Vaccination Information
While researching the Poodle, doodles, and other dog breeds readers will undoubtedly come across information on breeders web sites about vaccination protocols for their puppies. Most breeders are advocating “limited” vaccination,
some have gone to no vaccines whatsoever and few are still doing what they did 20 years ago.
The breeders who are advocating limited vaccines are not unique in their stance on vaccines.
Breeders of other breeds, Weimaraner, Vizsla, Labs and Toy breeds, etc..are also advocating limited vaccine as vets, breeders and owners become aware that vaccination protocols are no longer considered a “one size fits all” program.
Whatever your view, it has become apparent that some Standard Poodles may have an adverse reaction to some vaccines.
These reactions can range from a simple lump, to autoimmune changes, to seizures and in a few rare cases, to death.
On the other hand, there are recent cases of pups dying of parvovirus or getting leptospirosis (Lepto) because they did not receive any vaccines.
Limited vaccination can be interpreted many different ways but what you feel comfortable with as a breeder and as an owner is paramount.
There are many, many sites on the internet both pro-vaccine and anti-vaccine. So sort through the information carefully.
Below is a link for State laws in every state regarding Rabies Vaccination.
http://powershotsmn.com/rabies_laws_by_state.html. and then reimmunized z(i.e. given a booster) by the date specified in the immunization certificate that is issued at the time the vaccine is administered.
Basically the dog must be reimmunized when the Vet states on the certificate so make sure your Vet states in 3 years time.
This information is available online on the Health Protection and Promotion Act and R.R.O. 1990, REGULATION 567 Dr. W. Jean Dodds DVM takes a more balanced approach with breeds that require reduced or limited vaccines.
As science progresses and studies are conducted, change is inevitable.
Please read Dr. Dodds Changing Vaccine Protocols (below).
Your vet may tell you “this is the way it is always been done OR in 50 years of practice I’ve never seen a reaction OR we always give rabies and a combination shot at the same time OR other Poodles I see have never had a reaction, etc…”
However if your vet is like mine, they will know and/or will listen to you as informed owner of a Poodle, that some dogs may have a reaction to vaccines and advocate caution when vaccinating.
We owe it to our dogs to educate ourselves about what is happening within our breed, to investigate, question and question again and than make our own informed decisions as to how “limited” we wish to be when it comes to vaccinating our dogs.
~ Karla’s Pet Rendezvous will continually educate ourselves and update this site as current information and options become available to us ~
Follow these Precautions and agree;
TO NEVER VACCINATE THEIR PUPPY WITH A RABIES VACCINE IN COMBINATION WITH ANY OTHER VACCINE.
TO NEVER VACCINATE THEIR PUPPY WITH A RABIES VACCINE WITHIN ONE MONTH OF ANY OTHER VACCINE.
TO NEVER VACCINATE FOR RABIES OR WITH ANY OTHER VACCINE WITHIN A MONTH OF THE PUPPY BEING SPAYED/NEUTERED OR HAVING ANY KIND OF SURGICAL PROCEDURE, OR IF THERE IS EVEN THE SLIGHTEST QUESTION THAT THE PUPPY MAY BE ILL.
Be aware that some dogs may have adverse reactions, including death, from some Heartworm and Lyme Disease medications.
They are also aware that Heartworm and Lyme Disease medication is to be administered in accordance with veterinary guidelines only in areas of the world where these diseases are considered a serious threat to the well being of the Puppy.
With that in mind, both diseases if untreated are known to be a death sentence to affected dogs.
Puppy owners must make the best and healthiest choices for their puppy.
Vanguard DA2MP
Vaccinates against: Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2 (gives cross immunity to Adenovirus Type 1 Hepatitis), Parainfluenza, (MLV) Parvo
Our pups go home with one vaccination.
They will need 2 more vaccinations administered 3-4 weeks apart.
We encourage you to speak with your Vet about Lepto or Corona Vaccination as some dogs seizure after them.
We also encourage you to visit the Vet Mon-Thursday in the morning so that should puppy have any reactions, the Vet will still be open.
We also encourage you to space out the Rabies and any other vaccines you get.
Read more about Vaccinations at the bottom of this page.
REVOLUTION
I get asked all the time “what product do you recommend for flea, tick and heartworm”.
