MINIMAL VACCINE PROTOCOL

We at Southern Pines Family Danes are concerned with the over vaccinating and over-medicating trend in conventional veterinary clinics. We follow Dr. Jean Dodds "Minimal Vaccine Schedule" as closely as possible.
Your pup's immature developing immune system needs to be proactively protected . If you find a holistic veterinarian in your area you will never regret the choice.
Less Chemicals/Less Vaccines = Healthier Baby

VACCINATION SCHEDULE

The following vaccine protocol is offered for those dogs where minimal vaccinations are advisable or desirable. The schedule is one I recommend and should not be interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It’s a matter of professional judgment and choice.

7 weeks of age
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV  e.g. Merck Nobivac (Intervet Progard) Puppy DPV

10-11 weeks of age
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV

13-14 weeks of age
Parvovirus only, MLV Note: New research states that last puppy parvovirus vaccine should be at 18 weeks old.

Prior to 6 months by Tennessee law (check your local rabies requirements)
Rabies – give 3-4 weeks apart from other vaccines Mercury-free (thimerosol-free, TF)

1 year old
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
This is an optional booster or titer. If the client intends not to booster after this optional booster or intends to retest titers in another three years, this optional booster at puberty is wise.

1 year old

Rabies Booster – give 3-4 weeks apart from other vaccines 3-year product if allowable by law; mercury-free (TF)

Perform vaccine antibody titers for distemper and parvovirus every three years thereafter, or more often, if desired. Vaccinate for rabies virus according to the law, except where circumstances indicate that a written waiver needs to be obtained from the primary care veterinarian. In that case, a rabies antibody titer can also be performed to accompany the waiver request. Visit The Rabies Challenge Fund for more information.

W. Jean Dodds, DVM

NEW PUPPY IMMUNITY 

It has become the norm for families to take their new pups directly to vet clinics, puppy parks, pet stores, feed stores and many places where pets are welcome. Clinics are signing pups up for regular wellness visits. We would like to ask that you use precaution for several weeks as your puppy's immune system is still immature. Stress from transitioning can cause a puppy to be susceptible to viruses and bacteria found at these locations until the immune system matures. Just as you would protect a baby when taking home from the hospital, so should you protect your puppy. The areas outside of vet clinics are also not a good place for your pup to play or potty. We carry and hold puppies when at the Vet Clinic and do not allow them freedom in or around the clinic.

STOMACH STAPLING/BLOAT

IWe’re aware that stomach tacking surgery is often recommended to new Dane owners. We at Southern Pines Family Danes have never in over 26 years had this surgery. Our Danes come and go from food and water all day (FREE CHOICE) and never rush or compete to eat. Danes are not a breed who will overeat, so we allow them to eat naturally and at their leisure. We believe eating naturally, without rushing, competing or gulping, is the reason we have never had a bloat issue. We also do not raise bowls and never have in 26 years. We feel it is not natural for Danes based on our own experiences.
We simply encourage you to do your research before agreeing to any procedure or surgery. 

DEWCLAWS

At Southern Pines Family Danes, we only allow necessary surgeries. The natural Dewclaws on a large breed/Dane do not, in our opinion, cause any issue. We had, in the very beginning of our program, allowed a vet to remove dewclaws on several litters on their advisement. I can tell you from firsthand witness that it is cruel. When a puppy had problems for life after nicking a nerve, we have never allowed this since. It has been many years and we have never had an issue with the natural dewclaws.