Vaccines
Havanese are a known, vaccine sensitive breed. As a result, we, and most Havanese breeders strongly recommend that our puppy owners use Jean Dodd’s limited vaccine protocol.
Your puppy will have received ONE dose, at 9 weeks of distemper and parvo ONLY. You will then need to take your puppy back for a second distemper/parvo (or DHPP) shot, and then a third Parvo ONLY shot. Rabies is COMPLETELY separate, and should be given COMPLETELY separately, AT LEAST TWO WEEKS away from these 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 tittering 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.
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 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 it 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!
Our dogs absolutely need appropriate vaccination to keep them safe from deadly diseases. We also MUST protect them form over-vaccination!