Puppy shots...series of 4 now? - Page 1

All the pups I've had got their puppy shots at 8,12 and 16 weeks and were done then a rabies shot shortly thereafter.

My new pup, now the vet says 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks for the puppy shots because they just attended a seminar were they were told this should be the new shot routine for puppies.

My first thought was "money grab", but then, I am not a vet :) Thoughts? Have any of your vets brought this up?

Zep--

Depends on the manufacturer too. Progard by Intervet says 3 shots. The other vials I have read say 4. Then you can of course follow Jean Dodds protocol too. We start at 7 wks although she says I think 9 wks, my vet insists 6 wks and he says the mother's immunity is already dropping off and he doesn't believe they continue to have it by nursing. I don't know. 

Another useless vaccine....  That same vet will tell you they need vaccines yearly too.....

I have done 8, 12, 16 for years and NEVER had a problem,  however, I protect them from large dog groups like dog parks until after 16 week shot.  I don't give lepto, corona, or any of the extra junk. 

Then l year after last shot at `16 weeks, that would be approximately 16 months old, same time your rabies shot would be due but I try not to give them together I give a 3 year booster and shortly thereafter the rabies therefore nothing will be due again for 3 years.  BOL  NAn

I really have a hard time believing it isn't all about $$. One more visit for 'Bear' at the vet, one more chance to get you in the door to look at collars on the wall, pick up a sickness in the office and have come back again,  for them to tell you to start Kennel Cough vaccines. etc. etc.  I work at a vet's office and they say many of the vaccines are getting split up, meaning more visits, because it is 'healthier' for your dog, while in some cases for some dogs this may be true. But in the majority, it is just another trip to the vet, another way to get you to buy things, or maybe they can talk you into doing some bloodwork?