When Should My Puppy's Vaccinations Be Effective?

[nadz]

Hello everybody!

I have a quick question I'm sure someone will be able to answer for me! I have an 11 week old puppy with the following vaccination history:

6 weeks of age: Protech C4

10 weeks of age: Protech C4

I'm guessing he will be covered by 12 weeks (allowing 2 weeks after the 2nd shot?). According to his vaccination schedule given by the breeder he shouldn't need another shot until January 2011 (booster, I haven't decided whether to just titre test or get the shot I'm going to speak to my vet about that).

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

[Fordogs]

My advise is get another vaccination at 14 weeks because a second before 12 weeks will not cover him, then re vaccinate in 12 months time.

[wuffles]

I would call the vet, as there are a lot of differing opinions about vaccination schedules and as I understand it, different vaccines are marketed for different schedules.

[ellz]

I'd be getting another shot done between 14 and 16 weeks to be sure.

My protocol is 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks. I think 6 weeks is far too early.

[nadz]

Ooo thanks for the replies everyone! I will definitely call the vet, it's my first puppy in 14 years so I have no idea!

[hilaryo]

I think the recommended vaccination protocol is now only 2 baby puppy shots - the first being at 8 weeks, second at 12 weeks and then the first annual booster. The dog may be covered for life but to be sure you can titre test.

This protocol may have changed so you should check.

Some choose to vaccinate their adults every 3 years to be on the safe side.

Apparently, a six week vaccine is cancelled out due to the dam's antibodies still circulating in the puppies but I'm not sure about this. In that case I'd imagine your puppy may need another shot.

Edited January 25, 2010 by hilaryo

[luvsdogs]

The recommended vaccination protocol is now only 2 baby puppy shots. The first being at 8 weeks, second at 12 weeks and then the first annual booster The dog may be covered for life but you can titre test.

Some choose to vaccinate their adults every 3 years to be on the safe side.

Apparently, a six week vaccine is cancelled out due to the dam's antibodies still circulating in the puppies but I'm not sure about this. In that case I'd imagine your puppy may need another shot.

My vet always gives 3 puppy shots. I have also heard that if given at 6 weeks it's cancelled out by the dams antibodies so the new protocol is 1st shot at 8 weeks. Tilba had her 1st annual shot, with a 3 yr vaccine if that makes sense.

[ellz]

I think the recommended vaccination protocol is now only 2 baby puppy shots - the first being at 8 weeks, second at 12 weeks and then the first annual booster.

Discussed this with the vet just last week when my Staffords were done at 8 weeks. Protocol is 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and 12 months.

Apparently most vets are no longer recommending that puppies be vaccinated at 6 - 7 weeks as they used to. It is now 7 - 8 weeks.

I've been doing it this way for years so it is interesting that the vets are coming into line with what I (and other breeders) have always done, rather than expecting us to come into line with them! :p

[Red Fox]

I think the recommended vaccination protocol is now only 2 baby puppy shots - the first being at 8 weeks, second at 12 weeks and then the first annual booster.

Discussed this with the vet just last week when my Staffords were done at 8 weeks. Protocol is 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and 12 months.

Apparently most vets are no longer recommending that puppies be vaccinated at 6 - 7 weeks as they used to. It is now 7 - 8 weeks.

I've been doing it this way for years so it is interesting that the vets are coming into line with what I (and other breeders) have always done, rather than expecting us to come into line with them!

12 months, or 12 months after the last vaccine? (so 16 months?)

I was told Kei was due again 12 months after his last vacc so the bolded part above confuses me ;)

I've also read/heard that pups will never have full immunity from a vaccine unless it is given after the age of 6 months Does anyone know if there is any truth in this?

In regards to the OP-

Kei was done at 6-7 weeks old with the Protech C3 vacc at his breeders vet and was due for his 2nd at 10-11 weeks. I'm quite sure that it is 10 days after the 2nd vaccine that they are covered? But personally I would give it until 14 if you can to be on the safe side :D

In our case our local vet uses a different brand/protocol and instead does the puppy vaccs at 6-8, 12 and 16 weeks. So Kei ended up having 2 further vacs at those times with Companion C5 rather than just the one C3 Protech vaccinne if that makes sense. (Though if I could do it all again I would stand my ground and only give him a C3 rather than let the vet pressure me into giving the C5 vacc )

Kei is now due for his annual booster but with his recent tummy upset it's looking like he will be close to 17 months by the time he is ready. After that I have decided to titer test rather than annual vaccs

[luvsdogs]

I would say 12 mths from the last puppy vac. My vet routinely gives C7.

