Parvo

[coolbrze]

A friend of mine just lost 2 dogs to Parvo, a middle aged dog and a 4 mo. old pup. They got it from a friend of his dogs who had it and 2 of them are gone also. Two more of his pups are in the hospital. I know one of the pups was given a 7in1 vaccination, but don't know if he followed up w/ more.

I give all mine 7 ways at 6 weeks, 8 weeks, then a month or so later and yearly on their b-days. Would you consider mine vulnerable to Parvo or immune or does it vary or depend on the dog and/or conditions?

[Chuck Terry]

Nothing is certain but your schedule sounds pretty good! I would advise you to give you last puppy shot at 16 weeks to be sure they develop active immunity. I do not normally take my pups away from the kennel until they get their rabies at the vet around 4 to 5 months. I give the first shot at 6 weeks if I am selling the pup. If not, I hold off until about 8 weeks. Then, I follow up at 12 wks, and 16 wks. I sometimes give 4 shots at 7 wks, 10 wks, 13 wks, and 16 weeks. I know some folks start really early or give LOTS of shots but I see that as a waste and an unnecesary burden on the pups immune system. A shot given while the pup is still protected by the maternal immunity is wasted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I do not give yearly boosters but I am not saying you should stop. You may want to do a web search to weigh the risks and benefits for yourself. There is research data out there from places like Cornell. I wish I could titer test mine to determine which ones need a shot and which ones don't but my vet recommends just giving them the shot. Now that I have it on my mind, I may do a little more research myself. Read the research and good luck!!!!!!!!!!