Puppy Vaccinations & Worming + Heartworm

[Sail_Away]

Hi DOLers just after some advice please....

My puppy (now 11 weeks) was first vaccinated by the breeder at 6 weeks with C3 and I have decided (with the breeders advice) to do the next vaccination at 12 weeks (C3) and then third at 16 weeks (also C3) - After speaking with a few local vets there has been much resistance to only giving my pup C3 rather than C5 however, after much research I would prefer to give only the 'core' vaccines at this age rather than overload my pups immune system with KC which doesn't cover all strains anyway... Also what are people's thoughts on taking her to the beach at 14 weeks (2 weeks post 2nd vacc) for a play date with several 'vaccinated' dogs of her breed? I don't want to be overprotective and this opportunity will be great for socialization however, my concern is the beach... is this too high a risk? People's thoughts???

Also at 10 weeks of age I took her to the vets for a check up and to administer her next worming tablets... the vet put her on Milbemax allwormer (includes heartworm) but I think I would prefer to separate heartworm as this is only required monthly and post 12 weeks worming every 3 months so surely doing something like Milbemax each month is tripling the worming dose required?? I thought I had read somewhere though that it can be difficult or problematic to change the brand of heartworm prevention given once started? Something to do with it being ineffective or is this incorrect? Wondering whether anyone else has been through this....

So much conflicting info! Confused...

[Stitch]

I recommend vaccination protocols at the ages you have mentioned. I leave the C5 till 16 weeks.

I also prefer monthly heartworm prevention and found that Interceptor was excellent....never had a problem with that.

Now trialling Guardian which is new to the market. Prices of heartworm medication seem to be coming down.

Ring around and go for the vet that recognises that the Parvo/Distemper/Hepatitis immunisation ie. C3 injection only needs to be administered every 3 years not yearly. Kennel Cough (nasal) has to be done yearly and is necessary if you intend to put your dog into boarding kennels at any stage or if it is going to come into contact with other dogs.

[karly101]

Another option is the nobivac 10 week vacc (or u could do it at 12 weeks) which will allow you to socialise at 14 weeks. Otherwise I would not risk it at the beach at that young age. Yes its a great opportunity to socialise but imo the risk of parvo is too high. I would rather meet some friends dogs (vaccinated) in their yards or carry pup.

With KC vacc just keep in mind you will not be able to go to kennels or many dog clubs without one. I chose to use the intranasal vaccine which gives better protection, he had KC 2 times on just the injection but hasn't had it since with the intranasal.

You can change heartwormers, as above poster I also like the monthly heartworm+wormer ones just because they are easier to remember. Intestinal wormers don't stick around in the body so I don't really see it as overdosing on those but understand if you want to minimise it. I believe it is Sentinel and Interceptor that you can actually give every 6 weeks and it will still protect against heartworm.

[WreckitWhippet]

The beach is one of the safest places to socialise with known vaccinated dogs. Play down where the tide has washed the beach.

I'd have no hesitation in taking mine to the beach and I'll do it from 8 weeks

[Airedaler]

I've only ever given my pups the C3 and it is all I will give them. I give one at 6 weeks and one at 12 - not a third. I would also be quite comfortable taking the pup out at 14 weeks and think the benefits of socialisation far outweigh the risk of contracting a disease. The vaccination should well and truly kicked in by then.

[Sail_Away]

Thank you for your replies everyone! I finally found a vet who is listening to me and happy to give the C3 if I so wish! :champagne:I am taking her at 12 weeks for the 2nd vaccination - I had this vet also mention the option of the Nobivac (C3 component and I could leave out having the Intranasal spray for KC which I don't want) then my pup will not require another vaccine until 12 months and she is 'fully' vaccinated with this 2 weeks post... does anyone have any experience with the Nobivac for puppies?