janet_rose
Posted : 12/8/2007 8:21:29 PM
trapspeed
My puppy is 9 1/2 weeks old. ... He also got his first DHLPP shot about 2 1/2 weeks ago. I'm going to be getting his second DHLPP shot this coming Tuesday.
First, the vaccines at 7 weeks may have been useless because they were nullified by the antibodies obtained from the mother.
ETA: Changed the above sentence to correct my math. 9 - 2 = 7, not 6.
Second, vaccines take time to be effective - somewhere between 10 days and 3 weeks depending on what vet you listen to.
Third, I would vaccinate at 10, 14, and 18 weeks. Most pups will generate immunity after the 14-week vaccines, so at 17 weeks most pups would be OK to walk in your community park. In the meantime, healthy dogs in yards known not to have had parvo for 2 years are a good way to do canine socialization. You should also get your pup into puppy classes now.
More dogs lose their lives due to a lack of socialization than do so due to a lack of vaccines.
Fourth, what is the "L" in your DHLPP? Lepto or Lyme?
The risk of side effects (common!) from the Lepto vaccine outweighs benefits in Texas (my state) and most other US locations. Two vaccinations twice per year would be required for protection and a vaccine with the current serovars would be required for protection. The vaccine is very dangerous for small dogs and for pups under 12 weeks.
85% of Lyme cases (transmitted by ticks) are in 9 New England area states, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. There is a possible side effect of polyarthritis from the vaccine. Do you live in a high risk area?
Fifth, if your pup was given a Lepto vaccine at 6 weeks, that vet should be encouraged to read this document.
2006 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines For the General Veterinary Practice
http://www.kentuckydachshundrescue.com/vaccinating_your_pet.htm
This is my current view on how to do vaccinations:
http://community.dog.com/forums/p/6423/85548.aspx#85548