Confused...

Keeran's Mama · 07-22-2008, 07:50 PM

Ok, so Keeran's my first dog ever and I was pretty ignorant of vaccination timelines and the like. I got him when he was 8 weeks and of course brought him to the vet to get his first round of shots. He got the 7 in 1 and also rabies. Are puppies suppose to get rabies shots that young? Since I've had him, I've been obsessing over everything and I've read that most vets don't even give the rabies shot til the puppy is at least 12 weeks old! Is it even effective in one so young? I forgot to say, Keeran's 6 months old now. Anyway, if it is still effective, how long does it last?

Sorry for the stupid questions...

Patt · 07-22-2008, 08:04 PM

There are no stupid questions!!

In CA rabies vaccination cannot be given until the pup is 4 months old. Never earlier. The first rabies injection is good for one year. After one year the dog receives a booster and then it is good for 3 years.

DHPP is usually started at 8 weeks of age and booster given every 3 weeks until the pup is 4 months old.

Here is Dr. Jean Dodds DVM vaccination protocol.
http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/DODD...-PROTOCOLS.HTM

Keeran's Mama · 07-22-2008, 08:10 PM

Thanks for your quick response!!

I just have a few follow up questions. Since he's already been given the shot, does that make it less effective since he was given it at such a young age? Do I have to bring him to get another rabies shot? Now I'm worried...

Patt · 07-22-2008, 08:18 PM

I am not a vet so I can't say for sure. I think logically it would not be any good since he was so young. Do you think you might be mistaken on that? Actually it probably wouldn't hurt to give him another at this time to be sure he is protected. I think it would only be good for 1 years. But, you really need to ask a vet to be certain.

poodleholic · 07-24-2008, 04:12 AM

You might also want to do some research on your own about vaccinations. I, personally, would never allow a rabies vac to be given at the same time as a core vaccine, I wait at least one month. I do not allow more than one vaccine to be given at a time (i.e., Parvo, then wait a month, then the next, wait a month, and then the next, and wait a month). I would also never subject my dog to being given 5 vaccines at once.

Shalva · 07-24-2008, 08:18 AM

I do not understand vets inexplicable willingness to trash a puppies immune system... it drives me nuts....

in either case....

the rabies shot should be fine for one year..... you will have to boost in a year.... despite the fact that vets should know better, many of them still do stuff like this....

In a year you want to boost the rabies ....

you had your first set at 8 weeks.... did the breeder do any shots at all????

If you call Dr. Jean Dodds she is very nice and will tell you what protocol to follow considering what you have already done.

My suggestion would be second set of shots at 11 or 12 weeks and third at around 16 weeks.

I use a completely different vaccination schedule with my dogs and puppies than what you have started but its best that you continue along....

7 in one I just can't believe it.....

when you do your next shots make sure that the vet doesn't give your puppy anything with lepto in it.... puppies are known for having severe and oft fatal reactions to a lepto vaccine.

DO NOT do kennel cough, giardia, lyme or any other vaccines at this time.... if you decide to do those later fine (although I would never recommend them) however considering what your vet has already done.... you need to take it easy on the puppies system.... if you decide to do them later then that is fine but right now only do what is necessary....

in the future.... you need to divide out your vaccines.... I personally only do distemper and parvo...... then a month later if I am due for a rabies booster I do it then.... I never do them all at once..... and I never give more vaccinations than are absolutely necessary.

My bigger concern for you is your vet.... who absolutely should have known better and I would seriously consider finding a new vet.

S