VACCINATION - WHAT, when & WHY?

Dr. W. Jean Dodds, DVM research recommends a vaccine protocol for companion dogs where minimal vaccinations are advisable or desirable. As Japanese Chin can be "delicate flowers", this is the schedule I recommend and use. I've experienced fewer side effects and complications than decades ago when we traditionally, and unnecessarily, vaccinated annually because we just didn't know any better...

Dr. Jean Dodds’ Recommended Puppy & Adult Vaccination Schedule

• Distemper (MLV) @ 9, 12, and 16–20 weeks of age - Immunity lasts 7–15 years; likely lifelong.
• Parvovirus (MLV) @ 9, 12, and 16–20 weeks of age  - Immunity lasts 7–15 years; likely lifelong.
• Rabies (killed) @ 24 weeks or older, boostered 1 year later - Every 3 years (as required by law) with killed 3-year rabies vaccine; give 3–4 weeks apart from other shots - not on the same day!

Vaccines Dr. Dodds Does Not Recommend

• Coronavirus – Rare and mild; affects only very young puppies.
• Leptospirosis – Common side effects; vaccines often cover the wrong strains.
• Lyme disease – Low risk outside certain regions; may cause joint inflammation.
• Bordetella (kennel cough) – Only if required for boarding; lasts about 6 months.
• Giardia – Effectiveness not supported by independent studies.

Alternatives and Special Considerations

• Titer testing – A blood test that checks immunity levels before revaccinating.
• Killed rabies vaccines – Use only these for adults; space 3–4 weeks from other shots.
• Avoid vaccinating during pregnancy, lactation, or estrus.
• Sensitive breeds – Weimaraners, Akitas, Great Danes, and American Eskimos may have higher risk for vaccine reactions.

About Dr. W. Jean Dodds, DVMDr. Dodds is the founder of Hemopet, a nonprofit veterinary diagnostic and blood bank center in Santa Monica, CA. She is internationally recognized for her research in immunology, hematology, and vaccine safety. Learn more at www.hemopet.org.