What Age To Give Pups 1st Set of Shots? - Page 1

I am sending Momma dog home this Friday - the pups will be 6 weeks this Friday. My husband says as soon as they aren't nursing, they should be vaccinated because they don't have their mother's immunities anymore. I have mixed emotions about doing this before 8 weeks, as I have seen, heard and read about early vaccinations being bad. Although I would normally keep her here for 8 weeks, she is growing VERY rough with the pups (high drive) and has come close to injuring them a couple times (she steals their toys, growls/bites suprisingly aggressive when they come near her with toys or a bone, plays REALLY rough with and around them landing on them when she throws a toy in the air, etc., and just throws them around with her muzzle/teeth when she feels like playing). It's like she has forgotten how little they are and thinks because they are running around trying to play with her and her toys that they are as grown up as her. I have separated them for a few hrs here and there this week during the day as she is refusing to nurse them and she is very BORED with them...letting her get out and about and exercise, etc., but just wanted some thoughts from you guys on this situation?

Studies have shown that puppies retain immunity until 9 - 12 weeks... if you do a search on AAHA vaccination protocols or Dr Jean Dodds and puppy vaccination protocols or even Dr Schutlz from UMich, you will get plenty of info compelling enough to make you think....

Yes, I have read this as recommended in the past http://www.everythingsheltie.com:80/new_vaccprotocol.htm and that is what is changing my mind about what the vets around here say about shot schedules for puppies. *****Have any of you separated your bitch from pups early before and might I ask why?*********************

Never before 7 weeks of age....preferably 8. You said, "I am sending Momma dog home this Friday" and pups are 6 weeks old. You're not separating them from their mother already, are you?

DKiah wrote: "Studies have shown that puppies retain immunity until 9 - 12 weeks" The correct statement would be "SOME puppies retain SOME immunity to SOME antigens until 9-12 weeks". Maternal antibody is only passed via colostrum for the first 24-48 or so after birth, so nursing beyond the first couple of days does not increase the amount of maternal antibody a pup receives. The problem with timing vaccinations is that each dam will pass varying amounts of antibody to her puppies. Maternal antibody naturally wanes over time at a rate of approx 1/2 every 9-10 days (varies a bit, but for practical purposes this is a good approximation). Since it's uncertain how much antibody any individual pup received, its difficult to know when the level remaining is still protective, or has waned enough to allow a vaccination to take effect. Here is a very good website explaining canine immunity and vaccinations that may help you make an informed decision, or at least be able to discuss it fully with a trusted vet: http://www.labbies.com/immun.htm The author of the above discussion is both a breeder and a very qualified scientist who presents the pros and cons in a fair, accurate and easy to understand manner. Armed with the above info, I also recommend reading Dr. Dodds' protocols, but in her own words (as opposed to someone's interpretation, which is often incomplete and misleading). Regards, Diane

I have separated at different ages, most often because they are ripping Mom to shreds and once she comes up with mammary glands that look like hamburg, I figure it is time for the poor thing to get a break... I usually do give her time with them though.. ouside where she can get away if she has to and after they have been eating food for a good long time. My current litter will be 7 weeks on sunday and mom still spends time with them.. she wants to be with them and actually nursed them this morning outside.. she too is very rough and playful with them, taking their heads in her mouth and jumping over them..playing bowing and running with toys and making them chase her.. no one has been hurt. she is the only female I've ever had who pays this sort of attention to her babies at this age and I love it.. if they turn out like her .. I'll have no complaints

DKiah wrote: I have separated at different ages, most often because they are ripping Mom to shreds and once she comes up with mammary glands that look like hamburg, I figure it is time for the poor thing to get a break..." I agree totally. But this post said mom was 'being sent home'...as in not around the pups at all. A break is most deserved at that age, no doubt about it. But to completely separate them?

Thanks, Diane. Yes, soothersmaylive.....the owners don't live too far away and I am sure they will bring her by from time to time, but we have the sire here for imprinting and he is extremely gentle (actually more than the dam is). We will use him for more supervised socialization, etc. In any other situation I would probably not recommend this, but I don't want pups with broken bones because she lands on them, or pups with torn flesh because she reacted to them trying to take a toy and momentarily forgot it was her pup. We already had one scare with her landing on one and came out ok. I'm not taking any more chances. The best dog I ever had was separated from Momma and came home with me at 5 weeks old although I'd never sell a pup at 5 weeks. I am sure they will be just fine - they are highly social and thriving and don't really miss her now!

Mine always get first shots at 7 weeks or VERY shortly thereafter. I want them to be "over" any reaction tothe shot and get a worming at 8 weeks before they go to their new homes. I don't like to do shots and worming at the same time, but space themout a week apart.They're usually mostly weaned at 4-5 weeks, and completely weaned by six weeks. I've had very good results this way.

It is not about "feelings" or "emotions". Read the instructions on the vaccine and if you don't do it yourself, than ask your vet.