Dr. Jean Dodd's VACCINE SCHEDULE "REVISED VACCINATION PROTOCOL - 1997"
Please do NOT accept the info you read on this page or ANY other page in this or any
website as GOSPEL. Instead, read, learn, study some
more, then form your own conclusion after consulting with
your own Veterinarian.
Note: This schedule is the one I recommend and should not be interpreted to mean
that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It's
a matter of professional judgement and choice.
For all breeds or families of dogs susceptible to or affected with immune dysfunction,
immune-mediated disease, immune-reactions associated with vaccinations, or
autoimmune endocrine disease (e.g., thyroiditis, Addison's or Cushing's disease, diabetes,
etc.), and al other breeds, the following protocol is recommended:
Age of pups -- Vaccine type (No DHLPP Vaccines!)
6 weeks (range could be 5 and a half to 6 and a half weeks but not earlier)
-- Distemper + measles (_without_ hepatitis)
8 weeks and 10 weeks for pups not receiving measles earlier
---Distemper plus hepatitis, plus or minus parainfluenza for pups _not_ receiving
the distemper/measles earlier
7-8 weeks and 10-11 weeks, same schedule and product each time
-- Killed canine parvovirus* given 3-4 weeks apart
12 weeks, -- Distemper + hepatitis + parainfluenza plus or minus leptospirosis (_without_
parvovirus)*
14 weeks and 18-20 weeks, same schedule and product each time**
-- Distemper + hepatitis + parainfluenza plus or minus leptospirosis + killed canine
parvovirus*
16-36 weeks -- Killed rabies vaccine (note from Lyn Richards: we do NOT give Great
Danes Rabies Vaccimes before the age of 6 months, due to the Immune suppressed state
of many Breed lines. Please discuss this at length with your vet before making a decision,
but be aware that many of the coat, bone and skin problems the breed is experiencing
are a direct result of early rabies vaccination.)
* During parvovirus epidemics or for highly susceptible breeds such as Rottweilers, and
Harlequin Great Danes newer modified-live virus (MLV) vaccines that override maternal
immunity may be advisable.
^^An _Annual_ booster using distemper + hepatitis + parainfluenza plus or minus leptospirosis +
killed canine or MLV parvovirus is given at one year of age. Thereafter, boosters are given every 3
years until old age.
Beyond 10 years of age, booster vaccinations are generally not needed, and may be unwise if
aging or other diseases are present. For animals at high exposure risk to parvovirus disease, an
additional parvovirus vaccination can be given at the 6-month point.
^^ I use only killed 3-year _rabies vaccine_ for adults and give it _separated_ from other vaccines
by at least 2 and preferably 3-4 weeks.
^^ I do _not_ use _Bordetella or corona virus or Lyme vaccines_ unless these diseases are
endemic in the local area or specific kennel.
^^I do _not_ recommend vaccinating bitches during estrus, pregnancy or lactation.
^^ I recommend that distemper or distemper-measles vaccine be given _without_ hepatitis between
6 - 8 weeks, because of the reported suppression of lymphocyte responsiveness induced by
polyvalent canine distemper and adenovirus vaccines. (Phillips et al., Can J Vet Res 1989;
53:154-160.)
^^For animals previously experiencing adverse vaccine reactions or breeds at higher risk for such
reactions (e.g. Weimaraners, Akitas) _alternatives to booster vaccinations_ should be considered.
These include avoiding boosters except rabies vaccine as required by law; annually measuring
serum antibody titers against specific canine infectious agents, such as distemper and parvovirus;
and homeopathic nosodes. [This last option is considered an unconventional treatment that has
not been scientifically proven to be efficacious. However, data from Europe and clinical experience
in North America support its use, and controlled studies are underway to test the method under
challenge conditions. If veterinarians choose to use homeopathic nosodes, their clients should be
provided with an appropriate disclaimer and written informed consent should be obtained.]"
W. Jean Dodds, DVM
HEMOPET
938 Stanford Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403
ph: 310/ 828-4804
949-252-8455
fax: 310/ 828-8251