Puppy vaccination

[silver pigeon69]

Hi

The vet says I can get my puppies vaccinated at 6 weeks. Is it better to leave it until 8 weeks? What is the general consensus? They are labs.

 

Thanks.

[harkom]

The second vaccination is usually/best given at twelve weeks - to ensure that the maternally derived immunity of the pup will have waned to a level that will not interfere with the pup's own immune system responding to the vaccine's components. The first dose of the primary course is usually administered between two and four weeks prior to the second.

Obviously there will be a greater likelihood of maternal antibody interference/blocking of vaccine response in the younger pup. So if you start "early" and give second dose at 2-4 weeks there is a chance of inhibited vaccine response. Therefore may need a primary course of THREE vaccinations instead of two>>!?!?

However if the pup has a high risk of exposure to the infective agents, some vets will advise the early start protocol.....

 

But then - why would one expose a new pup to a "high risk" of infection?

 

Another factor to consider is - what level of immunity has the pup received from its' dam? Was she given a booster before/early pregnancy to enhance transmission of maternal immunity to pup?

Is there a specific infectious agent that the vet is concerned about in your area - or is the Practice owned/operated by venture capitalist outfit?

 

ATB.

[Twistedsanity]

Please do your research on the Lepto 4 vaccine before giving it, my vets refuse to give it yet some are very keen

[bigbird]

Second that about the L4. The youngest a pup can have its second jab is ten weeks old. I personally prefer to wait until eight weeks or older to start the course with mine.

[silver pigeon69]

Thanks for your responses. There is no "risk" that i am aware of in the local area, so i cant see any benefit in giving it at 6 as opposed to 8 weeks, so i will wait until 8 weeks. i will also look at the L4. Thanks again