I have had Simba just over 3 weeks now. We got him at 8 weeks and the vet advised us to allow him a week before bringing him to the vet for a check over and his first injection. So I trotted off to the vet when Simba was 9 weeks. Simba was given his first injection and I was advised he would need another 2 injections. Previously my dogs have only had 2. When I questioned this I was advised that it was a new formula. I wasn't that well that day myself so didn't press further. However his 2nd jab is due on Friday and I just wanted to know why they have introduced a new jab, what is it for and is it safe? Is there any evidence out there to say a third jab is necessary or is it a vetinary money making exercise. It is the first time we have used this vet and just thought we would give it a try as it is closer to home than where we take our other dogs (it opened in the last few years). Advice will be very welcome. Thanks Lisa x
Hi Lisa Sorry can't advise on whether your pup should be receiving 2 or 3 vaccinations as it depends upon what it is your vet is using and where you are located. That said there are some vaccines which now require 3 doses not 2. Veterinary medicine, just like humano medicine, changes over the years and new drugs are introduced or formulated differently. I would be very surprised if it was money making by the vet as you often pay for the entire puppy vaccinatoon programme rather a injection by injection basis. If you are concerned about the vaccine being used have a chat with your vet as they are best placed to calm your fears.
I think it may be the new Lepto 4. No, it isn't the vet trying to make more money! It has recently been introduced about 2/3 years ago and both my dogs have had it. However, there is some thought (not conclusive) that some dogs have a bad reaction to it, so do some research, that is if the 3rd injection is the second Lepto 4!
I can only speak from personal experience. Our girl had three vaccinations as a puppy. The vet advised that sometimes the second vaccination might not be 100% successful as the puppy may still carry some immunity from their mother at this point so the immunity could prevent the vaccination working. By the time the third vaccination is done, any remaining immunity from their mum will be gone so the vaccine is more likely to be successful. I think I remember that correctly... It was two years ago now! As I said though, that was just our experience.
WSAVA now recommends three vaccinations are given: http://www.wsava.org/sites/default/files/WSAVA Owner Breeder Guidelines 14 October 2015 FINAL.pdf
Thank you very much for the response. The information on the site was very useful. It demonstrated that the change to 3 vaccinations is evidence based. I will take Simba to his vet appointment tomorrow more adequately informed. Thanks again Lisa