At a conference I went to a couple of years ago, one of the topics was puppy vaccinations. The American vet giving the talk said that she still recommends 3 puppy vacs. because the vets that only give 2 are doubling the dose. That's a lot for a little puppy to take on board.

[Turkey Trip]

Have been vaccinating 1-2 litters each year since the mid-eighties, originally we used to do the 3 shots at 6, 12 & 16 weeks. Then Protech became available which at the time of release was said to be designed to overcome the maternal antibodies and from then onwards (not sure of exact timing - maybe 15 or so years?) we have only ever done the first vaccination (Protech C3) at 6 weeks and the second at 12 weeks of age (also C3).

That is quite a few puppies over well more than a decade, we are off to outings, shows and trials with our 14 week old puppies (after allowing 2 weeks for full immunity to develop following the 12 week vaccination) and neither we nor any of our puppy owners have ever had any sign of a problem.

Despite all the latest "theories" I am happy and confident to continue with this tried, proven and successful protocol until there is actual evidence to the contrary. It is important for puppies to get out and about and reducing that protected/closeted period from 18 weeks to 14 weeks makes for much better adjusted dogs.

12 months after the second Protech C3 (ie. the 12 week shot) we boost with C3 again and then boost the adults every 3 years. Never, ever seen a problem - all happy, healthy and well.

Each to their own, this works fine for us.

[Cazwah]

I'll put in my two cents as I've just been to the vet yesterday. Chestnut had his first vaccination at 8 weeks of age. We took him to the vet yesterday for his second set of vaccinations at 12 weeks of age and the vet told us:

Come back at 16 weeks for a third vaccination, as studies have shown that in some dogs, maternal antibodies can still be present at 12 weeks and interfere with the effectiveness of that 12 week vaccine. She also said that we need to keep Chestnut indoors until 2 weeks after the final vaccination, meaning not taking Chestnut outside until he is 18 weeks old.

Now, I can't keep Chestnut indoors until 18 weeks of age, we will all go crazy! While I understand the reason for the reccomendation I also understand the consequences of having an unsocialised pup. Also I know he must have a good immunity from the 8 and 12 week vaccinations, if not 100%, and that there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that is is safe to take the puppy out from 12 to 14 weeks of age....

So, i guess it depends on what was covered in the 6 and 10 week vaccinations and if your vet reccommends a 16 (14?) week vaccination. I've heard many times that it takes 2 weeks for the vaccinations to become fully effective.

Best of luck!

PS- LOVED the vet, can definitely reccommend a good one in Brisbane!

[Daydreamer]

I'll put in my two cents as I've just been to the vet yesterday. Chestnut had his first vaccination at 8 weeks of age. We took him to the vet yesterday for his second set of vaccinations at 12 weeks of age and the vet told us:

Come back at 16 weeks for a third vaccination, as studies have shown that in some dogs, maternal antibodies can still be present at 12 weeks and interfere with the effectiveness of that 12 week vaccine. She also said that we need to keep Chestnut indoors until 2 weeks after the final vaccination, meaning not taking Chestnut outside until he is 18 weeks old.

Now, I can't keep Chestnut indoors until 18 weeks of age, we will all go crazy! While I understand the reason for the reccomendation I also understand the consequences of having an unsocialised pup. Also I know he must have a good immunity from the 8 and 12 week vaccinations, if not 100%, and that there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that is is safe to take the puppy out from 12 to 14 weeks of age....

So, i guess it depends on what was covered in the 6 and 10 week vaccinations and if your vet reccommends a 16 (14?) week vaccination. I've heard many times that it takes 2 weeks for the vaccinations to become fully effective.

Best of luck!

PS- LOVED the vet, can definitely reccommend a good one in Brisbane!

