Vaccinating Puppies At 6 Weeks

[Steve]

Nup I dont agree with you here Zorro and not all litters and breeds can be treated the same way

Too many variables . I dont have time right now to give this subject justice but will try

to get back in the next few hours.

[Zorro_007]

Steve, Of course there are variables as to the age that puppies still carry maternal antibodies, there are variables also between litters and I think this boils down to the dam, her vaccination protocol, vaccine used, etc. (not sure if that is what you mean?) some puppies do carry maternal antibodies for longer periods of time but there is a vaccine that is able to override a small amount of maternal antibodies and that is why I insist on a live vaccine, I am partial to Protech Duramune....although I still think that 6 weeks is far too young to start vaccinating. From what I have been told, the higher percentage of puppies are antibodies free if you like, by the age of 9 weeks so this would be the optimum age to start vaccinating; this doesn't apply to rotties and dobes and I don't know the answer to that and the vets don't have an answer to this either.

What breed of dogs are you into?

Edited May 1, 2006 by Zorro_007

[Steve]

Steve, Of course there are variables as to the age that puppies still carry maternal antibodies, there are variables also between litters and I think this boils down to the dam, her vaccination protocol, vaccine used, etc. (not sure if that is what you mean?) some puppies do carry maternal antibodies for longer periods of time but there is a vaccine that is able to override a small amount of maternal antibodies and that is why I insist on a live vaccine, I am partial to Protech Duramune....although I still think that 6 weeks is far too young to start vaccinating. From what I have been told, the higher percentage of puppies are antibodies free if you like, by the age of 9 weeks so this would be the optimum age to start vaccinating; this doesn't apply to rotties and dobes and I don't know the answer to that and the vets don't have an answer to this either.

Yep thats what I mean and yes some puppies carry maternal antibodies strong enough to protect them if their Mum's have

anti bodies which can be passed into the pup and Id hope the majority of people who were breeding responsibly would know the Dam's vaccination history . In these pups which do have maternal anti bodies 8 weeks is a better time to give a first vaccination but people like Cordy will tell you that not all pups are born with maternal antibodies and thousands each year die after contracting Parvo younger than 8 weeks. If there is any research or evidence to prove that one vaccination of any type or brand is more capable of overriding maternal anti bodies than any other Ive not seen it and Id be interested in seeing this if you have references for it . I have seen research to suggest that a killed vaccine such as parvo vac has less side effects than the live and that it is just as effective in providing immunity . Theoretcially its better for a vet to tell you killed vaccines arent as good as only a vet is able to give a live vaccine and they may loose financially if they tell us that the killed are just as good as we are able to buy these vaccinations off the net for $10 each.

It all comes down to a breeder understanding the issues associated with Canine Immunology and having knowledge to make the decision but many many breeders have no idea and based on the possible consequences part of any discussion on vaccinating pups has to be an understanding that the risks need to be looked at as well as what has worked for us and why we have made the decision we have.

[Wazzat Xolo]

I know that some vets do charge a lower price to vaccinate litters and quite a few simply don't; I was quoted on more than one occasion by different vets for the exorbitant price of $70 per pup for litter of 5-8 pups. As for as checking the pups, it literally takes them only seconds to give them a quick check over and have you noticed that no sooner do they insert the thermometer that it comes out just as quickly?? lol.

You seem to have had problems in finding decent vets! Both my vets do very thorough checks on

I can get litters vaccinated at $20 a pup, adult dogs are at $25 C4 and $25 C5, this is registered breeders rates ( Canine Association ), which I assume you are charged? If you are not a reg breeder may pay to become one and get the vheaper rate, I do not vaccinate till 8 weeks and the puppies do not go to new families till 10 weeks, I offer another vacc at 12 weeks free of charge if they all come back to the vet together!! Ask your vet and shop around for a better deal

[Zorro_007]

Steve, Of course there are variables as to the age that puppies still carry maternal antibodies, there are variables also between litters and I think this boils down to the dam, her vaccination protocol, vaccine used, etc. (not sure if that is what you mean?) some puppies do carry maternal antibodies for longer periods of time but there is a vaccine that is able to override a small amount of maternal antibodies and that is why I insist on a live vaccine, I am partial to Protech Duramune....although I still think that 6 weeks is far too young to start vaccinating. From what I have been told, the higher percentage of puppies are antibodies free if you like, by the age of 9 weeks so this would be the optimum age to start vaccinating; this doesn't apply to rotties and dobes and I don't know the answer to that and the vets don't have an answer to this either.

