There probably isn't a more controversial subject right now than vaccine protocols for dogs. The Canine Health Foundation is in the middle of a several year study on canine vaccines. Even when their research is done, there still may be questions on the right way to vaccinate.
We included this page in order to pose a few thought provoking questions. ...To cause you to ask your vet what they are giving your puppy and why. All we are really saying is please be reasonable; Think about what you are giving your pet and make sure the benefits outweigh the risks. Don't let anyone scare you into vaccinating aggressively if it is not necessary.
Conclusion - More is not always better!
Our guarantee of course can not cover anything related to or possibly related to short or long term complications due to vaccines given or not given. This is a personal choice you will be faced to make on your own, understanding the risks involved with each decision.
We have given you our opinion, Dr. Dodds, the AAHA's (American Animal Hospital Association) and directed you to a few interesting websites as well. Consult your Vet too and then decide what you feel makes the most sense and what is best for your puppy.
DR. DODD'S MOST RECENT CANINE VACCINATION PROTOCOL – 2007
(FOR MINIMAL VACCINE USE PROGRAM)
AGE OF PUPPY: VACCINE TYPE:
10 - weeks Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
(e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy DPV)
14 weeks Same as above -
18 weeks (optional) Same as above -
20 weeks or older, if allowed by law Rabies (killed vaccine preferred)
1 year Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
1 year Rabies, killed 3-year product (give 3-4 weeks apart from distemper/parvovirus booster)
Note: This vaccine protocol is offered for those dogs where minimal vaccinations are advisable or desirable. The schedule is one I recommend and should not interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It's a matter of professional judgment and choice.
W. Jean Dodds, DVM
938 Stanford Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310-828-4804; Fax 310-828-8251
e-mail: hemopet@hotmail.com
Multiple components in vaccines compete with each other for the immune
system and result in lesser immunity for each individual disease as well as
increasing the risk of a reaction.
We are trying to provide information for the purpose of better educating our puppy families. This information is in no way intended to be used as a substitute for obtaining professional veterinary advice in a specific situation. It is simply what we believe and practice. Please keep in mind that our site is for reference, NOT for consultation. Never disregard veterinary advice or delay in seeking it as a result of information provided here. If your veterinarian suggests otherwise, please follow their advise.
ATTENTION - PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING!
The following is information concerning vaccines and protocol as well as Dr. W. Jean Dodds' 2007 vaccination protocol regarding modified live virus vaccines (distemper, hepatitis and parvo vaccines are MLV's, rabies is a killed vaccine), Dr. Dodds and Dr. Ronald Schultz are two of the nation's leading experts and veterinary research scientists on vaccinations. Dr. Schultz,has been vaccinating his own pets on a very limited basis since 1974. He gives them puppy vaccines, then uses a blood test to check if their systems have produced antibodies in response to the vaccines. After that, he doesn't vaccinate them again, except for rabies as required by law.
To sum it up, two of the country's top veterinary vaccine experts don't give MLV booster vaccinations after the age of one year. In human terms, none of us who received the modified live polio virus vaccinations as children get yearly, biennial, triennial, etc... boosters for the rest of our lives.
VACCINATION PROTOCOL
by Dr. Jean Dodd
All 27 veterinary schools in North America are in the process of changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs. Some of this information will present an ethical & economic challenge to Vets, and there will be skeptics. Some organizations have come up with a political compromise suggesting vaccinations every 3 years to appease those who fear loss of income vs. those concerned about potential side effects. Politics, traditions, or the doctors economic well-being should not be a factor in a medical decision.
NEW PRINCIPLES OF IMMUNOLOGY
Dogs immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces immunity, which is good for the life of the pet (i.e.: canine distemper, parvo,). If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and there is little or no effect. The titer is not "boosted" nor are more memory cells induced. Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines.
Puppies receive antibodies through their mothers milk. This natural protection can last 8 - 14 weeks. Puppies should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8 weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0-38%) will be
produced. Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, DELAY the timing of the first highly effective vaccine. Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart SUPPRESS rather than stimulate the immune system. A series of vaccinations is given starting at 8 weeks and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age (usually at l year 4 mo) will provide LIFETIME IMMUNITY.
Excerpts from the August 2004 issue of Veterinary Economics:
"Many veterinarians derive a substantial percent of their total incomes from vaccinating dogs and cats... So changing your vaccine protocols could have a significant affect on practice finances. How big a hit will you take?"
VERY interesting...
Lyme Disease vaccine - There is no evidence at this time that infection of Lyme leads to any significant chronic disease problem in dogs or that infected dogs are public health risks. Vaccine reactions occur occasionally and may outweigh health benefits. The vaccine also interferes with interpretation of titers possibly for years after vaccination. In other words, after having received the vaccine, your pup can test positive to the disease when he/she never really had it to begin with!
Coronavirus vaccine - Canine Corona Virus is only a disease of puppies. It is rare, self limiting and dogs get well in 3 days without treatment. Usually, it is not an adult dog illness.
Bordetella Bronchiseptica (kennel cough) vaccine - Used in kennel situations where a problem exists. It is a good idea to use this vaccine if you plan to board your dog within the following 6 month period or if you routinely use a "Doggie Daycare".
Giardia Vaccine - Giardiasis is a common infection in dogs, but rarely causes significant disease. For these reasons, routine vaccination for Giardia is not recommended.
