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As Your Pup Begins Their Life with You…
There is never a time when pups depart OwyheeStar that we don’t have concerns of one sort or other. We screen our applications and make every effort to ensure each pup’s future. But we are dealing with living creatures, and so many things can happen despite making every effort to set a pup up for success. Once they leave here, we have no control over what happens, and each person has to navigate a plethora of situations that sometimes are perplexing. Most people more than survive.
Quite possibly, the worst situation is a Veterinary who doesn’t take Weimaraner Vaccine Reactions seriously. We understand the science behind their reasoning and that all Veterinary Practices must base their protocol on the average dog (those most familiar to their practice). Typically these are mixed breeds, and the popular purebred is the Labrador Retriever. Click Here to see that 2020 list. The Weimaraner (according to AKC) is 39th in popularity. How many Weims do you think your Vet office sees? Now, consider that about 8% will have a severe (or life-threatening) vaccine reaction. Many Vets will never encounter this situation. If they do, we are sorry to say they might misdiagnose or inadvertently mismanage the situation. Don’t get us wrong; we believe their intentions are noble.
There is no doubt some of you will face opposition if you insist on getting a Titer test to prove immunity rather than another puppy shot at sixteen weeks. Watch for additional posts about vaccine, vaccine protocols, titer testing, and vaccine reactions.
Note: The photo at the top is Luna. Her Mama has written up their journey and the experience they had with HOD. That Post is coming tomorrow!
Vaccine Crossroad
A Reminder to Proceed with Caution
The Bernie X Boone Litter are twelve weeks old today. Keep in mind that they will celebrate their sixteen-week birthday on March 12th. Now is the time to remind your Vet that the Weimaraner Club of America *WCA) recommends the antibody titer test instead of the sixteen-week puppy shot. Your Vet probably is not aware of the low-cost in house titer test option. Download the pdf information to share with the Vet.
We realize by now a lot has happened, and everyone will have found themselves insanely busy raising their Weimaraner. The Weimaraner’s (and the OwyheeStar) Vaccine Protocol may have been forgotten.
Your Veterinary office will have a different (broad-based) vaccine protocol. Even if they agree to follow the recommendations, it will fall on the pup’s owner to remember these details. We suggest putting the dates on your calendar and ignoring the Veterinary office alerts. Otherwise, it gets very confusing. If you have forgotten the protocol read on.
- 6-Week NEOPAR® Puppy Shot (given at OwyheeStar)
- 9-Week *Nobivac Canine 1-DAPPv
- 12- Week *Nobivac Canine 1-DAPPv
- Other vaccines such as Lepto and Kennel Cough (Bordatella) should be given as needed–and avoided when possible. We recommend not combining these shots with any other vaccine–, especially rabies. Vaccine challenges the immune system to build antibodies; therefore, we strongly encourage you to space Lepto, Bordetella, and Rabies vaccination at least two weeks apart. We realize that many veterinary practices give multiple vaccinations at a single visit; however, this approach is easier on the immune system. If a reaction does occur, then you know what caused it and then can plan to avoid it in the future. Yes, we understand this is a more costly approach–avoiding the risk is worth it!
- 16-Week Crossroad <== Opt for the Vaccine Titer Test instead of automatically getting another puppy shot. We sincerely hope your Vet will agree. Your Vet is likely going to recommend just doing the shot because that is typical for the all-breed approach; however, a percentage of Weims are vaccine sensitive. Although it is likely that your pup probably never had a reaction before, please do not ignore this warning. Even a mild vaccine reaction can trigger immune system issues–some of these lead to on-going health problems and in certain instances death. It is not worth the risk! The vaccine titer test runs more than double the cost of the typical puppy shot, but it might save you thousands over time as well as the potential heartache, but the above pdf file is a much less costly option for the Titer Test. Almost without exception, our protocol has been producing immunity by week sixteen, which means your puppy doesn’t need another puppy shot. If you need the optional vaccines (Bordetella or Lepto) these can be done; however, please space them at least two weeks apart from the Rabies.
- Vaccine Blog Post For the OwyheeStar Client Only click here! (requires password)
PUPPY VACCINE CLARIFICATION (Lepto)
There is a significant push by the Veterinary community (due to the recent rise of Lepto) to include Lepto in the puppy shot. The Weimaraner Club of America (as well as others who study this breed) recommend you wait to give the Lepto, etc. until the puppy shots are completed. The puppy shot should not include Lepto or Corona. No other vaccine should be combined with the puppy shot. Waiting for the Lepto, Bordetella, and another vaccine until the pup is a little older is less risky. It takes more effort and costs a bit more to space the vaccine, but it is worth it.
What is the DAPPv?
Canine Distemper, Adenovirus Type 1 (Hepatitis), Adenovirus Type 2 (Respiratory Disease), Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus (Click Here to read more about the vaccine we use. Remember the Puppy Shot should not contain the Lepto or Corona.
OwyheeStar Disclaimer
The Weimaraner Club of America (WCA) Vaccine Protocol
We are neither Licensed Veterinarians nor Licensed Veterinary Techs. Our recommendations are based on twenty-plus years breeding the Weimaraner (exclusively) as well as the breed recommendation (from the Weimaraner Club of America). Ultimately, you have to decide what is the best approach. This protocol is considered a more Holistic and safer approach. That being said, our advice cannot replace that of your Veterinary of choice.
