Dog Vaccinations
 

Yesterday we took Bella to the Vet for her 1 year old annual checkup and her rabies vaccination shot which also included the DA2PP, Bordetella and Lepto shots. She received those same shots last year when she was 3 months old. We were concerned at that time because she was so young but we had to trust our Vet’s judgement since we were first time dog owners and didn’t know what to expect. Of course as dog owners we want to protect our loving dogs from diseases.
When she arrived home Bella wasn’t her usual self for the most of the day. She just hid inside her crate all day and slept. I knew she was tired and was also concerned that she was shivering. Bella is usually happy and playful and likes to sit on top of her dog bed outside the crate and either just watch us or play with her toys or follow us around the house.
I was concerned about her unusual behaviour after a couple of hours and called the Vet’s office and they said that if she had a bad adverse reaction it would’ve shown symptoms within 5 to 10 minutes, like coughing, gasping for air or vomiting then it would be more serious. Otherwise she should be better in the morning.
I was feeling sad and decided to check out the Yorkshire Terrier General discussions to see if anyone was talking about vaccinations. I was so glad to have found the Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie Frequently Asked Questions: #8 What Immunizations are required for my Yorkie?
I found out that I wasn’t alone in this matter. I can see that vaccinating your dog is a controversial subject, as well as a very difficult choice. Also hearing from others and to learn that Bella was experiencing the same symptoms i.e. lethargic and loss of appetite and made me feel much better.
Later in the evening Bella did come out of her cage to do her toilet on the pee pad and ate some kibbles and showed some playfulness, we were so happy to see that she was okay. This morning she seemed fine as well but still tired looking.
I’m thinking that next year we should only allow her to have the rabies vaccination only since we do take her from grooming and it’s a requirement. Maybe allow the other shots every other year?
Thank you to everyone for sharing their stories. I enjoyed reading them.

Bella’s Mommy

I'm sure the vaccinations are a real concern for many of us but we all want to do what is best for our little ones? But what is best? Hard to know for sure. Gidget went for her yearly a few days ago and got her Bordetella even though she's never around other dogs except when I take her for grooming. Even then it's always a risk because of the other dogs that have been in the same cage, on the same grooming table, etc. I decided NOT to object to the Bordetella because I would rather be safe than sorry. So far, she hasn't had any adverse reactions to any of her shots. We just have to decide what we feel is best for our little ones.

From what we learned in our 1st year as yorkie owners is to never allow the multi shots, such as giving the yearly shots + Bordetella + Lepto + Rabies etc at the same time.. You should spread out those shots and allow the immune system to process it. Also, if your baby does have an adverse reaction it's hard to tell which shot caused it if you give them all at the same time.

We had a fight with our first vet last year who gave my Mike Lepto together with other shots and kept convincing me that it was not possible to do otherwise. We quickly changed vets.

We did Rabies at 6 months old against the usual 3 months old here (with the new vet's support and approval) and avoided most of side effects. Where we live unfortunately there is no 3 year rabies vaccine so we are bound by law to get it every year, but as for DHPP/DAPP shot I want to discuss after the 1-year booster shot next month when Mike turns 1. I don't really see the necessity of giving those every year if studies shows the immune response from those shots lasts between 3 to 7 years. I would opt for getting it every other year, but we will listen and trust out vet.

So many decisions to be made for our little ones. All we can do is follow our instincts and the advice of a reputable vet.

That is absolutely to many vaccinations at one time for a dog. Their immune system can’t take all that. Your vets office was also wrong they can still have a reaction after that amount of time. I would switch vets or let the vet know the staff is giving out false and potentially harmful information. Due to not knowing Canada’s laws. Distemper/parvo only needs to be given every 3 to 5 years after the puppy booster at a year old. Rabies after the puppy booster again is only necessary every 3 years. If Lepto is not an issue in your area I wouldn’t get it. Now if you take your dog places I would get bordatella, most grooming places, daycares, training places and boarding places require it. You next time need to split the shots up and talk to your vet about giving Benadryl before the vaccines.