The Vaccination Programby Maureen B. Lawrence A.H.T.
Manager, Anicare, Inc.
There is so much controversy concerning the proper vaccination schedule to follow when vaccinating our canine companions. Should vaccines be given in a combination, or should they be split apart, so that parvo and distemper are given separately? How often should they receive them, and when should you begin to vaccinate? Considering that some breeds suffer from immuno suppression it was advised to vaccinate the dogs in intervals, never giving parvo and distemper combined until the dogs were 12 weeks of age. Over the years because of this controversy, vaccinations of puppies have become inadequate, causing not only parvo, but also distemper outbreaks.
Let's look at the Greyhound. Since this is one of the breeds that suffer from immuno suppression, they received their vaccines in intervals. This meant that beginning at 4 weeks, a parvo show would be given followed by a distemper the following week and would continue until the pups reached the age of 15 to 16 weeks. This meant that with a litter of 8 pups approximately 72 separate shots would be given (not including kennel cough and corona). Now this is not only time consuming, but also monetarily expensive. We know that on a greyhound farm time is important and money is hard to come by. Is it possible that to save time and money, the vaccinating of the greyhounds was improvised, leaving them improperly vaccinated, and susceptible to disease?
Over the years and with research by highly reputable drug companies and veterinary colleges working together, they have concluded that it is not necessary to give separate shots and that it is perfectly safe to vaccinate greyhounds with a combination vaccine without harmful side effects. There are 2 different vaccination schedules you can follow. Both begin with a parvo shot at 4 weeks, continuing every 2-3 weeks with a combination shot. |