Out of the Hospital
~Luna my Diva Warrior Princess Girl
Kris writes– I’m breathing again! The kisses I got when we reunited was heaven! I will write more for your Monday blog so everyone can be updated with all that has transpired.
Breeder Comment
Kris has stayed in touch since she figured out what was going on with her precious baby girl–the HOD, something we have mentioned countless times. It is not something most Vets see–how many Weimaraners are in their care in comparison? Not many. So, typically they go on about how they feel vaccinations should take place, making recommendations that far exceed what works well for this breed. We know they mean well, but each of us has to guard and make the best possible decision for our Weimaraner. It can be so tricky–Kris navigated this difficult situation well. She lucked out with the Emergency Vet being somewhat Weim-savvy and knowing about this vaccine reaction that can occur in the Weimaraner.
Sisters
~Meet Up Again
Saturday we too Andi and Alli (Dahlia X Boone) to get a Titer Test at the Idaho Veterinary Hospital in Nampa, Idaho. As it happens, Sheila and Foster were there for the same thing with Duchess.
So, the three sisters had a moment. Andi has her forever family in Nampa with Nancy and Sam–there will be an update this week. Meanwhile, we hope you enjoy this short video.
Henri’s
~Titer Test @ 16 Weeks
Dear Weimlovers!
You might remember that Dr. John Calhoun’s Idaho Veterinary Hospital (IVH) agreed to start offering the VacciCheck Titer Testing. OwyheeStar’s Henri was the first to be tested using this system–and the fabulous Rebecca A Balls (Certified Veterinary Technician) handled all the laboratory details. We cannot thank IVH and their competent staff for their professionalism and making this possible.
The results are returned a little different than with the traditional titer test–but by all reports it is reliable. Henri’s results showed her having protective antibodies sufficient enough to provide immunity to
CDV — Canine Distemper Virus
ICH — Infectious Canine Hepatitis–Adenovirus
CPV — Canine Parvo Virus
This less expensive titer test is relatively new so most Veterinary practices may not yet offer this option. Please click here to read about the titer test, and ask your Vet if they can make this available to you–it is affordable, accurate, and helps you avoid vaccine reactions that are common in our breed.
Vaccine and the Weimar
~We recommend the Titer Test
You might wonder if we follow our own recommendation–we do. Henri is coming up on her sixteen-week birthday. She is slated to have the titer test done at the Idaho Veterinary Hospital in Nampa thanks to Dr. Calhoun.
Click Here to learn more about this inexpensive Titer Test option. This particular test is a relatively new option. I think Henri will be the first client to give it a try. We are very excited.
Here are some random (unedited) photos Christina and I managed to capture yesterday. After this, she will not fit into the cabinet. (OMG) Weimaraner pups grow so fast. As you can see she is not thrilled with her Prom Dress.
Chloe
At 7 Months
Hello!
My how time flies! Our Chloe (from Hattee x Stackhouse) is now almost 7 months old and we can hardly believe that she’s been with us 5 months. You don’t quite realize as it’s happening but she has grown so much. We did her 12 week puppy shots then the 16 week titer check which showed positive antibodies so didn’t need the 16 week shots! She got her Rabies shot at 6 months and other than being a little lethargic the day after seems to have tolerated it well, she weighs 46.8lbs. Does that seem about on track for her age? I have hundreds of pictures but tried to narrow down for this update but will send more. The attached are of her sitting pretty for a photo at 9 weeks and 6 months.She is so smart and has a very good recall-largely achieved in the early stages with the use of treats/praise for coming when called and now occasionally gets a treat reward but always praise. She walks calmly with loose leash about 60% of the time (our work is ongoing). We were prepared to put in a lot of effort for ongoing mental and physical exercise and I believe it’s been paying off. We have our pre-meal routine of 20 minutes playing fetch then 10-15 minutes obedience training before she gets breakfast/dinner.Nine Weeks
We are so thankful that we crate trained her from day one and she now voluntarily naps in her crate and sleeps in it 3-4 nights/week (yes she sleeps on the bed with us the other nights). Chloe also spends some alone time in her crate often; whether its for an hour while we run to the store, half hour while I clean floors or sometimes for several hours while I’m sleeping during the day between work shifts. Overall Chloe is so incredibly sweet and has been such an amazing addition to our home and I cannot imagine life without her. We are immensely grateful for this wonderful Weimaraner puppy and have even started talking about when to add a 2nd-we think maybe once Chloe is about a year old.
Six Months
I have whole collections of photos/updates about our trips to the Sandy river delta dog park, to the coast, and hiking around that I’ll send in additional emails in the next week or so in better format if you would like to include them on the OwyheeStar website. Hope you and Cliff are well and enjoying some spring weather!
Take care,Brittany, Don, and Chloe
Breeder Comment
Your training accomplishments are admirable. We know it requires digging deep and staying the course. It is so worth it. Keep up the great work. It is paying huge dividends. We look forward to working with you again.
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