posted 03-07-2003 10:45 PM           

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Our purebred Aussie, Ginger, got pregnant by a dog that jumped our fence almost two months ago, we just found out today. We had noticed she was getting bigger and is now producing milk. Needless to say I am NOT happy about it and wish I could get my hands on the "daddy's" owners! But what's done is done, and I'm wondering what shots do puppies need and how soon do they need them after birth?

[This message has been edited by stephrc (edited 03-07-2003).]

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posted 03-08-2003 12:01 AM           

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I copied this off a dog health site, but it's the schedule our vet normally uses.

Puppies - 6 weeks to 1 year

6 to 8 weeks - First puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
11 to 12 weeks - Second puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
15 to 16 weeks - Third puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
Over 4 months - Rabies (repeat l year later)
7 to 9 months - First heartworm test

The reason for the same shot 3 times is that all pups get "natural immunity" against diseases in their mother's milk, and it lasts for several weeks. Until that wears off, any puppy shots will not "take effect", because the level of immunity is already high. There is no way of telling exactly when the "natural" immunity wears off, so vets give several sets of the same vaccs hoping to have it work out so that they take effect soon after the "natural" immunity wears off. Therefore, pups should NOT be allowed to roam around in places where other (possibly unvaccinated) dogs also walk or go to the bathroom, as they may not have the immunity to fight diseases they may come in contact with.

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posted 03-08-2003 01:04 AM           

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Also, though the male dog's owner(s) are at fault for letting their dog roam, you are equally to blame for leaving a bit*h in heat outside unattended. Dogs DO jump fences to get to females in heat, they WILL chew through doors if there's a female in heat on the other side, and they WILL breed through chainlink fences. The male dog's owner(s) are no more irresponsible than yourself, and if you don't want to handle the responsibilities of having a dog go into season then do her and any possible future pups a favor and have her spayed (which you should do anyway if you're not planning to title her in either working or conformation events).

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