Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello Dr. Tobin,

I have a 11-week old puppy (he'll be 12 weeks this weekend), and he hasn't gotten any vaccinations yet.

I've read all the messages posted here regarding vaccinations and understand that you recommend a distemper-parvo combination just once and rabies because of the state law. Am I right on this?

Also I assume that I need to find a holistic vet for this matter because I'm afraid that conventional vets wouldn't want to listen to me. Just wondering if holistic vets are willing to listen to what I want for my puppy. The reason why I'm asking this is because there are no holistic vets in my area and i'm going to have to drive pretty far, which I don't mind at all, but I just don't want the same kind of reaction from holistic vets as convetional vets.

Thank you.

At this age, one distemper/parvo shot is sufficcient doe life. The first rabies shot, good for one year, should be given not sooner than 3 weeks later. As to the vet not listening to you, you have several options; don't bring the dog back for a second shot, or tell the vet that you don't want a second shot and that you are not going to pay for a second shot. That works amazingly well.

When I take my puppy to a conventionnal vet for vaccines, can I just request one distemper/parvo shot? If I don't say anything, the vet(s) is just going to give combo, which I want to avoid. Another question that I forgot to ask you is if there's something like remedies that I can give the puppy after the vaccine shots? Thank you again.