Neutering and spaying

The question of when to neuter or spay is between you and your vet. Our practice is, for males delay the process till the dog is fully developed. Their skeletons are mature by the time they’re one year old, and then their bodies fill out over the next year. So, to allow the dog to achieve full maturity, we don’t neuter till they are around two. If you have an intact female around and the two year delay presents a logistical problem, then go ahead earlier. Lots of owners do.

For females, the first heat, often so light you don’t even notice, occurs around 7 months. The first real heat comes around six months later. Our practice is, we wait to spay till at least after that first real heat. That said, the timing of when to spay is between you and your vet.

Vaccinations

"Dogs' and cats' immune systems mature fully at six months. If a modified live virus vaccine is given after six months of age, it produces immunity, which is good for the life of the pet (ie: canine distemper, parvo, feline distemper). If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and there is little or no effect. The titer is not "boosted" nor are memory cells induced. Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune-mediated haemolytic anemia. There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines. Puppies receive antibodies through their mother's milk. This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks. Puppies and kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than eight weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0-38%) will be produced. Vaccination at six weeks will, however, delay the timing of the first highly effective vaccine. Vaccinations given two weeks apart suppress rather than stimulate the immune system. A series of vaccinations is given starting at eight weeks and given three to four weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another vaccination given sometime after six months of age (usually at one year, four months) will provide lifetime immunity.”

Article from Poodle Variety, Oct.-Dec. 2004,

So again, the timing is between you and your vet but definitely be aware of over-vaccinating. For more vaccination info, click here for Dr. Jean Dodds protocol.

Chips

We microchip all our puppies at 8 weeks when they go for their first shots and their pre-homing vet inspection. The chips are inert, the procedure painless, and the pups could care less. It’s a simple insurance policy that, if found, someone with a chip reader can read the chip and get the dog back to you. We have never heard of any problem with chips.