Our vets said the same and Nala is due her 16wk vac at the end of this week, we havent taken her out yet apart from puppy pre-school + vet visits, she's doing well but has another dog to play with at home which helps ........ am I being overprotective and do you think its safe to go out

[laneka]

Have been vaccinating 1-2 litters each year since the mid-eighties, originally we used to do the 3 shots at 6, 12 & 16 weeks. Then Protech became available which at the time of release was said to be designed to overcome the maternal antibodies and from then onwards (not sure of exact timing - maybe 15 or so years?) we have only ever done the first vaccination (Protech C3) at 6 weeks and the second at 12 weeks of age (also C3).

That is quite a few puppies over well more than a decade, we are off to outings, shows and trials with our 14 week old puppies (after allowing 2 weeks for full immunity to develop following the 12 week vaccination) and neither we nor any of our puppy owners have ever had any sign of a problem.

Despite all the latest "theories" I am happy and confident to continue with this tried, proven and successful protocol until there is actual evidence to the contrary. It is important for puppies to get out and about and reducing that protected/closeted period from 18 weeks to 14 weeks makes for much better adjusted dogs.

12 months after the second Protech C3 (ie. the 12 week shot) we boost with C3 again and then boost the adults every 3 years. Never, ever seen a problem - all happy, healthy and well.

Each to their own, this works fine for us.

I'm with you on this one TT, I vacc at 6, 12 and 16 weeks. Pups don't go to dog areas till 14 weeks but I do take them out to socialise beforehand. I only ever use a C3 as the 4 and 5 are for KC. Seeing as there are so many strains of KC and we can only vacc against 2, why bother wasting you money.

[stormie]

We are following the new protocol (that is, 3 yearly core vacc's) but for puppies we are still recommending 8, 12 and 16wks, followed by the first annual booster, then 3 yearly after that. We ummed and ahhh'd for a bit as to whether to finish at the 12 week shot, but after hearing of puppies who contracted parvo who finished at 12wks, we decided to stay with the 16wk shot to be safe.

We recommend people wait till 2 weeks after their second shot before really getting their pups out and about, but still recommend socialising under safe conditions eg with other vaccinated dogs, meeting new people etc. It's just a combination of weighing up the risks and using common sense. We want people to socialise their puppies, but obviously not taking a young pup to busy dog parks or other places where there's risk of disease.

[mumsy]

Okay so if I get our second shot tomorrow is it safe to now walk him around the block and walk the kids to school? I would really love to get him out for some exercise particularly first thing in the morning. Is it dog parks that are the most dangerous?

[Guest Tess32]

Okay so if I get our second shot tomorrow is it safe to now walk him around the block and walk the kids to school? I would really love to get him out for some exercise particularly first thing in the morning. Is it dog parks that are the most dangerous?

I wouldn't be walking him a day after a shot. Give him time for his immune system to build back up. You could carry him if he's small enough, otherwise at least wait a week.

[Daydreamer]

Is it compulsory to have the kennel cough vaccine if they're going in a boarding kennels? We may need to put pup in a kennel in Dec/Jan so that was why I went with the c5.

[Cazwah]

We are following the new protocol (that is, 3 yearly core vacc's) but for puppies we are still recommending 8, 12 and 16wks, followed by the first annual booster, then 3 yearly after that. We ummed and ahhh'd for a bit as to whether to finish at the 12 week shot, but after hearing of puppies who contracted parvo who finished at 12wks, we decided to stay with the 16wk shot to be safe.

We recommend people wait till 2 weeks after their second shot before really getting their pups out and about, but still recommend socialising under safe conditions eg with other vaccinated dogs, meeting new people etc. It's just a combination of weighing up the risks and using common sense. We want people to socialise their puppies, but obviously not taking a young pup to busy dog parks or other places where there's risk of disease.

Cool, this makes sense to me. My now 13 week old pup has been for short walks to meet the traffic, workshops and different smells as well as people on the way, but I haven't let him near any dogs apart from at puppy school. I'm also not taking him to the dog park probably until after his 16 week vaccinations, 1 because I think it's high risk for contracting something another dog is carrying and also because as long as I can still socialise him to dogs at puppy school (and then puppy 2) I don't think the dog park is necessary yet. We took him camping this weekend, quiet spot, no other dogs, met a few people and got VERY socialised to the sensation of 4WDing. I was amazed at how well he handled to rocking and bumping of the car, he was so calm throughout, I'm sure if I'd tried that for the first time at 16weeks it would've been a different story so I'm really glad I took that calculated risk.