In our first article we talked about why we vaccinate our dogs, the core vaccines for domesticated dogs in America and non-core vaccines that may be needed in other situations. In this article, we’ll discuss more about the specifics of vaccines: outlining the difference between active and inactive vaccines, as well as, immunity stages and length.
While some assume our pups are born with no type of immunity, however, we are mistaken! As puppies, they receive nutrients, vitamins and immunity via antibodies passed down from their mother while in the womb and as they breastfeed. Since we cannot determine exactly how much each pup is feeding or the concentration of antibodies in breastmilk it is hard to determine how much immunity they receive. Where their natural born immunity ends is still a question in the canine world and differs among dogs based on a variety of factors – some known and others to be discovered. Because of this vets have determined a natural vaccination period where our dogs are protected before shots are needed. Natural immunity periods vary for specific types of diseases and vaccines. The duration of natural immunity is highly influenced by the mother’s pre-existing resistance to disease. Scheduling initial vaccination shots appropriately to complement natural immunity periods is critical to get right due to the fatality rates of the Parvo, Rabies and Distemper, especially for puppies.
For vaccines scientists use what is called a “killed vaccine.” A killed vaccine or virus contains particles or bacteria from the original virus grown in a lab. The virus is then killed to destroy its disease producing abilities. One vaccine that is unlike the others in duration of immunity, is rabies. Since the rabies vaccine is distributed as a killed virus, it does not supply as long as an immunity. There are two different types of rabies vaccines administered in the US and both are killed versions of the virus. The only difference is the length of protective immunity they provide, which here at Wise Woof, we are highly skeptical of. You can read more in our rabies vaccine article). For the remaining diseases young dogs typically develop initial immunity after their vaccination in the 1st year. After that we think it’s prudent to do some research and ask your Veterinarian if your dog would benefit more via antibody titer testing or revaccination. Titer testing allows us to determine if sufficient antibodies remain in the bloodstream to protect against further disease while avoiding the harm that often comes with over vaccination. Our research of past studies here at Wise Woofs, has found correlations between increased number of booster shots and health risks, both short and long-term. That’s one reason we put so much effort into providing a comprehensive section on vaccines. So you can make the best informed choices for your pup.
Below is a schedule of how Dr. Jean Dodds, a renowned Veterinarian who specializes in Immunology, the study of biology concerned with immunity, recommends vaccinating your new pups. (A full link and photo of the vaccine schedule can be seen at the end of the article.) These recommendations come from a broad perspective of disease control for the population. This can range from dogs in puppy mills, those born in the wild who are considered rescue dogs and dogs from reputable breeders. While the protocols listed below are a high quality guide that has gained recent popularity in American Veterinary Schools, we feel comfortable promoting it here. Here at Wise Woofs, we also do not believe in a 1 size fits all vaccination approach; This is because of the variation among environments dogs live in and how different types of dogs have different risk factors for disease. In our personal opinion, it may be more appropriate for a puppy from a reputable breeder to receive fewer vaccines. This is because breeders are the most knowledgeable about how vaccines impact their lineage or family of dogs over time. They specialize in learning about their particular breed of dog, its nuances and often have significant knowledge about the effects of various healthcare strategies for their individual family or lineage of dogs.
