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Originally Posted by Bravo916  Vaccines are crucial but there is a new movement in the dog world that is investigating the harmful effects of over immunization. For a new puppy I will always do the full booster series--after that I do a "Titer" test through my vet at 6mos old to verify that the antibodies are present and the immunity has been built. Its a blood test that measures the antibodies to different diseases instead of just annually vaccinating a dog for something he has already been vaccinated against...one the antibodies are present they do not go away. Readministering booster shots on a dog with antibodies does not make them any more immune.
My vet only recommends additional boosters for dogs that frequently travel only if the vaccines contain different strains of the virus to build immunity--apparently they vaccinate different strains of parvo/distemper based on your geographic location.
I also wanted to comment on the tone in this thread--there is so much fear. Yes, tragedies happen and I am so sorry for the loss of the puppy--it is heartbreaking.
However, it is completely unfair and unjust keep ones dogs locked inside and sheltered from the world in an effort to protect them. Unfortunately bad things happen all of the time. It is our responsibility as dog owners to do everything in our power to protect our dogs and make responsible decisions with them but not hinder their happiness and mental wellbeing in the process. I believe in fate--there is a divine plan for all of us and when it is time to go it really wont matter where you are. I will take peace in the fact that my dogs had incredible lives-they were loved, happy and lived life to the fullest. If this means I have to be extra alert on walks and be ready to scoop him up at any second then this is my commitment to him.
To me, mental health is just as important as physical health.
Being alert, responsible and using common sense are prerequisites to Yorkie ownership. JMHO |
I completely agree...you can not forget about mental health! Our yorkies would love to go running through the woods, these guys are tougher than they look.
I am so very sorry for Rose's loss, it was tragic and very sad. We lost a puppy at 12 weeks old to anaphylactic shock following it's first vaccine (we waited because it was a smaller puppy), but we still vaccinate our puppies even if it scares us.