IF you need a product that one dose will take care of everything, then you are looking at Revolution.
What is Revolution?
This once-a-month topical (on-the-skin) treatment is truly a revolutionary idea in parasite protection.
Revolution protects against heartworm, roundworms, hookworms, fleas, ticks, and even mites when used as directed.
Vets wish to have a blood test done before they will give you Revolution.Please give your dog a break during winter -STOP chemichals when there is a foot of snow- and start again (after bloodwork) when snowbanks melt.
I want people to keep in mind that applying products and administering vaccines is putting poison into your puppies system the same time you are compromising their immune system.
That being said, if you live in a location where fleas and ticks and mosquitoes can harm your puppy you do need to come up with a solution. So we recommend that you do not vaccine when you are administering other medications. Break it up if at all possible. Also never give Rabies the same time as other vaccines.
Please do not “bombard” your puppy with toxins if at all possible.
You can read about more products and more options at the bottom of this page.
Immunological Effects of Vaccines
More about Rabies Vaccination. What I found out was it is a 3-year protection.
Meaning it is not to be given more than once every three years after 2 doses !
Due to recent studies and also health related problems from Vaccinosis (seizures to name one) in my dogs- and especially in Weimaraners, we ask that our puppy buyers..or anyone concerned about their puppies health, to really research vaccination options, prior to following any vaccination protocol.
Remember the Vet you choose is working “FOR” you. You are “their” employer.
You have the ability to choose what is best for your puppy and to find a vet that will work with you, even if it means less income for the vet. Holistic, Functional Medicine, Integrative Vets are going to help you with this if you can find one. in your area.
NEW PRINCIPLES OF IMMUNOLOGY
“Dogs immune systems mature fully at 6 months.
If a modified live virus vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces an immunity which is good for the life of the pet (ie: canine distemper, parvo, feline distemper).
If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and there is little or no effect.
The titer (measurement for amount of antibodies) is not “boosted” nor are more memory cells induced.
“Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.”
“There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines “Puppies receive antibodies through their mothers milk”.
This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks.
Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0-38%) will be produced if vaccinated before 7 weeks of age.
Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, delay the timing of the first highly effective vaccine. Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart suppress rather than stimulate the immune system.
A series of vaccinations is given starting at 7-8 weeks and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age.
Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 1 year 4 mo) will provide lifetime immunity.
To follow is Dr. Jean Dodds’ latest vaccination protocol
CANINE VACCINATION PROTOCOL (check her website for updates)
MINIMAL VACCINE USE
W. Jean Dodds, DVM
HEMOPET
938 Stanford Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310-828-4804; Fax 310-828-8251
Note: The following vaccine protocol is offered for those dogs where minimal vaccinations are advisable or desirable. The schedule is one I recommend and should not interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It’s a matter of professional judgment and choice.
Age of Pups
Vaccine Type
8 – 10 weeks
12-14 weeks
16 -18 weeks (optional)
20 weeks or older, if allowable by law
1 year
1 year
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy DPV)
Rabies, killed 3-year product (give 3-4 weeks apart from distemper/parvovirus booster)
Heartworm Medication
Karlaspets does not give their poodles & doodles Heart worm medication year round, we do blood tests every spring for lyme & heart worm prevention/detection.
Because our Doodles are being used in a breeding program we do not want them to be bombarded with toxins.
There are many negative side effects to any “medication” or foreign substance you introduce into your dog’s system.
Heartworm medication, vaccinations, Flea medications are toxins that are absorbed into your dog’s system and can be VERY hard on the liver, stomach and even contribute to Cancer, especially if given at the same time.
It is up to “YOU” the owner weigh the pro’s and con’s of using any products or chemicals on your puppy.
We did find this great article that hopefully can assist you with deciding about Heartworm Medication:
Getting To The Heart Of Heartworm ~by Charlotte Walker
Risk Assessment – for each question there is only one answer, “yes” or “no”.
Each question has a value placed next to each answer.
Take the test, add your score and find where you fit in with Charlotte’s results.
