Hi Fellow Husky Lovers,
I have been taking my pup to the vet for his DHPP at 9 weeks weeks, 12 weeks, and on Thursday he will receive his 3rd round of shots at 15 weeks. (He also received a shot from his breeder at 6 weeks, no idea why she vaccinated so early but the vet says it doesn't "count" and he'll need a total of 4 rounds of shots. I have a couple of questions for you experienced husky owners:

1) The vet told me he needs four rounds of shots, but online I've read otherwise that 3 is sufficient. With him also having received a shot from his breeder, I certainly don't want to over-vaccinate. What is recommended?

2) Now for the non-core vaccines... The vet has been trying to push Bordatella and Lyme disease vaccines on me (without any questioning of my dogs habits/lifestyle). I've looked at a map that shows the areas affected by Lyme disease and where I live is not one of them. I never plan on boarding my pup and I've read negative things about the efficacy of the Bordatella vaccine. We do like to take the pup on hikes and socialize him with other dogs however. What non-core vaccines (if any) would be recommended?

Thanks in advance for sharing your opinions. I realize some of you will scold me and tell me to listen to my vet because they know what they are talking about, but I am always one for a second opinion, and while I certainly value the health of my pup, I do not wish to over-vaccinate nor incur unnecessary expense. I had a vet back in Florida I really liked and trusted for my cat, but up here they act more like used car salesmen!

Personal preference ... while I *do* board mine from time to time when I have an appt at the VA hospital, I found it better to get them the Bordatella simply as a preventive - if you're around other dogs, you never really know what they've been into / what they might be carrying. Lyme disease, if you're comfortable that you're out of the range of the tics that carry Lyme disease - why vaccinate for it? But at your age I was doing a lot of cross country traveling and again, would have considered it a preventive measure.

BTW, even though I sorta agree with your vet, I wouldn't scold you. There are legitimate reasons for the various medications and some are required (Heartworm meds over almost all the southeast) and some are open to debate (Bordatella for someone who stays home and seldom *really* takes their dogs out socializing).

As long as you're aware of what ones are probably going to be beneficial for your dog in your situation, you're doing the best you can be expected to do. And yep, I've met some "used car salesmen" in vets offices too. Just do your homework and do your best.

I couldn't even get a membership to dog parks, dog daycare, and grooming salons without getting the bordatella round.
I personally just got all of the shots they recommended.

When we were in Michigan, we opted for Lyme because there is still a risk there. We also got the Lepto vaccine because we spent time in the woods and wild animal urine can carry Lepto.

We needed to get the all the recommended vaccines since we wanted to take her to group training classes and day care. To do pretty much any sanctioned dog event, you are required to have most of these vaccines. Although I do not think we got the Lyme disease vaccine since we don't take her in the woods very often and live more in suburbia/city environment.