Empowering Essential Health Resources
My philosophy is rooted in the idea that “when you know better, you do better” or at least make every effort to. I’m committed to continually learning and evolving, whether that insight comes from trusted research, expert guidance, or my own hands-on experience. As a lifelong learner, I recognize that there’s always more to understand, especially when it comes to dogs. Over time, this growth has led me to revisit and update my approach to raising puppies, including changing my recommendations around spay/neuter timing and vaccination protocols based on what I now believe best supports long-term health and well-being.
Spay/Neuter Timing & Recommendations
While some of the insights I’ve gained have come through personal conversations and can’t be formally cited, I’m happy to share several reputable sources that can help guide your own research as you make this important decision for your puppy.
There is ongoing debate around the timing of spay and neuter procedures, largely centered on the importance of allowing dogs to reach full physical and hormonal maturity before altering their hormone production. Interrupting this natural development too early may contribute to not only long-term physical challenges but also behavioral concerns.
Ultimately, the decision lies with you as the owner and lifelong caregiver of your dog. My goal is simply to share the knowledge I’ve gathered so you can make the most informed, thoughtful choice possible.
Resources on spaying/neutering your pup…
1. Puppy Culture spay/neuter booklet
2. On hormone-sparing sterilization with a directory of vets who perform such procedures.
Puppy Vaccines: Timing, Types & Tips
After raising many healthy puppies, I experienced one instance where I believe a vaccine may have caused an adverse reaction. Out of a desire to protect future litters, I’ve developed a more cautious vaccination approach, one that’s based both on my veterinarian’s guidance and my own research. I encourage all of our puppy families to take the time to explore this topic thoroughly and make informed decisions that align with their comfort level and their pup’s individual needs.
My recommendation is to allow at least 3 (preferably 4) weeks between each round of core puppy vaccinations. Additionally, rather than giving the rabies vaccine at the same time as the final puppy shot, I suggest waiting an additional 3-4 weeks. Puppy vaccines are already combination vaccines, and adding another immunization (like rabies) at the same time can place unnecessary stress on a young pup’s developing immune system. In our case, we believe this may have contributed to a serious reaction involving seizures.
I’ve included some helpful resources below and strongly encourage you to discuss this approach with your vet and do your own research to determine what’s best for your puppy.
Resources on vaccinations…
1. Vaccine adverse events vs. vaccinosis by Dr. Karen Becker
2. Rabies and the rabies vaccine by Dr. Karen Becker
Since I’m sure that all of us are aware of the seriousness of rabies and we are required by law to vaccinate against it, I especially recommend the second half of this article that talks about when and how to vaccinate. This is NOT the mainstream veterinary advice and although rare, I’d much rather be safe than sorry.
3. Vaccine protocol by Dr. Jean Dodds
I believe in vaccinating only when it’s necessary. Our little pups at 8 weeks old still carry protection from their mother. We now use these guidelines and vaccinate our pups at 8-10 weeks, depending on their go-home date. We vaccinate them against Distemper and Parvovirus only as these are the only ones that are absolutely recommended by Dr. Dodds.
Our Perspective on Dewclaw Removal
We do not have our pups’ dewclaws removed, and I do not recommend it, either. Here’s why.