One of the most essential things a veterinarian can do is the health of the patients she treats. Ultimately, it is a shame that many veterinarians can still give outdated advice to their pet owners not to take their dog out until the dog is completely vaccinated, ranging from age four to six months. However, this is entirely insensitive to the pup’s mental well-being issue. It is also essential for socialization to take place before the puppy is vaccine-free. According to the article, the primary time for socialization is rapid and brief – from when puppies are between three and 14 weeks old. After four months, the age when a puppy has received shots in his first year, and the subspecialization issue is already done, and the pet’s owner has to alter the behaviour she is afraid of that would have been prevented should her vet have given her more tips.
Pet owners often misunderstand the need to have this “puppy series” of vaccinations. There is no reason why your dog requires a set of shots that boosts the immune system to a protective extent. The reality is that:
After a pup is born and starts nursing, he consumes colostrum – the milk created during the first two days following birth with an elevated antibody count. When consuming colostrum, puppies gain an immunity level early from their mother. It will protect him until the body’s immune system can produce immunity.
The mother’s immunity diminishes between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks. If given too early, the vaccination is ineffective since the mom’s immunity is in full force. When vaccinated early, the puppy will be in danger for a time as the mom’s immunity has been removed. Those of the puppy haven’t yet been activated from the delayed vaccination as long as the puppy is vaccinated promptly during the puppy’s series and is adequately secured, mainly if the person who is responsible for the vaccination doesn’t expose him to hazardous environments, such as the dog park, dogs or puppies that are known to have illnesses or in areas where sick dogs have been known to visit.
The American Veterinary Society for Animal Behavior’s “Position Statement on Puppy Socialization” states: “In general, puppies may begin their puppy socialization from 7 to 8 weeks old. Puppy should be given an initial dose of vaccinations within 7 days prior to their initial class as well as a first deworming. The puppies should stay up-to-date with vaccinations during the entire class.” They go further, “In fact, behavioral issues are the most common reason that shelters are forced to surrender dogs. Behavior issues, rather than infectious illnesses is the most common reason for death in dogs younger than three years aged.”
Also, the pup is much more likely to die due to issues with behaviour – such as anxiety and fear that are often linked to a lack of socialization as opposed to being sick from a group or training session.