I've just called to get my GSD's 12 wk appt. He's 9 weeks. He got Vanguard 7 (Distemper, hepatitis, kennel cough, parvo, and leptospirosis). He was also given one dose of de-wormer. He was purchased from a German breeder and had been seeing a German vet (but we're military, so are taking him to our on-post vet b/c it's required of us).

The reception told me I need to bring him in ASAP b/c he needs 9 wks shots as well, and then again at 12 weeks. She also said we need to check his stools for worms, and he needs 4 de-worming treatments. I got a little irritated and told her I will not bring him in this week. His breeder told me he would just need the 12 week appt. I asked her why they give the dog a 9 wk distemper vax -- her reply was that at 6 wks he still had immunities from his mother, so they give the 9 weeks one "just in case," and then the 12 week as a booster. I do a lot of work with pregnant women and new moms, and have done a good deal of research into vax. IMO, there is such a thing as too much, and I am very concerned for the health of my animal. I also think it's overkill to de-worm 4 times. I've never done that with past puppies, and we only did my kitten once.

What do you all think?

Stacia and Achilles

Adding: just called "regular" German vet and they said he just needs rabies and Vanguard 7 again at 12 weeks, and no de-worming...

So what would you do???? I *have* to register the dog with the vet on post no matter what I do (regulations for those of us living overseas).

9 times out of 10, disregard what the receptionist tells you. They usually know enough to be dangerous. Get an appointment and talk to the vet on base directly in person. Tell him that you WILL NOT do automatic boosters or wormings. If they want to do a fecal, fine do one, if he has worms treat them.

I think the vet will likely work with you. The receptionist probably has the "vaccines can't hurt" mentality and the vet is more educated on the risks involved. Worst case, you take the dog in this time and he doesn't seem to want to work with you, at least you know and you have been in to see him.

Puppies should receive three sets of shots, at 9, 12, and 16 weeks of age, then a rabies shot at around 4-5 months of age, and then a 1 year booster for the combo vaccine. After that, according to Dr. Jean Dodd DVM, and the instructor from whom I took my veterinary assistant program (who is also a DVM), the dog should be protected for life, or at least for 4 or 5 years. lol Here, it is required by law to give the first rabies shot, then give it again a year later, and then every three years. The only vaccine I give my dog is the rabies, every three years, because that's the law. If I end up boarding her in August though, I'm sure I'm going to have to give her a booster. I would do what is required by law where you are at.

Since you said you are military and are in Germany, I thought I might share this with you -

Europeans in general dont worry about worming their dogs. They do it usually only if you see the worms..

I know a million people with dogs here, and when I asked them what they use to worm their dogs with - 99% said 'I dont, worms are natural for a dog'.

You can, of course, get wormer over here. My puppy had them. 2 doses of Drontal fixed her up. Since 99.9% of all puppies are born with worms, no one is going to tell you its wrong to worm, if you tell them you want to.

They just think the worms are ok... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Kristen, with respect I totally disagree with you. Dogs do not need this many vaccinations. At most two puppy shots at 7 and 12 weeks (only parvo and distgemper) and a rabies shot. Never a booster. If people want to confirm this have a titters test done every year to verify immunity. There are so many problem from vaccinations its not worth the risk !!

Agreed with Ed. I give puppy shots and rabies and that is it.

I worm once a month with Pancur horse wormer. ($12 treats 10 dogs) The dogs poop has been tested regularly and never had any signs of any worms.. AND they live on dirt kennels. Not a single one of my dogs have ever needed the vet (except our 8 yr old GSD.. needed thyroid meds, and a pup I suspected had Pano).

Ed and Sammy, can you provide documented proof that giving shots at 7 and 10 weeks will provide lifetime immunity?

Hi Kristen,

My dog received a Parvo vaccine at 6 weeks, and a Parvo/Distemper vaccine at 9 weeks ... And at 4.5 years he's still showing strong immunity on his titers.

I'm not questioning that it *can*, but I like to have proof in writing from a reputable source (like Dr. Jean Dodd, for example) so that when I pass along the info, I have proof to back up what I'm saying. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />