Question:
I'm only asking this because sometimes vets seem to do what is in the best interest of their clinic making money...
Maybe someone here knows, maybe not.
Here is my question:

I took my puppy (Abby) for her puppy booster's on Tuesday 07-18.
She got distemper, leptospirosis, corona, etc. the typical shots.

According to the vet we need to be back on August 8th for the final set of boosters (and Rabies).

I actually have an appointment on August 27th for her to be spayed. The clinic that is spaying her actually gives the 5 in 1 shot free with the spaying and a discounted rabies shot.
Now I know I can wait until the 27th for the rabies shot...
But is the time frame between these puppy booster to great if I go from 07-18 to 08-27? I understand there is a time frame and then the booster is ineffective. I will go and get her boosters on 08-08 if I need to but I was hoping to get the savings.
Ultimately whatever is best for Abby is what I will do.

Any input on the time between boosters is appreciated.
THANKS!!!

Jessica

Answer:
You're vet is doing what is best for your dog. Anaesthetic is very hard on the immune system, as are vaccines. Some of the vaccines are live, and compromising the immune system can cause the dog to get the virus (even though it's so weak) instead of fighting it off easily. Usually, they'll wait 2 weeks minimum between shots and surgery.

Answer:
More and more research is showing not only the bad impact of over-vaccination, but also of "cocktails" (where many vaccinations are combined). Vaccinations are tough on their systems and in some cases make havoc in their immune system. I certainly would not recommend that you try to combine more than need to into one session, and if your vet is inserting break periods for the system to recover, it is I am sure for a good reason.

Answer:
Cymba,

I am not questioning the break period, saying I want them sooner

I am questioning how long I can push it, due to her scheduled spaying

Answer:
You want to know if she can get the next set on the day of the spay right?

Like I said before, anaethesia is very hard on the doggy and vaccinating on the day of it is just looking for trouble.

Answer:
It's probably too late, you've already kept the appointment for the immunization with the vet. What I was going to suggest is that you ask the spay clinic to "give" the immunizations around the 9th or 10th.

Some stuff I've read lately about immunizations indicates that Vets want to rush immunizations and that they want to overvaccinate.

First, I wouldn't let the vet give my puppy rabies, parvo, distemper, and that horrible cocktail all at one time. So last time at the vet, Angie got her Rabies vaccine--and it had been at least 20 days since her HVLPP shot. The vet's assistant said, "But she's due." And I said, "The cocktail supposedly prevents these bacterial infections that mostly occur in kennels--she's not kenneled so the vacs can wait." Vet assistant didn't like that a bit, but I reminded her that Angie is my dog. And I suggested that I wouldn't pay for any unauthorized injections.

Second, after the 1st year boosters, NONE of the vaccines are necessary. That's right, NONE! The vaccines work by teaching the dogs immune system to quickly grow antibodies. While the antibodies may not necessarly be present in the dog's system, the immune system remembers how to make antibodies and can get ramped up if the dog is exposed. So when Angie gets her 1 year boosters, THAT'S GONNA BE IT! Except for the state or locally mandated 3 year Rabies vaccine none of that other crap is going in my dog.

Revaccination isn't particularly good for dogs, or cats, or people for that matter. Vacs boosters can cause shock, unnecessary pain (remember the pain you feel after a tetanus shot?,) and swelling.They can cause behavioral problems, damage or destroy the immune system, and cause cancer. And if you think about how a vaccine works (awakening an immune response) they aren't necessary. The immune response the animals have when they are young and healthy doesn't go away with age--it's there in case it's ever needed.

Pets get constant boosting of their immune system by interacting with other animals. The dog in the doggy park that just got her Rabies vacs is shedding attenuated virus and antibodies--it counts as a low level exposure.

If the vet argues that argues that he or she won't see an animal that hasn't been recently boosted, thank them and find another vet (a holistic one?) You want a vet that's more interested in your pet's health than in over medicating (same goes for personal physicians, btw.)

Vets make a bunch of money on vaccinations. The way to give them an "Honesty" check is to refuse upfront to pay for any unauthorized treatments (including unauthorized shots.) Put them on record--have it put right up front in the animal's medical record. And feel free to politely argue.

Answer:
It's still advisable to get titer tests when vaccines are due to be sure the immunity is still up.

Answer:
Titers won't show immunity (presence of antibodies) unless the animal has been exposed to the virus or bacteria recently so that the antibodies have been produced by the immune system.

I have immunity for smallpox (had vaccinations many years ago) but I doubt that I have any smallpox antibodies swimming around in my bloodstream.

Answer: