Vaccines
Havanese are a known, vaccine sensitive breed. As a result, we, and most Havanese breeders strongly recommend that our puppy owners use the limited vaccine protocol first developed by Dr. Ronald Schultz at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine:
9 – 10 weeks of age
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
e.g. Merck Nobivac (Intervet Progard) Puppy DPV
14 – 15 weeks of age
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
18 weeks of age
Parvovirus only, MLV
Note: New research states that last puppy parvovirus vaccine should be at 18 weeks old.
1 year old
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
This is an optional booster or measure serum antibody titers.
Your puppy will have received ONE dose, at 9 weeks of distemper and parvo ONLY. You will then need to take your puppy back to your vet for his or her other vaccinations. Rabies is COMPLETELY separate, and should be given COMPLETELY separately, AT LEAST TWO WEEKS away from the other vaccinations, and as late as it is allowed by your state/local government. For me, in MA, that is 6 months, but alas, some states require it at 4 months. Rabies vaccines are the only vaccines that are legally required, so you must go by the laws in your area.
At one year, you have a choice of either giving your puppy a booster of their parvo and distemper vaccines or titering them. I prefer to titer from this point on. From that point on they can be titered annually or every three years, whichever you and your vet prefer, but should not require another distemper or parvo vaccine unless they show a low titer to one or the other. (my dogs have never required a “booster, even at over 14 years of age!)
We also use the homeopathic, Thuja, for three days after all vaccines at the advice of our vet, and Lyssinum after Rabies vaccines to lessen the chance of any vaccine reactions. You can buy Thuja at Whole Foods, but you will need to buy Lyssinum on line.
We strongly advise that you not give Havanese either Lepto or Lyme vaccines, unless there is very high risk of Lepto in your area, as these have particularly high incidents of side effects with limited effectiveness. There are better ways of protecting your dogs from both diseases, and we are happy to discuss them with you!
Adverse Effects of Vaccines
Here is a recent article about the adverse reactions to vaccines given at the same time. The bottom line is… DON’T!!! There is no need for it. One vaccine at a time, with a couple of weeks in between. It may be more convenient to get them all done at once, but especially with small breed dogs like ours, you are taking a much bigger chance with their health. Also, when you are done with their puppy series at one year, they should be DONE with the exception of their Rabies vaccine, which is required every 3 years here in MA. (but check your own state and local laws depending on where you live) After their puppy series, please titer for distemper and parvo from then on! Any other vaccines should be discussed with your veterinarian on a case-by-case basis, and only used if there is a real need in your specific area and situation. If you are unsure, feel free to discuss it with me. (or your own breeder)
Our dogs absolutely need appropriate vaccinations to keep them safe from deadly diseases. We also MUST protect them from over-vaccination!