| Note: This schedule is the one that 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.
For breeders of families of dogs susceptible to or affected with
immune dysfunction, immunemediated disease, immune-reactions associated
with vaccinations, or autoimmune endocrine disease (e.g., thyroiditis,
Addison's or Cushing's disease, diabetes, etc.) the following protocol
is recommended:
| Age of Pup |
Vaccine Type |
| 6 weeks (range could be 5 1/2-6 1/2 weeks but not
earlier) |
Distemper + measles (without hepatitis) |
| 7 1/2 weeks and 10 1/2 weeks (same product each
time) |
Killed or modified-live parvorvirus* given 3-4
weeks apart |
| 8 weeks and 10 weeks for pups not receiving
measles earlier |
Distemper + parvovirus +- hepatitis -????? |
| 12 weeks |
Distemper + hepatitis + parainfluenza (without
parvovirus, if possible)* |
| 14 weeks and 18-20 weeks (same product each time) |
Distemper + hepatitis + parainfluenza + killed or
modified-live parvovirus* |
| 16-24 weeks |
Killed rabies vaccine |
|
*During parvovirus epidemics or for highly susceptible breeds such as
Rottweilers, newer modified-live virus (MLV) vaccines that provide more
complete immunity and override maternal immunity are advisable.
- An Annual booster using distemper + hepatitis + parainfluenza +
killed or MLV parvovirus is given at one year of age.
Thereafter, boosters are given every 3 years until old age.
Beyond 10 years of age, booster vaccinations are generally not
needed and may be unwise if aging or other diseases are
present. For animals at high exposure risk to parvovirus
disease, an additional parvovirus vaccination can be given at the
6-month point, if killed parvovirus is used. This extra
booster is typically not needed if MLV is used.
- I use only killed 3-year rabies vaccine for adults an give it separated
from other vaccines by at least 2 and preferably 3-4 weeks. A
booster at one year of age is usually required followed by every 3
years thereafter.
- I do not use Bordetella, corona virus, leptospirosis or
Lyme vaccines unless these diseases are endemic in the local
area or specific kennel. Furthermore, the currently licensed
leptospira bacterins do not contain the servovars causing the
majority of clinical leptospirosis today.
- I do not recommend vaccinating bitches during estrus, pregnancy or
lactation.
- I recommend that distemper-measles vaccine be given without
hepatitis between 6-8 weeks, because of the reported suppression of
lymphocyte responsiveness induced by polyvalent canine distemper and
adenovirus vaccines (Phillips et at., Van J Vet Res 1989; 53:
154-160).
- For animals previously experiencing adverse vaccine reactions or
breeds at higher risk for such reactions (e.g. Weimaraner, Akita,
American Eskimo, Great Dane), alternatives to booster
vaccinations should be considered. These include avoiding
boosters except rabies vaccine as required by law; annual measuring
serum antibody titers against specific canine infectious agents,
such as distemper and parvovirus; and homeopathic nosodes.
[This last option is considered an unconventional treatments that
has not been scientifically proven to be effeicacious. One
controlled parvovirus nosode study did not adequately protect
puppies under challenge conditions. However, data from Europe
and clinical experience in North America support its use. If
veterinarians choose to use homeopathic nosodes, their clients
should be provided with an appropriate disclaimer and written
informed consent should be obtained.]
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