Our Vaccine Protocol
Due to the high prevalence of Parvo in our geographical area, we have implemented a “new” vaccine protocol for our puppies. We are using NeoTech vaccines and start at 4 weeks of age with a NeoPar vaccine (Parvo only vaccine). That sounds too young to a lot of people but here is the reasoning. Mother’s passive immunity starts to wane off between 4 to 5 weeks of age. It takes an average of 10 days for a vaccine to actually take affect in the puppies system. So in order to cover the puppy during this transition phase, the vaccine needs to be given in time to take affect. Our puppies start with a NeoPar vaccine at 4 and 5 weeks, allowing their immune systems to totally focus on building immunity to Parvo. Followed by a Neo Vac DA2 vaccine at 6 weeks, which starts them on building Distemper and Adenovirus immunity. All of our puppies come with a vaccination record which describes what and when vaccines were given.
Here’s a handy guide to help you identify the various letter combinations found in common dog vaccines.
“D”: Distemper. The leading cause of death in dogs, Distemper is a contagious disease of the intestinal tract and respiratory system, and it eventually spreads to the brain. There is no treatment for Distemper, but supportive therapy can help some side effects.
“A”, “A2”: Adenovirus. There are two strains of Adenovirus: Hepatitis (type 1), which is a disease of the liver, and Respiratory (type 2), which can contribute to Kennel Cough. Adenovirus type 2 is used to make vaccines, and it protects against both strains.
“P”: Parainfluenza. This respiratory disease is one of the culprits of canine Bronchitis, or Kennel Cough, which causes a dry hacking cough that can last for weeks. Parainfluenza is easily spread, especially when dogs are in close confinement.
“PV”, “Pv”, “CPV”: Canine Parvovirus. This is a highly contagious disease of the intestinal tract. It also progresses quickly, so death is very common. There is no direct treatment for Parvo, but supportive therapy may help some of the side effects.
“CV”, “CvK”: Coronavirus. Puppies are at the greatest risk for this intestinal disease, which causes severe diarrhea and sometimes death. As with many other viruses, there is no specific treatment, but supportive therapy can alleviate the side effects.
“L2”, “4L”, “L4”: Leptospirosis. This is a bacterial disease in the liver and kidneys. There are four prominent subtypes (or serovars) of Lepto, and one serovar will not cover the rest. Some vaccines protect against the two most common serovars, while others protect against all four. Not all dogs should receive the Lepto vaccine, so talk to your veterinarian first.
“M”: Measles. This is closely related to canine Distemper. The Measles virus vaccine induces immunity to canine Distemper virus. A combined canine Distemper and Measles virus vaccine increases the protection of puppies against Distemper during the period when they commonly carry maternal antibodies.
“B”, “Bb”: Bordetella bronchiseptica. Bordetella bronchiseptica is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes inflammation of the trachea and bronchi. Bordetella spreads through direct contact, through the air, and through contaminated objects. Transmission can occur between dogs and cats.