Dr. Karen Becker’s Vaccine Schedule
Unnecessary Conventional Vaccine Schedule
Did you know a Chihuahua gets the same size vaccine as a Great Dane and at the same frequency. Following the recommended vaccination schedule is overwhelming your pet’s immune system.
Many veterinarians recommend that on an annual basis dogs are to receive rabies, parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, leptospirosis, coronavirus, hepatitis, lyme (borrelia); semi-annually, bordetella (kennel cough) is sometimes recommended every 6 months. Many vets advise puppies to receive their “core vaccines”at ages 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 10 weeks, 12 weeks, 14 weeks, and 16 weeks. Then, they get boosters at one year, and annually thereafter. This is extreme for an animal that averages from 10, 25 to 50 pounds.
What is recommended by holistic veterinarians
Dr. Becker’s vaccine protocol is to administer a first round of “core” vaccines - distemper, parvo and adenovirus (no parainfluenza) at around 9 to 10 weeks. She gives the second round between 15 and 16 weeks. Two weeks after the second round, she titer tests to insure the dog has been immunized and not just vaccinated. Titer testing determines if your pet has adequate immunological protection from previous puppy shots. Antibody levels can be measured from a blood draw.
Rabies - give the first vaccine at six months, and then as required by law, a booster one year later and every three years thereafter.
The canine 5-in-1 vaccine includes protection against canine distemper virus, two types of adenovirus, aka hepatitis and kennel cough, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. These underlined immunizations are not core vaccines.
Discuss with your veterinarian whether non-core vaccines should be given depending on the dog's exposure risk.
Dr. Karen Becker, DVM, CVH, CVA, CCRT
https://drbeckersbites.com/blogs/news/pet-vaccinations
Photo credit - Labrador Training HQ