Ideal Puppy Vaccine Schedule

When Should Your Puppy Be Vaccinated

They depend on you not to overdo vaccines!

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.

Puppy vaccinations are often administered excessively and without proper consideration. Breeders often vaccinate puppies before they are even 8 weeks of age, a period when the mother's antibodies are still active, resulting in potential harm instead of benefits. They often use those 5 in 1 or 9 in 1 vaccines, which are potentially very problematic. Moreover, veterinarians tend to give 3-4 rounds of vaccines when only 1-2 rounds are necessary. And they usually try to do several at the same time. Non-core vaccines, which are less essential, less effective, and associated with a higher incidence of serious reactions, are routinely administered to puppies. This continual assault on the immune system can lead to both immediate and long-term health issues in puppies.

Overvaccination is a very common factor in chronic allergies, intolerances and auto-immune issues in dogs. Hard to prove — but the holistic community knows this to be true.

Understanding Maternal Immunity

Maternal immunity will protect the newborn during the first few weeks of life. This immunity will start to decline with time, usually reaching a low point at 6-12 weeks of age.

Vaccinations given when the maternal antibody is HIGH will not produce immunization of the puppy. You will be injecting the puppy unnecessarily & with a burden of chemicals that offer no benefit and could be harmful.

One study showed that only 60% of puppies were able to respond to a vaccine at 16 weeks, but 95% could be immunized at 18 weeks. If puppies were kept in a safe environment and had good maternal protection (based on having a mother with good titers before breeding), waiting until 16 to 18 weeks to immunize would be ideal.

Holistic Guidance on Vaccines

Holistic Veterinarians advise: Do Not administer multiple vaccines simultaneously in the same appointment. The risk of a serious vaccine reaction is increased when more than one vaccine is administered. Schedule them at least 2 weeks apart. This includes a separation of the Parvo and Distemper Vaccines by a least 2 weeks apart. Though many vets will argue that this is not possible — it is. This is recommended even if it costs you an extra vet visit.

Also, do not schedule vaccines with any other procedure, or if the dog is under significant stress, in poor health, etc. Read the vaccine insert for yourself. It will advise you to NOT vaccinate any unwell pet. So please take into account your dog’s health at the time of vaccine administration.

Detox your dog following any vaccine (See Guides & Protocols)

Suggested Puppy Vaccine Schedule

9 – 10 weeks of age

Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV (Modified Live Virus)

e.g. Merck Nobivac (Intervet Progard) Puppy DPV

14 – 15 weeks of age

Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV

18 weeks of age

Parvovirus only, MLV

Note: New research states that last puppy parvovirus vaccine should be at 18 weeks old.

24 weeks or older, if allowable by law

Rabies – give 3-4 weeks apart from other vaccines

Mercury-free (thimerosal-free, TF)

1 year old

Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV

This is an optional booster or titer. If the client intends not to booster after this optional booster or intends to retest titers in another three years, this optional booster at puberty is wise.

1 year old

Rabies – give 3-4 weeks apart from other vaccines

3-year product if allowable by law; ask for mercury-free / thimerasol free (yes, they make it. No, most vets won’t have it in stock)

After the first Year:

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. In that case, a rabies antibody titer can also be performed to accompany the waiver request. Visit The Rabies Challenge Fund for more information.

Some dogs may have serious adverse reactions to vaccines. It is heartbreaking.

Side Effects May Include:

• Behavioral Changes: Aggression, Anxiety, Fear

• Personality Changes

• Seizures

• Disorientation

• Wobbling or unstable gait

• Sensitivity to touch

• Abnormal vocalizations

• Urinary or Fecal incontinence

• Death

• Question and of these changes whether immediately or within months / first year of your dog’s vaccinations. In some cases, we may be able to help.

Report any vaccination reactions. Yes, lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting are side effects.

(Jean Dodds, DVM -- Suggested Protocol)

Report Any Reactions:

To report suspected adverse drug events for the products below and/or obtain a copy of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or for technical assistance, contact the appropriate manufacturers at the following phone numbers:

• - Merck Animal Health (Bravecto, Bravecto Plus): 800-224-5318

• - Elanco Animal Health (Credelio, Seresto): 1-888-545-5973

• - Boehringer Ingelheim (Nexgard): 888-637-4251

• - Zoetis (Simparica, Simparica Trio, Revolution Plus, ProHeart): 888-963-8471

If you prefer to report directly to the FDA, or want additional information about adverse drug experience reporting for animal drugs, see How to Report Animal Drug and Device Side Effects and Product Problems here: https://www.fda.gov/.../how-report-animal-drug-and-device...

Pet parents and veterinarians who have additional questions can contact CVM at AskCVM@fda.hhs.gov, 1-888-FDA-VETS (1-888-332-8387), or by mail:

• Center for Veterinary Medicine

• Food and Drug Administration

• HFV-1

• 7500 Standish Place

• Rockville, MD 20855