Vaccine Protocol - 2012

W. Jean Dodds, DVM


Dr. Dodds is an internationally recognized authority on thyroid issues in dogs and blood diseases in animals.  In the mid-1980's she founded Hemopet, the first nonprofit blood bank for animals. Dr. Dodds is a grantee of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and author of over 150 research publications.  Through Hemopet she provides canine blood components and blood-bank supplies throughout North America, consults in clinical pathology, and lectures worldwide.


The following vaccine protocol is offered for those dogs where minimal vaccinations are advisable or desirable.  We believe this especially holds true for the standard poodle breed.  Our concern is the number of life-threatening and/or life-altering conditions with a direct link to the immune system that are often found in standard poodles.  Over-vaccination, like overmedication of any sort, is an assault on the immune system and clearly has a deleterious effect on some animals.  Unfortunately, research has not yet devised a way to determine which animals will be affected.  This is the reason we strongly advocate titering, as opposed to yearly vaccinations as a matter of course.

 
Note: We agree with Dr. Dodds and consider infectious canine hepatitis (adenovirus-1), canine adenovirus-2, bordetella, canine influenza, canine coronavirus, leptospirosis, and Lyme regional and situational. Before choosing to vaccinate your puppy against any of these, please research the prevalence in your area and discuss with your veterinarian.http://www.rabieschallengefund.org/about-the-rcf/about-the-rabies-challenge-fund

Vaccination Schedule

following Dr. W. Jean Dodds Minimal Vaccine use Protocol

for dogs where minimal vaccinations are advisable or desirable.  This schedule should not be interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory; it’s a matter of professional judgment and choice.


9-10 weeks:   Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV (e.g. Merck Nobivac [Intervet Progard] Puppy DPV)


14 - 16 weeks : Same as above 

20 weeks or older (if allowable by law):  Rabies
Never allow rabies vaccination to be given at the same time as the DPV.  It should be given separately,  at least 2 and preferable 3 weeks after the DPV.

1 year:  Distemper, Parvovirus - Modified Life Virus (optional = titer)

1 year after initial dose:  Rabies, killed 3-year product (give 3-4 weeks apart from distemper/parvovirus booster)

Perform vaccine antibody titers for distemper and parvovirus every three years thereafter, or more often, if desired. Vaccinate for rabies virus (we strongly recommend mercury-free IMRAB 3 TF) according to the law, except where circumstances indicate that a written waiver (not yet accepted in Texas) needs to be obtained from the primary care veterinarian.  In that case, a rabies antibody titer can also be performed to accompany the waiver request.  Click on the arrow (below right) to read about the Rabies Challenge Fund.