There is a lot of controversy surrounding vaccinations, how often to vaccinate, the affects of vaccinations, and whether they are truly necessary. I firmly believe that puppies need to be vaccinated against diseases that can have devastating affects on their young bodies and even kill them. Others disagree.

Many people have forgotten the distemper epidemic and the parvovirus epidemic from years ago. I happened to be working at a veterinarian's office during this time and saw the sick and dying puppies on a weekly basis. Some people will tell you that these diseases that severely affect dogs no longer appear. I feel that we don't see these diseases as often in dogs now because most dogs are vaccinated against these diseases. However, with fewer people vaccinating their dogs, the diseases of the recent past could resurface in epidemic proportions. In addition, not only could they resurface, but in a mutated form that would not be treatable with current vaccination protocol. Suffice it to say that Polio has not been reported in the United States for over 20 years, because children are required to have their vaccinations current when entering the school system.  However, the disease is still common in other parts of the world. If children and adults were no longer vaccinated, it is probable that Polio would reappear in the United States.

Are dogs over vaccinated? Yes I don't believe that adult dogs need to be vaccinated yearly. However, I also believe that for a dog's blood titer to reach a point where they are protected against disease, they must receive vaccinations as a puppy and the vaccinations need to be boostered for at least the first year or two. After the first couple of years, it might be safe to vaccinate less frequently than every year. Rabies vaccinations are required by law and you should check the laws in your jurisdiction. Most rabies vaccinations are effective for two to three years check with your veterinarian about what type of vaccine he/she uses and the duration of its effectiveness.

I firmly believe that Parvovirus is still a danger to our dogs. Maternal immunity (from the pup's mother) begins to wane at about five to six weeks of age, and the pups become susceptible to the disease. Parvo can and still does kill puppies and young dogs in a matter of days. Therefore, every puppy that leaves True Gem will be vaccinated against Parvo at five weeks of age and again at seven to eight weeks of age. The first vaccination at five weeks of age is for Parvo only a high titer, low passage vaccination that offers the best protection possible. At seven to eight weeks of age, the puppy will receive a high titer, low passage distemper combination vaccination (distemper, adenovirus type 2, corona virus, parainfluenza) that also contains the parvo vaccine, but does not contain the vaccine for leptospirosis. This offers your puppy the best possible protection at this early age. In my opinion, it is very important that your puppy receive a second distemper combination vaccination with parvo at 12 to 14 weeks of age. Your puppy will NOT have received any vaccination that contains the Leptospirosis vaccine before leaving True Gem. Shar Pei puppies (and some other breeds) do have a higher tendency for allergic reactions to the Leptospirosis vaccine, which is in some of the distemper combination vaccinations. It is very important that your veterinarian knows this so that precautions can be taken if a reaction occurs. Leptospirosis vaccine should not be given to Shar Pei puppies younger than 12 - 14 weeks of age.

Most of the diseases that puppies are vaccinated against are spread through contact with an infected dog's nasal secretions, eye secretions, urine, or feces. Until your puppy is vaccinated, it is susceptible to contracting these diseases from other dogs or by sniffing an area urinated on or defecated on by another dog. As you read the descriptions below, you will see that some of the disease symptoms mimic those of Familial Shar Pei Fever. If your Shar Pei puppy/dog has been vaccinated and is displaying symptoms of fever, loss of appetite and depression, it can be assumed that it is having an episode of Familial Shar Pei Fever, and can be treated effectively without concern about other diseases.                

Once again, this is my belief about vaccinations and their necessity and you will hear differing opinions from other breeders and veterinarians. There are many, many different sources of information on the Internet and through veterinarian clinics about vaccinations. And the ultimate decision to vaccinate your Shar Pei dog and how often to vaccinate is yours.

Below is a description of the diseases that are commonly vaccinated against when your puppy/dog receives a distemper combination vaccination.

Distemper is a highly contagious disease of dogs, ferrets, mink, raccoons, and coyotes. It is spread through the air or by the direct or indirect contact with the discharges of an infected dog's eyes and nose. Signs range from runny eyes and nose, to severe diarrhea, vomiting, and seizures mainly affecting pups three to six months of age, but any unprotected adult also. Many dogs having recovered are left with uncontrollable muscle jerking and/or convulsions.

Canine adenovirus, the causative agent of infectious canine hepatitis, attacks the liver and cells lining the blood vessels. Puppies and aged dogs are especially susceptible. Symptoms include high fever, edema, and bloody stools.

Permanent kidney damage can result from infections by L. canicola and L. icterohemorrhagiae. These organisms can cause fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Leptospirosis is spread through contact with nasal secretions, saliva, or urine.

Infectious canine parainfluenza affects the respiratory system. It is one of several agents implicated as a cause of kennel cough.

Parvovirus is characterized by severe, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, high fever, loss of appetite, and depression. The diarrhea is particularly foul smelling and may be yellow in color. Parvo can also cause congestive heart failure. Puppies who survive can remain somewhat weak and unhealthy for life. Death usually occurs within 48 to 72 hours after onset of symptoms. Parvo is highly contagious and resistant, can withstand extreme temperatures, and remain in unsanitized environments for months. Outside, parvo can remain in the soil in sunny areas for months and remain in the soil of shaded areas for up to a year. Puppies between weaning age and six months of age are most susceptible to Parvo. The disease is transmitted via contact with the bodily fluids and feet of infected animals.