[megooego]

I need some suggestions about when it is safe for my puppy to get his first shots. Jimi, my pup is 8, almost 9 weeks, old now. From what I've heard normally, vets start administering shots at 8 weeks. The breeder I got Jimi from told me I absolutely have to wait until he is at least 10 or 12 weeks. She claims that most vets do not weigh the animals and give a certain dosage of the vaccine according to weight, they just give the same amount to all dogs. Does anyone know anything about this? I'm taking Jimi in for his first vet visit tomorrow, and (following her advice) I was just planning on doing a wellness exam and a fecal test...but should I go ahead and let them give the 1st shots? I talked to the vet and they say that it is safe to give any puppy that is 8 weeks or older the shots, but I am just really worried that after the breeder said this, that my puppy could have a bad reaction. I guess one of her other dogs, a daschund, had a horrible reaction to his first shots and died because of his lack of weight. All of the dogs she has had since then now get the shots at 10 - 12 weeks and do just fine. It could have been just a special case with that dog.. Who knows, but I just want to be safe.

Also, the breeder told me not to give him flea/tick medication, because it is unnecessary and shampoo should do. I don't see how this is realistic because most dogs I've heard of get Frontline and Advantix once a month or they itch like crazy and have bugs all over them. I was going to get him started on a medication from the vet, but she claims it's just poison and hurts them instead of helps. I want to listen to my breeder, because I know she is a sweet woman and has good intentions but I also know I want my dog to be healthy and happy. Ahh, any suggestions or opinions on either of these matters?