Mainly due to articles and what not where I've read too much vaccination is actually detrimental to the developing immune system. So, I just started giving only one vaccination years ago. I've not seen any evidence in it making any difference to be honest, but then again, I'm not able to study or test any of those ideas on my end.
This "compromised immune system" theory applies more to adult dogs being given vaccines, rather than puppies. It is an absolute fact that puppies given shots will have FAR better immunity to parvo/carona, etc. than non-immunized pups.Originally Posted by FrostyPaws
In puppies, they have no immune system at first, and only operate off of the mama's colostrum ... then, gradually, they develop their own immune system.
The idea behind the shots is to challenge that developing immune system with "modified, live" viruses (viruses that are weakened enough not to kill the pups, but strong enough to elicit an immune response), so that immunity is achieved quickly by prompting the pup's body to respond to the challenge.
It is generally (almost universally) agreed now that shots at 6, 9, and 12 weeks of age are what is required to effectively bridge that "window" (where the pup is going from no immunity to building its own immunity). Shots given at earlier than 6 weeks of age can be too much too soon ... while shots given after 12 weeks of age are superfluous.
Therefore, I would recommend sticking with the accepted science of 3 giving shots, each 3 weeks apart, spanning the 6th, 9th, and 12th week.
Jack
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