In the late ’80’s, the Veterinarian I worked under, Dr. Halverson, educated his clients and staff on going against the Pharmaceutical and F.D.A. recommendations toward vaccine protocol. The “Protect the Pets” website, my go-to in learning about advocating for limited and smaller dosing of vaccines, has helped me reason through how to communicate with a variety of people. “Protect the Pets is a grass roots movement lead by Dr. Robb to educate pet owners about the realities of over-vaccination and to inspire veterinary professionals to value the health of pets over the drive for profits.” Speaking to the Connecticut Public Health Hearing, Feb., 2017, Dr. Robb states at the end of his passionate speech, “I have a Hippocratic oath that is greater than any law that is passed in the state of Connecticut that would make me kill my patient. I. Won’t. Do it!” watch here:

The phone call I received that day several years ago proved to me that I needed to communicate a LOT stronger about how I have witnessed the painful over-taxation of puppies’ little systems. This little boy had been crying “over 12 hours, since his vaccine”. In probing a bit more I found out that the shot had been given into his neck…and now his is most likely injured for life. I hope to help those in his wake!

This blog specifically is addressing the CORE Vaccines (distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis) and Rabies. I will address other, non-core viruses in a future blog post (like brucculosis, leptospirosus, canine parainfluenza virus (CPiV), canine influenza virus (H3N8), canine influenza virus (H3N2), distemper-measles combination vaccine, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and Borrelia burgdorferi, lymes, as well as Coronna Virus. Status quo Veterinarians have been known to inject 2-4 vaccines at ONE TIME in the same location of the pet (typically in the skin at the neck), no matter the health of the puppy/animal. I want to let you know…there is a better way! Until things change within our laws, Vet Schools/Text books and society, we HAVE to have a basic understanding of immunities and ensure the health of our animal. We can test circulating antibodies: namely, a blood titer as the true indicator of immunity! Think about it, if you have a 175 pound Great Dane Mastiff or a 4.5 pound teacup toy poodle, they will both receive the SAME amount of rabies or parvo vaccine into their bodies each year…does that seem right? I don’t believe so. Do your due diligence and advocate for these sweet, trusting animals. Meanwhile, always, always ensure that your puppy (dog) is HEALTHY when you decide to load it’s system with the vaccines.

When you consider a puppy coming from a clean kennel and healthy Mother who has nursed until 6-8 weeks has developed her strong immune system, puppies already have an immune response to ward off diseases that we all fear. I, personally, have found that dosing a LIMITED amount of core vaccines a few days prior to departing my home kennel (8-10+ weeks old) in conjunction with giving a homeopath (thuja and silica later, should there be an adverse reaction). Speaking to Scattercreek Vet Hospital’s Vet, Dr. Randy Thomas recently, he said he also gives 1/2 dose injections to puppies, no matter the size, something I have been doing within my home kennel for a few years, as recommended by Dr. Jean Dodd: https://www.hemopet.org/half-dose-vaccine-small-dog-vaccine-study/

I encourage all pet owners to keep the vaccines separate, never more than one shot, should there be a negative reaction. (For more info. on reactions: https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/homeopathic-treatment-vaccine-reactions/ ) In addition, I implore that the shot is given at the hip, rubbed and iced, if needed. When the shot is given in the neck and there is an inflammation, or toxic response, it’s difficult to manage. Once the puppy shots are complete, you can wait an entire year to have another limited dose and then you can titer test for immunity – most dogs won’t ever need more vaccines. One dose of rabies is often enough. When you bring your puppy/dog to an animal clinic, I know you are putting your trust into the professionals hands, I want to encourage you to ask a LOT of questions, never let your furry companion out of your site and to insist that the vaccine protocol is followed according to YOUR desires (never on an ill or geriatric pet). If/when there is a vaccine given, do plan on watching for adverse reactions, up to 6 weeks after the shot. Report all negative reactions immediately – this is how laws get changed! If you need to have a rabies shot, always insist on thermosol free!

After the 2nd year of booster shots, most animals are fully immunized. There is no need to inject MORE for more immunity. Check your pet by utilizing a titer test. With a simple blood draw, you can send in to Kansas State University to see how “fully vaccinated” he is! The form and instructions are here: http://www.protectthepets.com/order-a-titer.html

Here is the Vaccination Schedule that I recommend:

8 Weeks: DHPP Core Vaccines (distemper, adenovirus, hepatitus, parainfluenza and parvovirus) micro – or 1/2 dose

12 Weeks: DHPP

16 Weeks: DHPP + 1 year later (x 2) and then check for immunity through titer test.

20 Weeks: Rabies – separate from all other shots!

24 Weeks: If completely healthy (think gut health!), and you have done your research, then you can begin immunizing against the other various viruses and diseases if absolutely necessary, oftentimes you can check for immunity or test first (ie. Coronovirus, Lyme, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Measles).

The information I have shared above has been communicated with each and every puppy family I have released from my home kennel. The cries I have heard in the background from those who had awful adverse reactions is numerous, but, hopefully, the guidelines I have laid out above will help some from the pain I have witnessed firsthand. I hope this bit of information helps you have the understanding that it takes to keep your pets safe and live truly happy, long lives! If you have a story or question about vaccines, feel free to add below: