PUPPY SHOTS OR VACCINES
Vaccines help protect your puppy against many of the most serious potentially fatal diseases. Newborn puppies receive natural protection from antibodies in their mother’s first milk (called colostrum) while nursing. This protection only lasts for the first few months. Then your pup has to fend for himself. Most vets recommend a “puppy series” of shots, which is given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. After that, a yearly booster is required for protection. Vaccines are routinely recommended for Infectious Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Leptospriosis, Parainfluenza, Parvo Virus, and Corona Virus. This vaccine is usually given as a “six in one” injection and constitutes the routine “puppy shots”.
(NOTE: Rabies Vaccine for dogs is a law in most states. Regardless, the vaccine protects your dog from Rabies and you from a variety of legal issues. Unvaccinated pets bitten by unvaccinated animals must be quarantined for six months or put to sleep. To euthanize a healthy pet because he was bitten but not vaccinated is a tragedy for all involved.
(NOTE: Vaccination is safe and effective in preventing life-threatening diseases like Parvovirus and Distemper.)
COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS
NOSODES
Homeopathic vaccines are called nosodes. Nosodes are made from natural disease products. They are sterilized, diluted, and prepared so that they are safe and efficacious. Nosodes are given by mouth over a period of time that may extend from weeks to months. They, like vaccines, stimulate the dog’s immune system to protect against infection.
Nosodes are available for Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospriosis, and Parvovirus. There is no nosode for Rabies.