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Originally Posted by RachelandSadie   good post. puppy vaccines should be done at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks for DA2PPV (distemper, adenovirus type 2, parainfluenze, parvovirus) and they get a rabies about 16 weeks along with a spay/neuter. also the bordetella needs to be done in those early weeks and i suggest a fecal right away when you bring a new one home just to check for giardia and parasites even if the breeder gave dewormers, i like to know to be on the safe side. also you will need a heartworm test at about a year old and get one every year and stay on preventatives... |
I would agree about the 8, 12 and 16 week puppy vacs but you go on to say that, at 16 weeks, the pup should get the rabies vac and spay/neuter. I don't think many here will agree that a rabies should be given to a Yorkie along with other vaccinations. And then follow that up with a surgery to top off the day?
The rabies shot should NOT be given along with other vaccinations. As for spay/neuter, some do have it done early but I would never consider surgery on such a young dog. My goodness, their organs don't fully develop until 5 months old. Plus, the growth plates are still open and the sex hormones play a part in the pup's growth.
As for heartworm preventatives, it is not recommended to begin them until 5 months old. All the vets I know will do a test before starting a pup on them and then re-test yearly...not waiting for the year to lapse before testing. It has to do with product warranty and also the fact that not all heartworm preventatives can be given to a dog that tests positive.
Also, in another post, someone posted about the minimum legal age to sell a pup in the U.S.. There is a minimum legal age (8 weeks) but only in 17 states, from the last time I checked. All other states have no such requirement.