Yep thats what I mean and yes some puppies carry maternal antibodies strong enough to protect them if their Mum's have

anti bodies which can be passed into the pup and Id hope the majority of people who were breeding responsibly would know the Dam's vaccination history . In these pups which do have maternal anti bodies 8 weeks is a better time to give a first vaccination but people like Cordy will tell you that not all pups are born with maternal antibodies and thousands each year die after contracting Parvo younger than 8 weeks. If there is any research or evidence to prove that one vaccination of any type or brand is more capable of overriding maternal anti bodies than any other Ive not seen it and Id be interested in seeing this if you have references for it . I have seen research to suggest that a killed vaccine such as parvo vac has less side effects than the live and that it is just as effective in providing immunity . Theoretcially its better for a vet to tell you killed vaccines arent as good as only a vet is able to give a live vaccine and they may loose financially if they tell us that the killed are just as good as we are able to buy these vaccinations off the net for $10 each.

1stly I am curious as to why Cordy should be considered an authority in this issue....how would she know for sure that some puppies are born without maternal antibodies??...I can understand that in her line of work she may have witnessed the loss of puppies due to parvo but it goes without saying that the puppies in question would not have been titre tested so how can she make such stipulations? My belief and, as I said earlier, those of a fair few vets, is that those maternal antibodies are present only in very small numbers, nowhere near enough to combat parvo but still able to neutralise a vaccine.

I was told by the vaccinate manufacturers that Protech Duramune is one of a couple of vaccines that is able to override maternal antibodies. It goes without saying that a live vaccine would be stronger than a killed vaccine hence more efficient. If a dog is going to have a reaction to a vaccine it will happen no matter whether it is killed or live, you will find that the reaction is due to other additives that are added not the virus in itself.

[Steve]

I dont have the energy to argue with you on why Cordy should know about puppies who dont have enough maternal anti bodies to fight off parvo .

Fact is some puppies are at a higher risk than others of contracting parvo and its not a good idea to come onto a public place and argue as if all puppies should be held off in the vacccinations in case some die because of it.

Sure in many , maybe even most cases its good to wait a couple of weeks longer but there are also circumstances where that would be disastous. Im not disagreeing with you entirely Im just saying your comments need to be qualified as the breeder needs to be knowledgeable to make the call.

[Poodle wrangler]

Just curious... Is it necessary for the vet to vaccinate your dog? They usually do the yearly checkup at the same time which is not a bad idea. Is it just my vet's preference?

I was thinking that you don't have to be a doctor to vaccinate a human, so why with dogs?

[Wazzat Xolo]

Just curious... Is it necessary for the vet to vaccinate your dog? They usually do the yearly checkup at the same time which is not a bad idea. Is it just my vet's preference?

I was thinking that you don't have to be a doctor to vaccinate a human, so why with dogs?

I have meds that I can give by injection, but some meds are hard to obtain ( for me anyway ) Ivomectin I give intramuscular and I am by no way a vet!! I think ( personally) the drugs are the hard part to get.

[Nadia]

Some killed vaccines are available that owners can vacinate with, but Live vaccines are only available to Vets.

ANY vaccination must only be given to a HEALTHY animal.

Absolutely healthy, any animal that is being treated with drugs or medications such as cortisone and other immune suppressant medicions should not be vaccinated.

Dogs that are under stress, recovering from illness etc should not be vaccinated.

All of this must be taken into consideration before the animal is vaccinated with any vaccine.