Is there a high incidence of heartworm in your area? Yes = 0 No = 4
Does your animal get a heartworm blood test every year? Yes = 5 No =2
Do you live near a swampy area? Yes = 1 No = 5
Do you live on a farm? Yes = 2 No = 5
Does your animal have sort hair or lots of exposed skin? Yes = 1 No = 4
Doe he sleep outside at night? Yes = 0 No = 5
Do you apply a natural bug repellent to your dog during bug season? Yes = 5 No = 3
Score: 19 – 33
Your animal is most likely at a low risk for heartworm. He probably doesn’t need preventative medication.
Score: 11 – 18
There is some risk of your animal being infected. Keep him indoors at night and apply natural bug repellent to your dog when he’s outside.
Score: 0 – 10
Your animal is likely at high risk for heartworm. Do everything you can to protect him from mosquito bites and talk to your vet about a preventative program.
Charlotte added a little information about heartworm:
“Heartworm has been found just about everywhere in the U.S. and Canada, but it’s especially in the southeastern regions of the continent.
In the States, the most cases are found along the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys, as well as along the Gulf coast and into Louisiana.
FLEA MEDICATION
Karlaspets does not have our Doodles year round on flea or tick products
We do not have parasites on our area in the winter.
We only administer it until the fleas and ticks are gone as it is important to me to not have too many toxins in our doodles systems.
Dog Vaccinations Be Informed
DHLPPC:
This is a combo vaccination that covers numerous diseases with one injection. What do all those letters stand for?
D = Distemper: Distemper is a nasty virus that is highly contagious, occurs world wide, and at one time was the leading cause of death in puppies. Young puppies are more susceptible to the virus then adult dogs. You may see signs of an upper respiratory infection with a high fever, the dog may also have neurological signs. This disease is often fatal.
H = Hepatitis or Adenovirus-2: This is spread by contact with the urine and feces of infected animals. The virus causes liver and kidney damage, animals that survive may have chronic illness. Symptoms include but are not limited to: fever, lethargy, anorexia, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea.
L = Leptospirosis: This disease affects the liver and kidneys and is deadly. Animals with this disease are contagious to other animals and humans. A positive dog should be isolated and the caregiver should wear protective clothing and gloves. The disease is spread through contact with urine of infected animals. Dogs with leptospirosis may show signs of lethargy, dehydration, jaundice, and fever.
P =Parvo: Viral illness that is most common form is intestinal and is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite
P=Parainfluenza: This is a virus that causes an upper respiratory infection. Dogs usually contract the disease through contact with nasal secretions of infected dogs.
C = Corona virus: This virus attacks the intestinal system similar to parvovirus. Infected dogs suffer from vomiting and diarrhea and dehydration. Keep your pet vaccinated and your yard clean to protect your pet.
Bordetella:
This is an upper respiratory infection also known as kennel/canine cough. This infection is usually not fatal but is a pain to get rid of. The infection can spread quickly through boarding and grooming facilities and any place dogs congregate. The vaccination can be in the form of a nasal spray or injection. The injection form will need a booster in one month. Your veterinarian can help you decide if this vaccination is necessary for your dog.
Lyme Disease:
This is a tick borne illness. If you live in a wooded area and have a large number of positive Lyme disease cases in your area you should consider this vaccine for your dogs. The deer tick must stay attached to your dog for one to two days in order to transmit the illness, so checking your dog daily for ticks will help prevent Lyme disease, also use a good tick preventative like Frontline and Preventic Tick Collars.
Symptoms include but are not limited to: fever, swollen lymph nodes, and loss of appetite. Talk to your veterinarian if you think your dog should be vaccinated against Lyme disease.
Rabies:
Is a virus that affects the nervous system and is always fatal. There is no known cure for rabies, to confirm a case the brain tissue must be examined. In the United States raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and coyotes are the main wild animal hosts for the illness. Symptoms generally include behavior change, difficulty swallowing, hypersalivation, depression – stupor, and hind limp paralysis. The disease is spread through the saliva of infected animals and can be transmitted through a bite or an open wound. Vaccinated pets who are exposed to rabies should be re-vaccinated and observed for 90 days, un-vaccinated pets exposed to rabies should be euthanized or kept isolated for 6 months. Keep all pets current on their rabies vaccinations – this will protect humans and animals.
