Puppy vaccinations

[Rollo58]

Hi
We collect our show cocker liver roan and tan tomorrow.
Could we ask advice regarding his injections.
We want to give Archie the best chance of integrating during the 16 week suggested period but have read that some types of vaccine mean a puppy can’t truly socialise until around 14 weeks after all his jabs.
Is there a vaccine out there that can shorten that period?
My preferred local vet uses Lepo4 which I believe is a little controversial?
Thanks

[Shelley]

In my household all vaccinations are controversial! I have sometimes had puppy vaccs done, but then there have been pups who have never had a single vaccination in their life. Boosters have never been done since you can't boost the immune system. You either have immunity or you don't, and if you believe that vaccinations work, then they work for life. Lepto 4 would never ever be given to my dogs.

I have an 11 week old chocolate roan and tan pup, she had her first vaccination while she was still with her breeder, but she hasn't had anymore since she came to me. She has been out and about since the day I had her. She has been on the floor in pet shops having a wander and meeting people. I believe in building up natural immunity.

If you intend to vaccinate you can still take your pup out and about, just carry him and let him meet people and have cuddles with them. If you don't want to vaccinate, just take him out and about and build up the natural immunity. The only thing I do if not vaccinating a pup, is I am careful where I go, or where I put them on the floor in the first few weeks.

[Gerryjane]

I think whether or not to vaccinate is a very personal decision and obviously opposing views are held. We decided to use the core vaccinations but may titer test in future rather than boost. Lepto 4 .... not a core and risk of the illness depends on your immediate location. Kennel cough we don’t use.

Socialising is vital so carry your pup to watch the world go by always making sure that he is happy and relaxed. We started in very quiet places and progressed to sitting in the car boot with him in supermarket car parks watching people, trolleys etc. After vaccinations we drove to these places and could walk around a little. We kept walking on lead to a minimum and conditioned that at home.

[Pearly]

Before making a decision to vaccinate or not, its wise to check with your insurer as they (generally) won’t  pay out for an illness if it could have been prevented.

Once your pup has had its first vaccine its safe to allow them to mix with with dogs you know are vaccinated on their own territory.

Where are you located? You may find there are other members close by that you can meet with.

Jayne
Purdey, Pearl, Sally, Coral and Kukri

[Darwin]

In addition think about what you plan to do for the next 12years for holiday.  Kennels are very unlikely to accept an unvaccinated dog.  Most kennels will insist on seeing a copy of the fully upto.date vacatinstion certificate as part of the booking process.