Vaccines
Be sure you are EDUCATED - Before your puppy is MEDICATED. Read up on the hazards and weigh your options carefully...
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:
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:
- Your puppy's environment.
- Your puppy's age when he received his first vaccine.
- The interval between vaccines.
- The kinds and types of vaccines best for your area of the country.
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 more natural approach to the wellness of our dogs - When and where we feel best. We are on a much 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 eight (8) weeks of age, the natural maternal immunity will neutralize the 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 to some more recent, updated practices, a series of vaccinations should be given starting no earlier than nine (9) weeks and then four (4) weeks apart up to sixteen (16) weeks of age - depending upon when initial vaccine was given. Another vaccination given one year after initial vaccines (at 1 year 4 months) often 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.
WHAT WE VACCINATE OUR PUPPIES FOR:
We support a "CORE vaccine" schedule... This means we recommend CORE VACCINES ONLY. We will ask that you wait until your puppy is 9-10 weeks of age before giving the first vaccines and then repeat once more four weeks later. We will provide you a specific written schedule on what is recommended by Dr. W. Jean Dodds, a leading authority on vaccines.
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.
WHAT WE VACCINATE OUR PUPPIES FOR:
We support a "CORE vaccine" schedule... This means we recommend CORE VACCINES ONLY. We will ask that you wait until your puppy is 9-10 weeks of age before giving the first vaccines and then repeat once more four weeks later. We will provide you a specific written schedule on what is recommended by Dr. W. Jean Dodds, a leading authority on vaccines.
Talk with your veterinarian about a safe heartworm preventative. As well, read more about it here first: Interesting Information on Heartworm Preventatives.
Lyme Disease vaccine - There is no evidence at this time that if treated, 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 (kennel cough) vaccine - Used in kennel situations where a problem exists. You may be required 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".
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. As well, Lepto vaccine is immuno-supressive to puppies less than 16 weeks. Therefore, giving the Lepto vaccine to your Connemara puppy/dog will usually void our health guarantee. We will respect your decision, but we can not be held responsible for it. *We will make exception to this rule: If there is a CDC documented epidemic in your area and you agree to a vaccine/titer schedule. Please ask about details.
We have shared 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 upon what you feel makes the most sense and what is best for your puppy.
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. Please don't let anyone scare you into vaccinating aggressively if it is not necessary.
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. Please don't let anyone scare you into vaccinating aggressively if it is not necessary.
VACCINE INSIGHTS - videos below are parts 1 and 2:
Conclusion - More is not always better.
Our guarantee will not cover anything relating to short or long term complications due to vaccines given. This is a personal choice you will be faced to make on your own, and as well, be held responsible for. We encourage you to be a strong advocate for your new puppy concerning unnecessary vaccines. Please familiarize yourself with Dr. W. Jean Dodds latest vaccine protocols.
