I no longer follow the outdated timelines for puppy vaccinations. I follow Dr. Jean Dodds’ recommended vaccination schedule protocol, which is now being adopted by all 27 North American veterinary schools.
Please CLICK HERE to download the following PDF for details on the vaccine schedule. New puppy owners MUST agree and adhere to this vaccine schedule/protocol.
NEW PRINCIPLES OF IMMUNOLOGY
“Dogs and cats immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces an immunity which is good for the life of the pet (ie: canine distemper,parvo, feline distemper). If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and there is little or no effect.
The titer is not “boosted” nor are more memory cells induced.” Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia. “There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines.”
Puppies receive antibodies through their mother’s milk. This natural protection can last 8‐14weeks. Puppies & kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8 weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0‐38%) will be produced. Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, delay the timing of the first highly effective vaccine.
Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart suppress rather than stimulate the immune system. A series of vaccinations is given starting at 8 weeks and given 3‐4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 1 year 4mo) will provide lifetime immunity.
There are two types of vaccines currently available to veterinarians: modified‐live vaccines and inactivated (“killed”) vaccines.
Immunization Schedules
There is a great deal of controversy and confusion surrounding the appropriate immunization schedule, especially with the availability of modified‐live vaccines and breeders who have experienced postvaccinal problems when using some of these vaccines.
It is also important to not begin a vaccination program while maternal antibodies are still active and present in the puppy from the mother’s colostrum. The maternal antibodies identify the vaccines as infectious organisms and destroy them before they can stimulate an immune response.