Layla had her three doses of vaccine for parvo, distemper, etc. at 8, 12 and just a few days before she turned 16 weeks. I took her back to the breeder for her second and third doses, and the breeder gave her the first dose the day we picked her up at eight weeks. She is 16 weeks old now.

I took her to the vet this morning and they recommended giving her a fourth dose in another four weeks because her third dose was given before 16 weeks, when she still had some of the antibodies from her mom. Now that she is losing them, they want her to have a fourth dose just so she's protected.

My question: Could this be a crock and they're just trying to get me to pay them for more vaccines? Is it really necessary that Layla have four doses of vaccine? Usually our vet doesn't try to push stuff like this on us and I usually trust their judgment, but the breeder also said Layla should be covered against parvo, distemper, etc. for another three years now, so I'm a little skeptical. Who's right?

i had a thread about this... they say you only need the three but if you got the third dose before 16 weeks it seems to be recommended for a 4th. i doubt they are trying to get money from ya since the shots only cost like 20-30 bucks they dont make much from that

I personally wouldn't do it. Yukon went to the vet today for his second round, and they wanted to get him his 3rd round when he turns 15 weeks old. I've never heard of someone getting 4 rounds before, but maybe that's just me. :/

Edit: Never mind, it's apparently a thing according to Google. It might be best just to play it safe.

Hi - My 2 Cents... Just finishing first year Vet Nursing.
the vaccs are given at certain times to build upon previous immunity and to strengthen it.
If not done when due, the immunity can weaken or not take as well as it should - especially in pup's as there immune system is very new and immature.

You don't have to get it done - it is up to you as to how much immunity you would like your pup to have.

But for example, (yes, not fact but example) lets say a pup that has  had all 3 shots on time has an 85% less chance of suffering from Parvo. Because your pup was not vaccinated on the correct day it may only have a 70% chance of not suffering from parvo if it comes into contact with it. if you get the fourth it will most likely have better immunity then then the pup that got 3 Vaccs on time..

Boosters are now reccomended every 3 years rather then annually, as everyone has cottoned on to that (annual boosters) being a sack of ... potatoes.

hope this helps

Evee will be getting four doses and its totally MY fault! I pulled up her first round of vaccines (got overzealous at work) and the vet and I poked poked her EARLY. So because she got her first parvo vaccine before she was supposed to, she now gets four because they have to get them until they turn 16 weeks old to make sure they have that immunity. Parvo is not one of the ones I would mess with, I'd give it and will be giving it to her four times. We had a bad outbreak here last year and I've seen what it can do, if I can prevent it I will.

Sounds like I should follow the vet's recommendations, then, and they're not just trying to get my money for a shot and another visit. Guess I'll be taking Layla back in another few weeks. Thanks for the info!

http://drjeandoddspethealthresource.tumblr.com/post/66693331640/dodds-dog-vaccination-protocol-2013-2014#.UqnABrVwrLk

We follow Dr. Jean Dodds protocol for vaccines. It is a limited vaccination protocol.

Between 14-16 weeks is when the 2nd D/P is recommended.

This is a modified live virus, I would check with your paperwork or call your vet. We only use MLV whenever possible.