The Mostly Unthrilling and Frankly Rather Bitter Adventures of Supersonic Jane
- If a puppy is vaccinated at too young an age (generally under 9 weeks of age), the vaccine may have no effect at all, due to maternal antibodies that still exist. If you have a pet shop puppy, all bets are off, because pet shop puppies are removed from their mothers at such a young age that they don’t receive the full benefit of the mother’s antibodies.
- The protective effect of most vaccines lasts longer than a year. It is unknown how long they last, but current opinion is that vaccines last at least three years, and possibly longer. Many vets have already moved to a 3 year interval between non-rabies vaccinations, for dogs that aren’t at high risk and have already had their initial puppy shots and first year booster.
- Giving another vaccine (an annual booster) when a dog already has antibodies does not give any added protection.
- Combination vaccines (the typical kind used by vet offices that vaccinate against distemper, hepatitis, and other diseases all in one shot) are more dangerous. If you vaccinate, give each disease in a separate shot, and at least two weeks apart.
- The only vaccinations required by LAW are rabies vaccinations. If you have a sick or older dog, you can get exemptions from this law.
- Never, ever, vaccinate a sick dog. Vaccines, like all types of medicine, can have negative effects. If a dog is sick, a vaccine will only stress its immune system further.
Vaccination Links