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trashmanwoburn · Feb 1, 2006, 03:54 PM

When Are Puppies Suppose To Get There First Rabie Shot

labman · Feb 1, 2006, 04:32 PM

If you wait until 6 months, it should be good for a year. Some states require one by 4 months. I am sure your local vet knows the local law. Go with what he wants. I think there may be a trend away from so many shots.

I finally have my 4 month old Nita past the constant running to the vet for shots. I will get a rabies reminder in time for 6 months.

MCory · Feb 6, 2006, 04:53 PM

The first Rabies vaccination should be at 12 weeks of age and you should get at least 2-5 distemper, parvo, Lepto, Corona virus boosters before they are 5 months old. The boosters come in what is called a combine or cocktail, meaning its about 7-8 antibody builders in one shot, depending on the brand your vet uses. You should also avoid public areas or dog parks until at least 2 weeks after you final distemper booster, because these viruses are transmitted through the fecal matter of other dogs, raccoons, opossums and squirels. And as I'm sure you are aware dog's love fecal matter. The 2 weeks allows your animal to build up the antibodies in its system. And any rabies shot is good for one year no matter how old the animal is. So get the rabies for legalities but get distemper boosters so your animal stays healthy, those are the bugs your animal WILL meet up with. I don't there has been a documented case of rabies in domestic animals in 14 or 15 years.

MCory · Feb 6, 2006, 05:01 PM

The first rabies shot can be given as early as 12 weeks old. Distemper boosters should be given at 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and 20 weeks. You should avoid dog parks and public areas with your pup until about 2 weeks after the 16 week shot so your pup can build up the antibodies to face the world. If you can't afford them all get a t least 2 distemper boosters because some is better than none.

labman · Feb 6, 2006, 05:36 PM

I dug out the vaccination schedule I was given for my 4 month old Nita. It called for 3 DHLPP, 2 Bordetella, and a rabies. She is the 15'th puppy my family has raised for a large dog guide school. They breed about 300 puppies a year and foster them out until a year old. Likely their recommendations are as reliable as the above. Many knowledgeable people feel we have gone too far with vaccinations and are cutting back. I don't intend to take up a lot of time debating this or digging up websites to support my position. I just want to say the above is not the only authoritative position.

daehnolem · Feb 6, 2006, 09:04 PM

I pretty much went with my vet's recommendation on when I got all the vaccinations for my dog. I figured he was the expert in the matter, since he's seen more animals in his office over the years than I probably have in my life. She never got any of those terrible diseases she was vaccinated against, so I guess it turned out all right. I agree with labman. Just go with what your vet wants.

labman · Feb 7, 2006, 05:31 AM

Thanks for your reasoned post. I am sitting out the debate on immunization. Unless somebody has done a study of it, I will continue to say work with your local vet. If he seems to be going to extremes in one direction or another, perhaps check with others in the area. I think my local vet goes over board with parvo shots, but it is not a big issue with me. Certainly as much as I am out in public with puppies as young as 7 weeks, I want to leave as small as possible windows when they are vulnerable.