Are annual shots overkill!!!

[.sarah]

Do you guys not even believe in giving the puppies their first shots, 6 weeks and up? Or is it strictly just the yearly shots that ya'll don't give?

Morgan turned 6 weeks old today, and is due for her first shot, but I'm not sure if I should take her to have it or not.

I would assume you know why vaccines are pushed to be given, so I can PM you some links against them if you'd like. Just let me know, I'm not on my computer right now so can't send them until later.

[cali]

I think it's totally over-board to with hold boosters from a puppy because the whole idea is that it sets them up for immunity from the diseases.

I dont think its overboard, the reason for not giving vaccins that young is that before around 15-16 weeks they still have the antibodys from their mom, basicly the vaccines that young do nothing whatsoever, because the pups are ALREADY proected. by 15-16 weeks the moms antibodys have worn off, so this is when I do Parvo. my vet agree's with this, I know when Blairs breeder was taking all the pups in for there puppy shots we asked her to skip Blairs vaccines, her vet like spazed lol my vet, after looking him over, told us that we were lucky we asked to not have him vaccinated beceause it could have made him dangerously sick(Blair was 2 weeks premature). of coarse some breeder might not be so willing to comply with that one lol

[bckrazy]

I meant, basically, just bypassing shots for puppies. Some people feel that healthy puppies should just fend off disease on their own, without any shots. I understand your opinion, totally. However, I feel it's better to get shots done as long as it does not compromise the puppy's health, after hearing Jordan's story about Visa contracting parvo, and after knowing of bad breeders who did not get their pups vaccinated at all (then again... they were also outside and exposed to many other dogs and even neighbors dogs/loose dogs) and lost whole litters to parvo at 6-8 weeks.

Yeah, that is a very understanding breeder. The breeder I was going to get my Corgi pup from also practiced limited vaccinations.

[.sarah]

I meant, basically, just bypassing shots for puppies. Some people feel that healthy puppies should just fend off disease on their own, without any shots.

I'm a little upset by this comment.

If I ever go to a breeder instead of a rescue, I would never buy from a breeder who did any vaccines. None. I don't think any vaccines are a good thing and feel they do more harm than good. I don't think I am any less responsible than someone who minimally vaccinates or vaccinates out the ying yang. We are all doing what we believe is right. I wouldn't take my 12 week old pup out in public whether they were vaccinated or not, and don't think anyone should. Too much is out there and too many diseases can be contracted, vaccines or not. Anyone who thinks otherwise is kidding themselves.

after knowing of bad breeders who did not get their pups vaccinated at all (then again... they were also outside and exposed to many other dogs and even neighbors dogs/loose dogs) and lost whole litters to parvo at 6-8 weeks.

That's the problem, not the fact that they weren't vaccinated.



Sorry, I'm kind of bitter this morning =/

[BC_MoM]

IMHO, this worldwide vaccine issue is being blown out of perportion.

I will vaccinate my dogs yearly.

Dogs have been vaccinated for CENTURIES yearly.

[.sarah]

Dogs have been vaccinated for CENTURIES yearly.

Huh? Dogs have been vaccinated yearly for 2-3 decades, not centuries.

And just because it's been done that long doesn't mean it's safe.

[Roxyluvsme13]

I don't really know my whole opinion on the situation. Roxy only gets a yearly rabies vaccine, which will be a 3 year one next year, but it's only because my grandpa says she has to have them.
Lily's had all her puppy shots, and I don't think my cat's been vaccinated? (is it the same for cats?) Anyways, I don't know my whole opinion on the situation..:/

[lv4dogs]

I personally think that some shots are good but too many can be harmful.

My dogs get their series of puppy shots and their first yearly vaccines. After that they only get vaccinated every 3-5 years (depending on the dogs health, age, activity levels, how frequently they travel, their tier results, etc..). EXCEPT for rabies, they get that every 3 years (well if they are young, their first rabies vacc. is due in one year, after that it's every 3 years) only because (A) it is state law and (B) I am an avid camper & travel frequently and rabies certificates are often needed for many different events.

[bckrazy]

Sorry Sarah, if I came off that way. It's definitely just "my opinion", and I wouldn't want to force it on anyone or make anyone feel bad because of it. The fact is that you are protecting your puppy, shots or not.

I agree, that the "well, they've been over-vaccinating for decades" thing is not a valid excuse. There are plenty of dogs who have had reactions & plenty of dogs who get the shot yearly and still contract the disease, the thing is that most vets have their own excuses that they force on owners, I've heard many. That reasoning, to me, is on the same level as "well, dogs have been fed kibble for decades..."

[.sarah]

Sorry Sarah, if I came off that way.

Bah, don't worry about it. Like I said, I wasn't in a great mood yesterday.

I agree, that the "well, they've been over-vaccinating for decades" thing is not a valid excuse. There are plenty of dogs who have had reactions & plenty of dogs who get the shot yearly and still contract the disease, the thing is that most vets have their own excuses that they force on owners, I've heard many. That reasoning, to me, is on the same level as "well, dogs have been fed kibble for decades..."

Yeah, I feel the same way!