Hemlock Miniature Schnauzers

"Small Stature Big Personality"
Charlemont, MA
VACCINATIONS​

Recently, there have been many studies that address the over-vaccination of our beloved pets. Humans are not vaccinated annually for the rest of their lives, our pets should also not be vaccinated annually. We have seen the incidences of more cancers and autoimmune disorders due to the overvaccination of our pets. Your Vet can have a blood titer test done if it makes you feel more comfortable, I believe this makes more sense than vaccinating annually, I do not feel a titer test is required yearly, I feel every 3 - 5 years is fine. Check below to learn all about titer test. So this is the protocol we have decided to adopt, playing middle of the road between giving annual vaccines, and never vaccinating as many have advocated. I have found this is a happy medium until further research proves otherwise.

Below, please find for your review my recommended vaccination schedule and the one that I follow for every one of the beloved Schnauzers in my care. 



NEVER COMBINE VACCINES, SOME VETS MAY SUGGEST IT, I AM HIGHLY AGAINST IT.

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8 weeks, Distemper, parvovirus Vaccinations

12, & 16 weeks: Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus Cough, Parainfluenza, & Parvovirus Vaccinations - 

"Kennel Cough Intranasal Vaccine". Only Given If Your Puppy/Dog Will Be Boarded. Two Doses Should Be Given, 2-4 Weeks Apart At Least Two Weeks Before Boarding/Showing Your Puppy Or Dog. 

5 months: Rabies (1-year Vaccination). 

17 months 3 Year Rabies Vaction With The Above Vaccines!!! 



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*** PLEASE NOTE: Many lines of Schnauzers are sensitive to the Leptospirosis part of the normal puppy combination vaccine. This may cause a severe allergic reaction or even death. Therefore, it is not recommended unless you live in a part of the country where this disease is prevalent. In either case, please stay at the vet's office or clinic for one hour after vaccination is given, or better yet request that the Leptospirosis part not be given. I personally DO NOT give the vaccination at all nor do I recommend it being given to puppies I have placed in new homes unless they live in an area where Lepto is a main concern. 


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Other Vaccinations... 

These Vaccinations Are For Canine Diseases That Are Not A Threat To Most Dogs In Their Everyday Lives. They Should *Only* Be Given If There Is A Severe Threat Of These Diseases In Your Area. These Vaccines Are *NOT* Recommended For Most Dogs!!!! 

Lyme Disease -  This vaccine is not a preventative against Lyme Disease, it is very controversial the Vets will say it lessens the affects of Lyme if the dog contracts it. I do not give this to my dogs.

Coronavirus - Administered as an injection. Disease that causes gastrointestial upset. Only affects puppies under the age of 7 weeks. Since puppies NEVER leave my home before 8 weeks, I do not give the vaccine nor do I recommend it. 


TITER TESTING

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Taking blood for an annual titer test, to check a dog’s level of immune defenses, should replace the habit of vaccinating dogs annually whether or not they need it.


Few issues in veterinary medicine are as controversial as the debate about administering annual vaccinations to our dogs. Long considered part of the standard of baseline, responsible veterinary healthcare, and credited with conquering some of the fiercest canine viral and other infectious diseases, vaccinations now are also suspected of creating vulnerability to illnesses and chronic conditions such as anemia, arthritis, seizures, allergies, gastrointestinal and thyroid disorders, and cancer. As we’ve previously discussed in numerous articles, few people advocate refraining from the use of vaccinations altogether, but increasing numbers of veterinary experts recommend administering fewer vaccines to our dogs than was suggested in recent years. The current wisdom is to vaccinate our animal companions enough, but not too much. Does this seem a little arbitrary? It could, especially since the veterinary profession lacks complete information about exactly how long the effects of canine vaccines last. (We bet you thought that most vaccines “last” about a year, which is why you are supposed to bring your dog to the vet for more shots every year, right? Well, you’re wrong, and we’ll explain why below.) Fortunately, there is a tool that veterinarians and dog owners can use to determine whether or not a dog really needs further vaccination at any given time. It’s called a “titer test,” and it’s readily available, not terribly expensive, and offers multiple advantages over the practices (intentional or not) of over-vaccination and under-vaccination. To understand what a titer test is and what it can do for you and your dog, you need a little background information about vaccinations and their use in this country.