[MyFairLacy]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

MyFairLacy, this is sort of off topic but I have a question for you. Could you explain why Texas A&M recommends giving DHPP at 6, 9, 12 and 16 weeks? From what I have read, dogs only NEED two sets of puppy shots. Those would be at about 12 and 16 weeks when no maternal antibiodies are interfering. To be safe they are given three times (8, 12 and 16 weeks). Maternal antibiodies are likely to counteract the 8 week shot but I hear nobody really knows and all animals are different, so why does Texad A&M give them four times (when three is plenty) and why do they start at 6 weeks (when maternal antibiotics are sure to counteract it). I don't want you to have to defend it. I am really interested in their reasoning. Thank you

You know, I'm not really sure. Maternal antibodies should still be protecting the puppies at 6 weeks. My thought is that they're considering those puppies that have been weaned from their mother at 4 or 5 weeks and already off to new homes by 6 weeks. A lot of pet owners are irresponsible and don't protect their new puppies...and they end up getting parvo. So I guess it's more of a precaution than anything. I don't really think 6 weeks is necessary. I think 8, 12, and 16 weeks is fine. I got a new cat a few months ago and she received her first round of vaccines at about 4 months old (her breeder doesn't like early vaccines). I brought her home three weeks later and she got her second round of vaccines and rabies shots. The vet I took her to suggested a third round of vaccines in another three weeks but I never had them done because I believe she's protected with those two shots (plus she's an indoor only cat).

So far as the county/city requirement with rabies - Texas changed their rabies law in 2003 to allow vaccines every three years. I don't know if all states go by that or not