Has anyone considered NOT vaccinating their puppy but using homeopathy? Don't want to be too controversial, please don't shout

[Fauve]

But I would like to know if anyone else has already gone through the pros and cons. From what I've - very quickly - researched on the web, I think I would at least take a minimalist approach, ie vaxes at puppy stage then one booster at adolescence but not yearly boosters.

I'm a lentil weaver anyway cf the kids, but am not prepared to be excluded from kennels or other normal dog activities eg puppy classes; so am unlikely not to vax at all.

Have not had time to read the new puppy thread as yet, but v glad to see it exists! Will join in shortly...ours is 9 weeks and keeping me very busy.

They're not supposed to be good for grown up dogs, though

Few things to think about:

The main diseases (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus) are only boosted every 3 years.

The annual booster is so that leptospirosis vaccination can be given - this is a disease which can be picked up from the environment, not just other dogs, so is really important.

There's a lot of evidence that lepto vaccines give poor immunity over long periods so revaccination annually is important to be sure your pet is protected.

There is no evidence that homeopathic nosodes are effective.

You could consider having your puppy blood tested. Most vets will be familiar with this process and if not will be easily able to find a lab which can check your pet's immunity. It's more expensive, but some kennels will accept evidence of adequate blood antibody titres (a measure of immunity) instead of vaccination records.

Homeopathy does not work and will not be accepted as vaccination by kennels or vets.
The leptospirosis one is especially important if your dog is an outdoorsy type that likes to swim. Leptospirosis is contracted via rat urine, so is fairly easy to catch, as rats pee everywhere they go, therefore rat pee is everywhere. It can be passed to humans as well and is dangerous.

Oh, thanks. Ours is definitely an outdoorsy dog. So annually is it just a single vax for lepto?

Is it generally accepted that vaxes aren't great but are necessary?

We vaccinate for "all" diseases every other year, and just leptospirosis on the in between years, once the first puppy course is done and the first annual booster is a full booster. This is in line with the manufacturers licence and recommendations for the vaccine we use. You should check with your own vet though what their particular protocol is as there are several different brands and therefore licences/recommendations.
My 14 year old labrador has been vaccinated each and every year since she was a pup and I have no hesitiation in keeping her up to date having seen the devastating effects of these diseases first hand.
Hope you have a great time with your new puppy - so much fun at that age

Thanks, BG. Sounds like there are less severe options I can explore.