Did you know that a puppy’s immune system isn’t fully developed until 22-24 weeks of age? Puppies gain antibodies through breast milk. Once the Dam starts to wean the puppies those protective antibodies slowly fade. Unfortunately, nobody is sure exactly when the antibodies fade completely.
This is one of the reasons why many breeders are uncomfortable with families making frequent puppy visits. A fatal disease like Parvovirus could wipe out an entire litter. Parvo and other viruses can be easily brought in on the bottom of shoes and clothing. As a responsible Shih Tzu breeder I have families visit after the first set of vaccines. Furthermore, families take off their shoes and wash their hands for extra protection for the puppies.
On another note, did you ever notice that puppies have to have several vaccine injections to complete the puppy series? Another interesting fact is that it only takes one vaccine to immunize a puppy from Parvovirus. The reason puppies receive several boosters is that nobody knows when the Dam’s maternal antibodies from nursing wear off enough so the vaccine can be fully effective. The older the puppy becomes, the more likely that the vaccine will be effective.
This phenomenon is known as Maternal Interference. Mom’s antibodies prevent the vaccine from stimulating an immune response. As a result, puppies receive a series of shots to make sure that one of the vaccines gets the job done. So to sum things up, it’s better to be safe than sorry! Especially when you’re dealing with viruses that can be lethal. Please remember to stay up to date on core vaccinations. Your puppy’s health hangs in the balance.
