Hello :-) is it safe to give the 2nd canine herpes vaccination (day 53) if my bitch did not have the first one soon after mating?  I would like to, the vet has ordered it for me.    

its given a week to 10 days before whelping is due, so im sure you would be fine even if your girl goes afew days early :)

Thanks, given that she didn't have the first vac early on in pregnancy is it safe to give the second?

When did she have the first vaccination ?

Never had the first vac, I didn't give the vet enough advance notice :-(

I have heard of someone only giving it 7-10 days prior to whelping - better than nothing, at least it gives some protection.

Oh - I didnt know the vets needed advance notice ? i think something would be better than nothing ? I have heard there are no side effects ?

Most vets don't carry it as a normal 'stock' drug.  But they can get it next day for you.

I normally inform my vet of the need for it when I take a bitch down for a pre mating check over when she comes into season and collect it a few days later - although they do normally now carry one or two in stock as there are more and more people using it and it does have a reasonable 'fridge shelf' life.

might sound a silly question (sorry) but if your girl is maden and boy has been used to girls that all have been maden should the vaccine still be needed?

"..........if your girl is maden and boy has been used to girls that all have been maden should the vaccine still be needed?"

Yes, still needed white lilly. The main danger is a bitch contracting the canine herpes virus during the second half of pregnancy because she will not have had time to build up immunity to pass onto her puppies. If the first vaccination is not given having the second one will give a bitch a chance to develop some immunity. In an infected bitch who received only the second vaccination some puppies might still die but is would be hoped the majority of the litter would survive.

thankyou dogsbody xx