Took my litter for their first vaccination yesterday, at 8 weeks, and was told that the regular vaccine used by my Vet practice has now been tested and approved for 2nd injection to be given at 10 weeks, and pups can go out 5 days after this, giving an earlier socialistion period.  Delighted to hear this.  Vet also told me almost all of the vaccines had now been approved for use in this way.  I have not found a down side to this yet, apart from having to alter all my puppy care booklets.  Anyone got any experience of this, either good or bad?
bye
Gwen

My last puppy was innoculated at about 6 wks, 2nd jab at 10 weeks. It was wonderful being able to take her out so young but a lot of people were very shaky heady & muttering on with disapproval. She's now nearly 2 & hasn't had a day's illness in her life (touching all the wood I can find!) She's had her boosters recently & probably won't be done again for a few years.

Yes I was told the exact same thing with my 2 pups this year -8 and 10 weeks. I was very pleased. :) Had no problems at all.

Our vets for some time (at least 18 months - 2 years if not longer) has had jabs at 8 and 10 weeks and out a week later.

Bev

My last was vaccinated at 7 wks and 10 wks.  However, I don't wait for the 2nd one to take them out, only the first.  I think socialisation is more important.

Im afraid id ignore t hat.

If you MUST vaccinate, and i agree it has its benefits as well as its downsides...

Vaccinate as late as possible and leave at LEAST 3 weeks between jabs, and have as few jabs at a time as possible, likewise worming or flea treatments.

That doesnt mean i wouldnt socialise, i just weigh up the risks, but im afraid i think the risks posed by the MASSIVE insult to the immune system caused by giving jabs so early (and 8 weeks IS too early IMO, to be particularly effective), and so frequently are just too much!

Em

I still accept the advice of my vet especially as his locum, over here from Australia, said he has seen cases of canine distemper and other diseases which he would not have expected to see a few years ago.  He and other vets feel this is due to the lack of take up of inoculations.  Its your choice and no one can tell you what to do much less ignore.

my pup had his at 7weeks 6 days and then again at 9 weeks 6 days. Like onetwothree said, I only waited for the 1st vac before taking him out as socialising is so crucial to a pup and the period is so small within to socialise them so I find it much more important to get them out.
Nobody said anything to us about him being too young etc just the vet advised to wait the 5 days after 2nd vac.
Em

Thanks for all the replies.  I have never considered not giving first vaccinations,  and as I frequently attend shows and the pups will be going where other dogs are, I can't contempalte not doing it.  I have had experience of one pup, about 10 years ago, suffering a severe immune system shut down after vaccinations, and it was terrible.  However, this was a Cavalier.  I have seen of evidence in my current breeds of undue sensitivity to the vaccine, so will continue to vaccinate.  however, I was a little unsure about the earlier "finishing date".  I attended a seminar from one of the drug companies a few years ago, who had brought out a new vaccine which could be finished at 10 weeks, but my Vet was unhappy with the lack of scientific evidence at that date.  Glad to know severla of you have had the 10 week 2nd injection with no negative effects.  Looking forward to getting my babes out early for socialisation!

bye
Gwen