Does it matter if a puppy gets their shot too early?

Question

I know puppies need shots at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks. I was just wondering, does it matter if the puppy was taken in a few weeks too early to get the first shot and if it does matter why would a licensed vet give the puppy the shot?

Here's the story:

I have an 11 week old Siberian Husky/Alaskan Malamute mix named Sylar and I took her to the vet (not the same vet where she got her 1st shot) yesterday for her 2nd vaccination, I assume she got the 2nd shot. The vet's assistant said Sylar received her 1st shot at 6 weeks of age, which was too early, so she would need another one since the 1st shot would do nothing to protect her from whatever diseases its supposed to. So, does it really matter if a puppy gets their shot too early and if it is why would a licensed vet do so?

Answer 1

If there is a high risk of certain diseases, like distemper and parvo, some vets will give an early shot to help prevent it. The reason shots given too early are a problem is the maternal antibodies will interfere with the pup's production of his own. As the maternal antibodies wear off, the vaccinations have to kick in. Since there is NO way to know when the maternal antibidies are weak enough to not interfere with the vaccine, a series of shots are given based on calculations made from long years of studying the range of potential interference. It is suspected that ion some breeds, the maternal antibodies against parvo can circumvent the vaccine up to 19 weeks of age. Some vets will give susceptible pups a parvo booster at 20 weeks.

Answer 2

A puppy should NOT receive ANY vaccinations until at least 2 weeks after it has been weened. An 8 week old puppy can have shots if it was weened at 6 weeks. However, if someone is offering a puppy at 6 weeks, turn it down.....it's too young and should still be nursing.



Nonetheless. The second vet is correct. The antibodies in the mother's milk protects the puppy from all diseases. Most vaccinations are given as a modified live virus. The antibodies in the mother's milk will fight off the vaccination long before the puppy's body builds up a resistance. So, the vaccination was pointless.



On the other hand, vaccinations can cause WAY more damage than most diseases. I personally recommend Parvo vaccination regardless of what area you are in. I also suggest Rabies when the pup is of age (most are 6 to 8 months old). Depending on where you are should decide the rest of the vaccinations to give.



For example, Carona Virus is HUGE my area--almost bigger than Parvo. So, of course, I'd vaccinate against it. Distemper, on the other hand, has not been reported in my area in over 40 years. So vaccinating a puppy against a disease that is unheard of in my area would be pointless (unless I plan on taking the pup out of state).



Read the following for more information about vaccinations. They cause more harm than they do good. Don't waste your money with any additional shots--you're only killing your dog faster.

Answer 3

I think I might go back to the first vet. Puppies are always given there first shots at 6 weeks. That is when they are taken from the mother and no longer have her immunities. I do agree with working your way up from a 5 way shot at 6 weeks to a 9 way shot at 12 weeks and a rabies no sooner than 16 weeks but 6 weeks is when the puppy should have her/his first shot.

Answer 4

yes it does make a difference. what do you mean "you assume" she got her 2nd shot? weren't you there? didn't you pay the bill?



because she got the first one a 6 weeks a responsible vet will give 4 series instead of 3. they will consider yesterday her first shot.



the protection they recieve from the mothers milk renders the vx non active at 6 weeks & often people then vx again at 8 weeks & that one is in effective too.



so you should be in good shape now - just late

Answer 5

That's not true.. 6 weeks is fine for the first vaccination.. Your vet just does it a little differently than many vets and he is trying to make it look like his way is the only way.. 6 weeks is good for a first shot.. She does NOT need another first shot..



If you don't like the way your vet does things, or if he doesn't listen to you or won't give you answers to your questions.. Find a new vet.

Answer 6

It shouldn't matter.. Your dog might just need to get another shot or two. Some vets are just in it for the money not really for the animal. Its so sad.

Answer 7

if it says that she could get them TOO early then yes, it matters, if it didnt they wouldnt have said that. a liscenced vet is the ONLY one who should EVER give an animal shots. because he knows exactly where to inject, how to inject, and how much to inject.



good luck



ily

-rae

Answer 8

yes