Dog Vaccination Schedule

So why would there be more than one dog vaccination schedule? Good question, and I have some answers for you.

I'll start with a question so you can see my point. Why is the basic human vaccine schedule a one shot deal for each disease, yet the dog vaccine schedule is repeated yearly?

Now that I have you thinking, I'll tell you that Roger Pitcairn, DVM,PHD, in his 2005 book called Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats says to avoid annual boosters. He states the following:

"The latest official veterinary opinion states that annual re-vaccinations are neither required nor effective. Your veterinarian may not know of this or even agree with it. Rest assured, however, that experts in the field of veterinary immunology have taken this position and support your decision not to have your animal vaccinated every year. This is not new information, just ignored information."

Dr. Pitcairn believes the only essential vaccines are distemper (given at 22 weeks) and parvo (given a month later).

He then says, if you think your puppy may be exposed to other sick animals, then vaccinate twice as follows:

• First distemper: 16 weeks
• First parvo: 20 weeks
• Second distemper: 24 weeks
• Second parvo: 28 weeks

(Although rabies shots for dogs have become rather controversial, they are still required by law every three years.)

Core Dog Vaccine Schedule

9 weeks: Canine Distemper & Canine Adenovirus 2

12 weeks: Parvovirus (killed)

15 weeks: Canine Distemper and Canine Adenovirus 2

18 weeks: Parvovirus (killed)

6 months: Rabies

16 months: Canine Distemper & Canine Adenovirus 2 (Check titer test - vaccinate only if antibody level is low)

20 months: Rabies (only if required by law)

24 months: Parvovirus (Check titer test- vaccinate only if antibody level is low)

4 years: Rabies (required every 3 years)

5 years: Canine Distemper and Canine Adenovirus 2, followed by Parvovirus (killed) in one to two months (check titer test as above)

* * *

Why has this become such a big deal now? Not only are there many more vaccinations offered to keep our pets healthy, more are given in a single injection. While it seems to save money, and time with less trips to the vet, it is a vast amount of toxins for any body to be bombarded with at one time. Doesn't that make sense?

Whatever dog vaccination schedule you choose for your dog, here are some key points to consider so dog shots are less likely to cause a supressed immune system. These key elements for any dog vaccination schedule are:

• Ask your vet to use an inactivated or killed vaccine if possible.
• Vaccinate for one disease at a time (called a monovalent vaccine)
• Spread them out at three week intervals to give the canine immune system a chance to deal with the attack
• NEVER immunize earlier than 9 weeks old
• NEVER immunize a sick dog! NEVER!

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