You are wise to be concerned about how to best vaccinate your new puppy. Puppies that come from pet stores (puppy mills!) or private breeders most likely have been vaccinated at least once before they are sold. You say that your new puppy will be at home and not exposed to other dogs. Older dogs and adult dogs who have not been vaccinated can still be exposed to these viruses whenever they travel with you, walk around the neighborhood or visit dog parks. Therefore, your dog is not automatically immune from the Parvo or Distemper simply because of age. However, Parvo is not as severe in adult dogs (better immune function and higher body weights) and therefore most will survive with proper treatment. Puppies are most at risk for a deadly outcome. Note: Most puppies have been exposed to these viruses (parvo and distemper) PRIOR to being purchased at pet stores, animal shelters and dog breeding kennels.

I suggest that you opt for a minimal vaccine protocol: Distemper and Parvo (DP) or the DHP with includes Hepatitis (rarely a problem) starting no earlier than 9 weeks and repeating again at 12 or 13 weeks. After that it may only be necessary to vaccinate once again at 6 months or one year of age. That’s a total of three vaccines spaced out over 6 to 12 months. Then you can just check vaccine titers (simple blood test your vet can do) to measure antibody levels. Most come back with adequate to good levels, proving that “booster” vaccines are not needed.

My main concern right now is the Parvo which I have read can be deadly to a puppy. But since he will be an inside dog, I will not have him in any dog park, just my yard for the first 5 months. Would Parvo really be of a concern? I have read that their most at threat until 7 months of life, until their immune system matures. But since I have a fenced yard and will not be taking him out of the house until 7 months, will parvo be really an issue for me? I really, really do not want to give any vaccines — maybe just rabies because it is required by law.

Thank you so much for any info Please Help please! I really want to do everything I can to minimize any chemicals on him.

My Lab (who is now at Rainbow Bridge, RIP), in her last couple of years, got really sick after her yearly vaccinations……the last time I brought her in, I asked if it was absolutely necessary. I told the vet that my dog had been sick for a couple of days the last two years after the shots.

He shrugged his shoulders & gave her the shot. I was absolutely livid……my poor dog was even sicker after that & I swore no more shots for her. She had other issues & was in a lot of pain so this was not what I wanted for her.

Needless to say, this vet never saw me again after that.

I have another Lab now…..she got her puppy shots before I got her so now it’s rabies because it’s required by law (hope that changes soon too) & I’ll have the titer done every few years.

If only I knew then what I know now. Thanks to the horrendous events of last year, I started doing some research & learned a lot more than I ever wanted to know.