Parvo and Sand

[Sue]

Actually, the vet is closer to right. Starting early means squat. It's actually better to NOT start too early, as the puppy caries maternal antibodies, and the vaccines are ineffective until those wear off. So, Bubba getting the first shot at 6 weeks was totally unnecessary, and wouldn't have been effective, unless he'd been bottle fed.

The following is the ideal protocol for puppy (and adult) immunizations. As you see, they start at 9-10 weeks, when they might actually be effective.
Dr. Jean Dodds' Pet Health Resource Blog | 2013 and 2014 Canine Vaccination Protocol - W....

2013 and 2014 Vaccination ProtocolNote: The following vaccine protocol is offered for those dogs where minimal vaccinations are advisable or desirable. The schedule is one Dr. Dodds recommends and should not be interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It’s a matter of professional judgment and choice.


9-10 Weeks Old:
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV (e.g. Merck Nobivac [Intervet Progard] Puppy DPV)


14-16 Weeks:
Same as above


20 Weeks or Older (if allowable by law):
Rabies


1 Year:
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV (optional = titer)


1 Year after the initial dose:
Rabies, killed 3-year product (give 3-4 weeks apart from distemper/parvovirus booster)


Perform vaccine antibody titers for distemper and parvovirus every three years thereafter, or more often, if desired. Vaccinate for rabies virus according to the law, except where circumstances indicate that a written waiver needs to be obtained from the primary care veterinarian. In that case, a rabies antibody titer can also be performed to accompany the waiver request. See the Rabies Challenge Fund website.

Now, this being said, there is no reason whatsoever (and in fact it's not desirable) to keep your puppy locked up until they're nearly 5 months old. Your pup needs to be outside, with you, going places for socializing. Otherwise, you're creating a fearful dog with behavior problems in the future. Just be wise as to where you go. Like Jen C. said, NO dog parks, or other places where many dogs congregate. Concrete or asphalt is safer, so car rides, sitting and greeting people in parking lots, walks on sidewalks (just not long ones), off leash play time in isolated areas, etc., are all important for your puppy's development.

Again, just be aware of where you're going. Now let Bubba be a puppy.

[windycanyon]

Actually Sue, the Neopar WAS designed specifically to override the maternal antibodies. I've been using it here for over 11 yrs due to high incidences of parvo. It was developed FOR the commercial breeders (ie puppy mills) and it works....

It is also not about nursing length either, as some vets still apparently tell folks. The colostrum is all acquired the first 24 hrs or so, so if mom was able to nurse at all, the puppies get all they need immunity wise that first day. I just went thru this w/ my last litter and it was amazing to me that one vet had told a gal to go w/ a pup who nursed the longest.... well that didn't happen here since I lost mom to a probable black widow/ anaphylactic shock when the pups were 7 days old.

I start at 5 wks w/ the Neopar, then do my first combo (was Progard 5 at the time, but now Nobivac is the replacement) at 7 to 7.5 wks, depending on when my puppy eye appts and well checks are scheduled, and also dependent on the stage of the puppies-- I want them 100% active/ bratty when I do it to ensure no one is fighting anything, minor or otherwise. One of the biggies in vaccine effectiveness is health, and that includes parasites (worms, giardia, coccidia).

OP: The reason your pup is not ready to go is that he's not immunized fully, potentially against parvo, though I bet he's close. The Nobivac studies show full immunity at 12 wks if done at 6, 9, and 12 wks. The problem I see is that your pup has only had one DISTEMPER vaccine, and so will need a 2nd in most cases to be fully protected. It's less prevalent than parvo around here, but it's here... our HS has had some outbreaks.

As far as the beach, I'd be pretty comfortable w/ that by now too, though I would wait 5 days post combo at least to take him out and about too much as that's going to be the weakest immune time for him.

I personally take my own pups to hunt tests, field training, and other "safe" grounds where I know the standard of care for the dogs is higher than normal. My current pup is 4 mos old and she has been pretty much with me in all my work and dog travels since she was 9 wks old. Anne

[zd262]

Thanks Sue and windycanyon! I think the fact that I had read up on the Neopar and that it was a stronger parvo shot was why I was particularly confused. Bubba actually has had another distemper shot at 8 weeks, I just didn't mention it here.

I'm still DEFINITELY going to play it safe, but not quite as neurotic as I have been.