Leptospirosis vaccines - Only found to be partially effective, short lived and not to mention it can cause severe reactions and lasting complications in puppies. We have seen this vaccine cause problems in our puppies in the past. Lepto vaccine is immuno-supressive to puppies less than 16 weeks. Therfor, giving the Lepto vaccine to your Connemara puppy/dog will void our guarantee.
Over-vaccination is responsible for the high incidence of arthritis, skin problems, behavior problems, epilepsy, autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, and allergies.
In addition, the veterinarian's and breeders training, beliefs and opinions also play into this. The first point to consider should be safety. Vaccines can be harmful so we should be vaccinating because the advantages outweigh the risks.
HOW VACCINES WORK:
A vaccination stimulates a dog's immune system to protect against disease. When the antigen or infectious agent enters the dog's body, it is recognized as foreign and antibodies are produced to destroy it. Even though the invader is gone, the cells that manufactured the antibodies "remember" it and will respond quickly the next time the same agent is confronted.
After years of raising puppies and seeing case-after-case of vaccine related issues, we at Connemara now embrace a completely holistic and natural approach to the wellness of our dogs. We are on a more conservative schedule in regard to vaccinations, and here's why:
Puppies receive antibodies through their mothers milk. This natural protection can stay with the puppy for 8-14 weeks. If a puppy is vaccinated before 8 weeks of age, the natural maternal immunity will neutralize the
Vaccinations for puppies are a controversial subject in veterinary science as well as for responsible breeders. There is clearly no best answer or practice. Vaccinating practices vary and involve the following factors:
1. Your puppy's environment
2. Your puppy's age when he received his first shot
3. The interval between vaccines
4. The kinds and types of vaccines best for your area of the country
vaccine and little or no protection will be produced. Vaccination at 6 weeks will, in fact, delay the timing of the first highly effective vaccine. Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart suppress rather than stimulate the immune system.
According some more recent, updated practices, a series of vaccinations should be given starting no earlier than 8 weeks and then 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age (at 1 year 4 mo) usually will provide a lifetime of immunity.
HELPFUL OR HARMFUL?
Many well meaning pet owners and breeders feel if they give vaccinations starting early at 4-6 weeks and on a 2 week schedule, they are protecting their pups in a responsible manner. Unfortunately what they don't realize is that they may very well be harming the animal instead.
If a puppy is given vaccinations too early, the immunities received from the mother will neutralize the vaccine and little to no protection will be the result. Vaccinating at 6 weeks will delay timing of the
first highly effective vaccine. Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart suppress rather than stimulate the immune system.
WHAT WE VACCINATE OUR PUPPIES FOR:
We support a more holistic schedule. We ask that you wait until your puppy is 10 weeks of age before giving the first vaccines. We will provide you a schedule on what our veterinarian recommends.
We now worm pups with Pyrantel Pamoate at 2, 4 and 8 weeks of age. At 6 weeks, we also do one worming with SAFE-GUARD or PANACUR just before pup goes home with you. We also give ALBON x 3 days as a preventative against Coccidosis.
While we are on the subject of worming - it is easy and safe to protect your puppy from internal parasites. We use a monthly preventative called INTERCEPTOR. It prevents heartworm disease and protects your pup against roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. A monthly dose of Interceptor is recommended if you live in an area that has mosquitos. Heartworm can be an issue here in Maine so we simply don't take any chances with this one.
CONNEMARA KENNEL - Copyright 2009 - All Rights Reserved. No portion of this website may be copied.
Jack Russell Terrier dog, Jack Russell terrier, jack russell terrier puppy, jack russell terrier puppies, jack russell terrier breeders, irish jack Russell, irish jack Russell terrier, English Jack Russell, jack Russell shorty, Connemara Terrier, Connemara Terriers, Connemara Ireland, Connemaras
Basic Info:
Worth The Read:
Interested in a Connemara?
Bringing Puppy Home:
Above & Beyond:
LIFETIME GUARANTEE
on all Connemara Terriers
Be sure you are EDUCATED - Before your puppy is MEDICATED!
Read up on the hazzards and weigh your options carefully...
You might know what the drug can do FOR me,
But do you know what it will do TO me?
PLEASE ASK THE VET TO DISCLOSE THIS INFORMATION.
e-mail: connemara.terrier@gmail.com Based in the USA - New England (207) 221-0267
2006 AAHA recommended Vaccines for dogs:
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (Core diseases/vaccinations)
Rabies, Parvovirus, Distemper, Adenovirus-2
OPTIONAL (NON-CORE!)
Bordatella, Lyme, Parainfluenza (if given in combination with the core vaccines)
NOT RECOMMENDED AS ROUTINE
Leptospirosis and
Distemper-Measles (given to puppies only)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Coronavirus, Giardia, Adenovirus-1 and Leptospirosis (unless problamatic in your region).
DNA & Chromosome analysis by a team of Geneticists proves the CONNEMARA TERRIER is different ~
VACCINES
We don't recommend annual vaccines for Lyme disease, Coronavirus, Giardia or Leptospirosis unless it is problamatic in your area. PLEASE consult with your veterinarian for advise. Each area of the country is unique and what may be an issue in one place, may not be where you live. Common sense is the best approach. If you have an elevated reason to be concerned, then of course vaccinate. But why give a vaccine for something that your veterinarian tells you he/she hasn't seen a case of in 15 years? For example, as I have mentioned, we have real issues with Heartworm in Maine, so we keep all our dogs on a preventative called "Interceptor" and test for it as well.
