Well, any shot given earlier than 8 weeks would be considered ineffective due to the pup receiving antibodies from Mom. It's unfortunate for the pup that any shots were given earlier.
The immune system only needs to be successfully provoked once to provide immunity. Successfully provoked means that memory cells have established antibodies for a given virus. The 3 shot protocol is primarily in place to ensure that the immune system gets successfully provoked. The % of dogs whose immune systems respond to a vaccine goes up in age and by 16 weeks over 90% of dogs' immune systems respond to a vaccine by developing memory cells for a virus. So, the last of the puppy shots should not be given before 16 weeks.
Laws regarding rabies vaccinations vary by state and sometimes within a state. In any case, I wouldn't give the rabies vaccine before 6 months and would never have it done at the same time as any other vaccines. |