We firmly believe in vaccinating our goldens. Jolene is a nurse, and I also have experience in the medical field. So it would be a little hypocritical to not support vaccines. Now, that doesn’t mean we believe in over vaccinating. Many veterinarians over vaccinate because it brings in extra office visits, and also exuberant costs for vaccines. That not only leads to excessive costs but can also lead to health issues. Luckily, many holistic vets are exposing the practice, and puppy vaccination schedules have changed. Below are vaccines you can get your dogs.

 

Core Vaccines

 

Canine Distemper

Distemper attacks the respiratory system, GI tract, and nervous system. Usually given in 3 to 4 doses in a 5 in 1 vaccine. However most recomendations are now 3 doses. There is a yearly booster as with all other core vaccines.

Canine Adenovirus

Adenovirus or CAV-1 is a form of Hepatitis and affects the liver and other organs. Adenovirus CAV-2 is another form of kennel cough and affects the respiratory system. Adenovirus vaccines are usually given in 3 to 4 doses in a 5 in 1 vaccine.

Canine Parvo

Parvo attacks the GI tract resulting in diarrhea and vomiting. This is very nasty virus and contagious. I feel it’s a must almost over any other vaccine. Death of a puppy can be within 24-72 hours after contact. Usually given in 3 to 4 doses.

Rabies

Rabies virus invades the central nervous system, causing headaches, excessive drooling or frothing at the mouth, fear of water, paralysis, and more. Without the vaccine and your dog contracts the virus it will result in your dogs death. Rabies vaccine is generally given at week 16. This is another must. You will receive a booster at 1 year of age. There after it will be 1 to 3 year boosters. I get the 3 year vaccine. The vaccine is the same, however with the rabies vaccines, it is one that a dogs titers will maintain longer. There is no necessary reason to get it more often, otherwise you are over vaccinating. Some states though still require a 1 year vaccine for rabies. Hopefully soon all states will require the same protocol.

Non-Core Vaccines

 

Canine Parainfluenza

Parainfluenza is another cause of kennel cough. Just like the flu in humans it affects the respiratory tract. 5 in 1 vaccines cover this with core vaccines and is given in 3 to 4 doses. It can also be given with a Bordatella vaccine.

Canine Corona-Virus

Affect GI tract causing vomiting and diahrea. If you go with a 6 in 1 vaccine, this is covered in the vaccine.

Bordetella Bronchiseptica

Bordetella causes coughing and vomiting. This is the primary cause of Kennel Cough. Usually required before a dog is boarded and groomed. Yearly vaccines is generally necessary or when boarding is planned.

Borrelia Burgdorferi (Lyme disease)

Lyme disease is contracted by ticks. It affects the heart, kidney, joints, and nervous system. Generally we prevent lyme disease by controlling ticks. However, in areas where ticks are more prevalent, it might be necessary to get a vaccine for lyme disease. I know a lot of people who have trouble with ticks in the north east. Contact your vet to see if this one may be necessary in your area.

Canine Measles

This isn’t often given any more, although it is still recommended by AKC. For what reason I have no idea, because I can’t get it from a vet here in southern California. Contact your veterinarian to see if this is needed in your area.

Leptospira interrogans (Leptospirosis)

This is a bacteria that generally causes no symptoms, however it can cause fever, vomitting, diarrhea and more. The potential side affects of the vaccine generally outweighs the actual benefits of prevention. It’s often never given unless exposure to leptospirosis is high. Even when given, it only covers a handful of subtypes and unlikely to prevent the disease. Generally leptospirosis is treated with an antibiotic. There is a different 6 in 1 vaccine that covers leptospirosis.

In southern California our veterinarians recommend a 5 in 1 vaccine to our puppies. A 5 in 1 vaccines (DAPPv) prevent Distemper, Adenovirus Type 1, Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. Corona Virus and Leptospirosis vaccines included together in a core vaccine are called 7 in 1 vaccines.

Corona Virus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease vaccines are optional vaccines. If you ever plan to board your dog, or even groom your dog, most will require your dog to have a bordatella vaccine. Since we go to a lot of dog shows, our dogs are required to get them by our groomers.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Puppy’s Age	Recommended Vaccinations	Optional Vaccinations
6 – 8 weeks	DAPPv (vaccines for distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis], parainfluenza, and parvovirus)	Coronavirus, Measles, Bordetella
10 – 12 weeks	DAPPv	Coronavirus, Bordetella, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis
16 weeks	Rabies	none
16 weeks	DAPPv	Coronavirus, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis
12 – 16 months	Rabies, DAPPv	Coronavirus, Bordetella, Lyme disease, Leptotspirosis
Every 1 – 2 years	DAPPv	Coronavirus, Bordetella, Lyme disease, Leptotspirosis
Every 1 – 3 years	Rabies as required by law (varies by state)	none

Additional Vaccine Tips

Now I’m not a veterinarian. So I can’t officially recommend medical advise. I’m suggesting this information for a basic guideline as to what to expect when you go to vaccinate your puppy. I personally vaccinate my dogs at home with DAPPv, with the exception of Rabies and Bordetella. State Law Enforcement will not recognize your rabies vaccine if you do it yourself. A licensed veterinarian must inoculate your dogs with rabies for it to be valid. The rest you can do it at home. Solo-Jec sells individual vaccines that you can buy for around $11. Make sure to follow proper storing guidelines. Also, it is becoming more common to not vaccinate with yearly boosters and waiting a longer period of time. If you don’t plan to go anywhere or board your dog you might opt to wait a bit longer to vaccinate with a 5 in 1. It is also possible to do a blood draw of titers to see if your dog needs a booster at all. It does cost more money, but at least that way we know for sure if we are over vaccinating or not.

Another tip is that local SPCA’s, animal shelters, the pound (depending on your local terms), generally offer cheap rabies vaccines. At my local animal shelter it costs only $6 for a rabies vaccine that lasts 3 years. That can save you a lot of money than going to the vet. Also our local feed stores also sell 5 in 1 vaccines for $8 which is less than buying online. Shipping online requires the package to be shipped in a cold storage container, and that is why the cost is more. Just make sure the vaccines are a 5 in 1 if you buy at a feed store. If you are buying multiple vaccines for multiple dogs, then it will be cheaper to buy them online as they are $5.29 per vaccine, plus shipping container.

For breeders reading, we buy Nobivac vaccines in bulk as that is generally the best way to go. We buy 3 cc syringes with luer lock. Always buy syringes with luer lock. You don’t want to be administering a vaccine while the needle detaches.

In conclusion, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take your dog for a checkup and maintain all other health issues. A healthy and happy puppy will be lead to a happy family.