The latest Rabies vaccination protocol is that after a series of two vaccinations the dog will only need to be revaccinated every 3 years depending on the Rabies Brand of Vaccination. Ask your vet if you can read the label if you are unsure. There are studies completed that have proven that Rabies Vaccine lasts at least 5 years. Hopefully the politics around this will resolve us into at 5 yr (or more)instead of 3 yr vaccine.
*See bottom of page for specific state laws
Coccidiosis:
Coccidiosis is an intestinal disease that affects several different animal species including canines and humans. Coccidia is one of the most prevalent protozoal infections in North American animals, second only to giardia.
Clinical signs of coccidiosis usually are present or shortly following stress such as weather changes; weaning; overcrowding; long automobile or plane rides; relocation to a new home and new owners; and/or unsanitary conditions.
Symptoms or signs of coccidiosis will depend on the state of the disease at the time of observation.
In general, coccidiosis affects the intestinal tract and symptoms are associated with it.
In mild cases, only a watery diarrhea may be present, and if blood is present in the feces, it is only in small amounts.
Severely affected animals may have a thin, watery feces with considerable amounts of intestinal mucosa and blood.
Straining usually is evident, rapid dehydration, weight loss and anorexia (off feed) also may be clinically visible.
Giardiasis:
Giardiasis is a parasite that lives in the intestines and can be passed into the environment through the stools of infected animals.
Dogs become infected with giardia by drinking contaminated water. Humans can also be infected.
At risk dogs would be those who live primarily outdoors, hunting dogs, or dogs who may come in contact with ponds or creeks.
If you feel your pet is at risk then talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating against giardia.
This vaccine needs boosted 3 weeks after the initial dose then given annually.
Giardia causes its unpleasant effects on the body not by invading the tissues,
but simply by being in the way. It multiplies to the point where it sort of paves the lining of the intestine and blocks normal digestion (malabsorption).
This causes only partially digested food to get lower in the digestive tract than it should, causing diarrhea.
Tests for Giardiasis are useless because it can’t always be detected. It is better just to treat for Giardiasis if you suspect it.
Safe-Guard® Canine Dewormer (contains 22.2% Fenbendazole) used for 3 days will take care of Giardiasis.
Blue-Green Algae:
Blue-Green Algae kills dogs that drink or contact the algae (Cyanobacteria).
It is found in stagnant water and there is no cure.
Symptoms of Blue Green Algae Toxicity include: nausea, bloody diarrhea, pale gums, skin or eye irritations, convulsions and, in severe cases, even death within minutes.
When the nervous system is involved, dogs will develop muscle tremors,
labored breathing and difficulty moving. Blue Green Algae toxicity is often misdiagnosed as heart problems or heat stroke.
There are lots of photos and videos online so make sure to learn about this deadly toxin.
Campylobacter:
Campylobacter is a form of food poison. It can be passed from people to dogs and then back to people again.
It is also referred to as “Show Crud” as it is very common in show dogs.
Symptoms are Diarrhea cause can be contaminated Fecal matter, non-chlorinated water, such as streams, ponds or puddles, food poisoning from food or from a human who has food poison, even a light case.
Drugs for treatment are Tetracycline, Erythromycin and some have had success using Cephalexin.
Dr Schultz-on Vaccinations (per Dr Mercola)
He would also give a rabies vaccine (which is technically also considered a core vaccine), the frequency of which is not dictated by Dr. Schultz’s knowledge of immunology, but is dictated by the law. He gives the first rabies vaccine sometime after 4 months of age, re-vaccinates in a year, and then again in 3 years and every 3 years thereafter. Dr. Schultz reiterates his rabies vaccine protocol is because of the law, not because every 3 year vaccines are necessary immunologically.
The law is not interested in when an animal actually needs another rabies vaccine to be protected – the law simply demands every 1, 2 or 3 year vaccinations with no consideration for whether the animal’s body is already immune to the rabies virus thanks to a prior vaccine.
If you choose not to re-vaccinate your pet for rabies, it is your choice, but you should be aware it is also against the law. Neither Dr. Schultz nor I are suggesting you do anything illegal. However, if you choose not to re-vaccinate, be aware your pet is probably protected for life from the virus anyway due to prior rabies vaccination.
If Dr. Schultz’s 7-year rabies study can prove the vaccine is good for at least that long, prompting a change in current vaccination laws, then a dog might only receive 2 rabies vaccines in a lifetime.