Puppy vaccinations. When it is best to start them?

Ok after getting back on Sunday I went through the puppy pack they gave me and was suprised to find they recommend getting the pups first vaccinations no earlier than 10 weeks and as late as 12 weeks. Meaning the pup wouldn't be able to get out and about til 14 weeks at the earliest.

What are peoples thought's on the lateness of this? I've always thought it was better to do them earlier to get the pup socialised?

To be honest I think she'll have to have them at 8 weeks anyway cos I go away when she's 13 weeks and really want her to get the most out of all the new sights and sounds, but just wondered what your opinions are of this?

I think I would have them done at 8 & 10 wks..I would get first one done when you get the vet to do the new puppy check..

Although Seiko was 14 weeks when we got him and hadn't had any jabs!! what a nightmare that was! carrying him about..

New pup will be fully vaccd when picked up.. having jabs at 10 and 12wks.. Ithink (or could be 9 & 11wks)

Wow that will be nice, no pining wanting to take him for walkies!

Think I agree though, prefer 8 and 10 weeks.

hi the vaccine we use can be given as early as 6 weeks with a three week interval so the 2nd would be done at 9 weeks to help with socialising the one we used before was 8 and 10 wks

Thing is I've heard that giving the first vacc at 6 weeks can clash with the puppy's immunity already given by the mother, leaving the pup not covered at all?

Plus she won't be home til 8 weeks, but thanks for the suggestion.

actually i agree with you! pups shouldnt really leave their mums before 8 weeks, most of the pups we get in are 8 wks so they have their 2nd vacc at 11wks but are advised not to go out for 7 days after 2nd vacc which would make them 12 wks!! i wonder if maybe this is to attact the breeders who 1st vacc the pups b4 selling them? we do have some breeders who include vacc in the price of the pups but they are still not done til the pups are atleast 7-8wks

It's a good job you reminded me there, I didn't realise this til my sister got her pup and totally forgot about it!

So just to make sure I've got it right, the first vacc would be 8 weeks, miss a week, 2nd at 10 weeks, 1 week not going out which makes them 12 weeks before they can venture out?

I know some people get pups at 6 weeks and have no problems, but it's not something I'd ever do I don't think. Think they learn so much from Mum and littermates in the final few weeks.

>>>no earlier than 10 weeks and as late as 12 weeks<<<

I`d say thats very sensible advice, why are you questioning it? Maybe the breeder would be better to explain to you why she suggests this, I`m sure they`ll have very good reasons

I take the later the better view.

Dont forget you can take the pup out to socialise before the second injection; just don't put it down and take to areas that are likely to have dogs who are vaccinated if you see what I mean.

Arrange to meet dog friendly dogs of friends and go to their house for coffee and take the pup

Start as soon as you can. More dogs die from lack of socialisation than from diseases...

>>>More dogs die from lack of socialisation than from diseases<<<

You know I`ve heard that comment a few times now & don`t understand it at all

There are very valid reasons for not giving vax early, main 1 being pups immune system can be overwhelmed by a cocktail of viruses & the stress of leaving mum & litter, mates, new people to live with & everything els that comes with leaving home.

Another important factor is pups maternally derived antibodies are still most likely to be present at 8wks, especially to parvo.

It might be wise to do some digging around on maternall derived antibodies, when they wane & how they can overide vaccines