Vaccination
Vaccination Protocol & Safety
Cotton Puff Cotons recommends the safer shot schedule with our Coton puppies since the latest research within the reproduction community shows that when puppies are given their shots too early (while with mom), the antibodies from mother’s milk cancel the shots out as it would a real virus, thus making the puppy less protected and exposed to possible side effects while their organs are still developing.
Many puppies have reactions and pass away in my continuing education breeding groups from doing it too early. I even spoke to a woman recently on phone whose Coton died after receiving the common 5 way vaccine so they’re clearly sensitive and need something less intense.
So we keep our puppies inside while whelping in a clean environment and give the new owner the choice. If you want to go the conventional route, we recommend single dose shots only (combination 5 way, 7 way etc) are very risky and not recommended with Cotons and smaller dogs who sadly receive the same size dose as a Great Dane.
And never under any circumstances give a Coton the Lepto vaccine (single dose or added/combined to another) as this seems to be #1 killer of smaller dogs like Cotons. I tell people to memorize the phrase to protect your animal: Just say no to Lepto.
This is also the stance we agree with from a very experienced and successful Coton breeder:
“Our perspective on vaccines is somewhat different than you may be used to. We do not follow the typical vaccination schedule for our dogs, as we try to use more natural remedies. Our research had led us to the conclusion that vaccines given too early can interfere in several ways:
The natural transfer of the protective antibodies through their mothers milk in the first several months of life. Vaccines given while puppies are still nursing may actually cause a “cancelling out” effect….meaning your puppy may have no protection at all (natural or otherwise).
The continuing development of internal body/organ systems, which continues until they are about 3 months old (12 weeks old).
The traditional method of giving vaccines (5-way, 7-way or 9-way) vaccines) increases the risk of reactions occurring and decreases the likelihood of knowing exactly which medication caused the reaction.
There are certain vaccines we have learned that have increased risk of causing negative reactions in the Coton breed (and small breeds in general).
Many animal immunologist do not recommend vaccinating prior to 12-16 weeks for best effectiveness even though some vets will recommend vaccines be given as early as 4-5 weeks old.”
If you decide to give shots, we recommend you use only single medication injections (which have been shown to have fewer negative reactions and be less traumatic on their systems). If your vet only carries combo vaccines, most have no problem ordering a single dose or allowing you to order one and bring it in. Revival Animal Health website offers single dose vaccines over the counter and can be mailed to you with a cold pack.
Holistic vets will go a step further and do a titer test to make sure vaccine is even necessary since many have natural immunity from being healthy, receiving adequate colostrum, breast feeding, and holistic grade puppy food.
(Puppies have been dewormed with fenbendazole)
Please read the two very important links below to better understand the Protocol.