how the problem may start:

As pups when the dogs begin their vaccination program,

We must realize that the Dam's milk provides immune protection as long as 8-15 weeks from birth. Each pup develops their own immune system at a different rate than its littermates.

Previous vaccination protocol involved giving vaccines as early as 6 weeks old and as close together as 2-4 weeks apart.

This could mean that by the age of 4 months , pups could have as many as 5 vaccinations.!

It is a very common in a veterinary practice to give, a few vaccinations in one day. When having my German Shepherd Dog vaccinated, the vet wanted to save me a trip and give a 5 in 1 booster, rabies, bordetetella, and lyme vaccine in one visit.It is time we assert ourselves as owners and question common veterinary practices. It is quite common to give a rabies and booster vaccinations on one visit. This is putting a huge burden on an immune system of a dog of any size! We are in reality overworking the immune system, and if this is a puppy , take in to consideration that fact that the maternal antibodies may still be present and may neutralize the whole vaccination process of that one veterinary visit.

Thus the end result is NO IMMUNITY would been built up by the pup.

We do this as owners with the best intentions of caring for our pets.

A new vaccination program has been suggested by the /Colorado State University Veterinary Hospital.

I found it very interesting that this particular program was designed for small animals only. The reason for this is that large animals mature at a different rate. Thus a German Shepherd at 8 weeks has a totally different rate of maturity than

A pom pup at the same age.

As with all vaccination programs , they are designed to be used at your own risk.

For puppy vaccines: a series of 3 vaccinations from the age of 8 weeks to 16 weeks.

The diseases recommended to be vaccinated against in the puppy series are:

Distemper ,parvovirus, adenovirus 2 , and parainfluenza. The other diseases that pups need to be vaccinated against are done at different intervals or separately.

They do recommend using a specific vaccine, please discuss this option with your vet. The reason for using a specific vaccine is that all vaccines perform differently.

After 16 weeks of age it is suggested to follow up with a rabies vaccine.It is wise to leave at least a month between the last booster and a rabies shot.

For further information please to their website at Colorado State Veterinary Hospital.com

The new protocol at this veterinary hospital states

One Yearly booster , that is to be given on the anniversary of the final puppy shot, and then subsequent booster shots to be given at THREE YEAR INTERVALS!

Vaccine reactions may occur at any time , during the life of the dog. Reactions are not only common to pups ,they may occur in dogs of any ages.

There are certain dogs are that are more prone to vaccine reactions.

Eldery dogs, whose immune system is not as strong , due to age.

Dogs that are vaccinated if they are ill.

Akitas Weimarneers and Mastiffs have more of a sensitivity to vaccines than other breeds.

Dogs that are albinos.

Dogs that have a double dilute ,coat color gene., as in Shetland Sheepdogs, and . Harlequin Great Danes.

Dogs that have been REVACCINATED to due the fact the vet does not believe the breeder had given the right shots and repeats the whole series!!I can not stress enough the importance of Vets trusting breeders. It is strongly suggested for breeders to create their own health record for each pup in a litter and use the labels from the vaccines , aloing with the dates given , for new pup owners to bring to their first health exam.

Educate your new pup owners and amend contracts to state that if a pup is overvaccinated, that as breeders we are not responsible for any ADVERSE REACTIONS THAT MAY OCCUR.. That in fact vaccines were given at the date stated . Guide the new owner through the vaccination process and give specific guidelines for the new owner to follow.