Puppy Vaccination Questions!

[kimmom]

We are getting a puppy today! It has been a year since our dog died and we are getting a Border Collie! YAY! There are 2 different litters to choose from 2 families. One have had there shots the other haven't. I have done no research on immunizations in puppies but my kids are unimmunized. So any quick advice, is it better to go with non Vacc puppies??

[lilith1]

I would go only for vaccinated puppies. Well, at least puppies who have started the series, and finish myself.
If you plan on taking your dog to public places such as dog parks it makes things easier. I don't know which vectors actually transition to humans (besides Rabies)but I wouldn't take chances. In case there is a quarrel with another dog you are covered.
If you would ever board your dogs most kennels have a policy that make vaccinations mandatory.
I'll go with vaccinated.

[sonicfrost]

I would only get a puppy that has had vaccines. There are so many lethal diseases in dogs that vaccines are necessary. Not vaccinating your dog is just asking for problems. There are diseases like Parvo and Distemper that are highly contagious, highly lethal, and yet very easily prevented by vaccinating.

[angie7]

My current dogs are not current on their shots. I give my pups one round (not set) of shots and that is it. I usually do that around 6 months old and I get their rabies when they are about 2 years old and they are set for life. Either litter would work, just matters if you want to vax a pup when you get it the way you want too (pick and choose your vaxes)

[sonicfrost]

Originally Posted by angie7

My current dogs are not current on their shots. I give my pups one round (not set) of shots and that is it. I usually do that around 6 months old and I get their rabies when they are about 2 years old and they are set for life. Either litter would work, just matters if you want to vax a pup when you get it the way you want too (pick and choose your vaxes)

Rabies has to be renewed every year unless you get the 3-year vax, then it would need to be renewed in 3 years. The vet recommended set for puppies is 3 sets of shots over a number of months, the 3rd set includes the rabies at 6 months old.

In some areas, its even the law to have your dog up to date on at least the rabies vax.

[Ola_]

Ok, first of all I would not choose a breeder based on whether they vaccinate alone. A border collie is a real handful of a dog so I would search for the most stable temperament and, ideally, parents who have a good "off" switch. If you want to give vaccines that they didn't get, you can, but you can't undo temperament issues.

I do very minimal vaccines, at this point my younger dog is getting the rabies shot every 3 years and my older dog is not getting any. As far as puppy shots I have not had to decide that for my dogs since I learned about the dangers of vaccines. I can tell you that I would probably do less than a "regular" vet would recommend. One of the good sources to guide you is Dr. Jean Dodds' research - she is one of the leading vets in the field and is currently involved in trials to prove that the rabies vaccine lasts a lot longer than 3 years. Here is the link:
http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/DODD...-PROTOCOLS.HTM

[greenmagick]

I too do minmal vaccs. I wouldnt pick by vaccinations but by the better breeder...or are these rescues?

Though I am a bit confused as how you are getting the puppy today if you havent finalized it with the breeder yet???

[MissMommyNiceNice]

Since we're talking about vaccines for puppies, I just remembered we never had the final shot in our puppy's series when adopted him. Something happened and we missed the appt and never rescheduled. That was March. Is it too late to get it now? Is it necessary? He's had the first 2 rounds & his rabies...

[Nicole915]

You'll want to do the full first year, which is going to include 3 rounds of puppy shots and then the one year poke. After that, your vet shoud be able to just draw titers, and as long as your dog has immunity, you don't need to vaccinate (with the exception of rabies, that is required by law). If you're in a rural environment, please consider the Lepto, its been a bad year for it. Worst I've seen since getting out of school.

[Ola_]

Another couple of good links:
http://rufflyspeaking.wordpress.com/...orts-vaccines/
http://www.caberfeidh.com/PuppyVax.htm

Originally Posted by MissMommyNiceNice

Since we're talking about vaccines for puppies, I just remembered we never had the final shot in our puppy's series when adopted him. Something happened and we missed the appt and never rescheduled. That was March. Is it too late to get it now? Is it necessary? He's had the first 2 rounds & his rabies...

How old is your puppy? You likely don't need it now, but I guess my final answer would depend on the puppy's age.

[angie7]

Originally Posted by sonicfrost

Rabies has to be renewed every year unless you get the 3-year vax, then it would need to be renewed in 3 years. The vet recommended set for puppies is 3 sets of shots over a number of months, the 3rd set includes the rabies at 6 months old.

In some areas, its even the law to have your dog up to date on at least the rabies vax.

Yea, well I've never been one to follow the rules nor the opinion of anyone that gets their information from seminars put on my drug companies to make a buck.

[Flarmonster]

Totally agree! Pick your pup based on temperament, then decide with your vet how many and what kind of vaccines you will give. Border Collies need to be way sound. Hope you have a high energy household and lots of time to devote to your new addition!

Temperament is by far more lethal than any disease dogs get. (not many are transmitted to humans, either, BTW, just a few that we can vaccinate for)

[sonicfrost]

Originally Posted by angie7

Yea, well I've never been one to follow the rules nor the opinion of anyone that gets their information from seminars put on my drug companies to make a buck.

uhhhh, what?

And no need to be hostile.

[kimmom]

OP Here. We had a border collie/ blue heeler for 12.5 years SO FULLY aware of the energy level of these dogs.. We brought him home last night! We were looking at 2 sets of puppies.. We are in farm country where they are EVERYWHERE! The first set Mom was not a good border collie so there was now ay! Second set was a perfect fit for us! Beautiful well behaved Mom and Dad. He also happens to be the unvaccinated of the two sets. We are going to look into what shots to do. I called the vet she said it is a set of 3 then with the 3rd set you get rabies. We are going to do the first puppy shots for now since we are on a farm as well then will decide what we want to do! Thanks for all the advice!

[angie7]

Originally Posted by sonicfrost

uhhhh, what?

And no need to be hostile.

Not hostile and uhh, not sure what you don't understand by my post? I know the recommended vax schedule for animals considering I've had animals since I was a child. I chose to do my own research and come to my own conclusions about what is healthy for my own pets.

[mysticmomma]

We only vax our pets for rabies.

[betsyj]

We vax for rabies because it is the law here. Also, my dog is a rodent killer and recently took a severe bite to her nose-I would rather be safe then sorry when it comes to rabies. Especially since it is a disease that will kill my dog is she gets it.

[kimmom]

If you are on farm are there other ones other than rabies that you would get??

[PlayaMama]

parvo and distemper are both really nasty. i'd vax for those too.

[MsVyky]

we vaccinated for parvo, distemper and rabies

all very devastating illnesses in puppies and dogs.