Vaccines are one of the most talked-about—and misunderstood—parts of puppy care.

Yes, they’re essential for protecting your pup from serious diseases.
But more isn’t always better. In fact, over-vaccination can cause more harm than good.

So how do you find the balance?
Let’s break down what every thoughtful, caring puppy parent should know.

🐶 Why Vaccines Matter

Let’s be clear: vaccines save lives.

Core vaccines like DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) and Rabies are important and, in some regions, legally required.

They help protect your puppy from:

• Highly contagious viruses

• Serious illness and hospitalization

• Life-threatening complications

But that doesn’t mean your pup needs every shot on every schedule.

⚠️ The Risks of Over-Vaccination

Too many vaccines—or repeating them too often—can lead to:

• Allergic reactions (swelling, vomiting, lethargy)

• Chronic inflammation

• Digestive issues

• Behavioral changes

• In rare cases, autoimmune diseases

Holistic vets, like Dr. Judy Morgan (whose insights Victoria shares in her puppy care approach), warn against blanket vaccine schedules that don’t consider your puppy’s lifestyle or immune status.

📋 Smarter Scheduling: What to Ask Your Vet

Instead of saying “yes” to every shot, try asking:

• ✅ Does my puppy really need this vaccine based on our lifestyle?

• ✅ Can we use titer testing to check immunity before giving another booster?

• ✅ Is there a safer alternative or a delayed schedule we can follow?

For example, Leptospirosis and Lyme vaccines might not be necessary unless you live in high-risk areas.
Same goes for Bordetella and Canine Influenza—only needed if your dog is frequently around other dogs.

🧠 Victoria’s Holistic Puppy Vaccine Approach

Here’s a general guide from the holistic perspective:

6–8 Weeks:

• DHPP (core)

• Optional: Bordetella (if social exposure), Lepto (if high risk)

10–12 Weeks:

• DHPP booster

• Repeat optional vaccines if needed

14–16 Weeks:

• DHPP final booster

• Rabies (usually required by law)

18–20 Weeks:

• Optional final booster if earlier doses were missed

👉 Then at 1 year: DHPP + Rabies
👉 After that? Titers every 3 years before automatic boosters.

💡 What Are Titers?

Titer testing is a blood test that checks your dog’s current immunity levels.

If your puppy already has strong antibodies, they may not need another booster.

This is a safe, vet-backed way to avoid unnecessary vaccination—and still protect your pup.

🐾 Want Help Navigating This with Confidence?

Inside the FTH Online Pack, you’ll get:

• 🩺 Vaccine schedule templates

• 🧬 Info on titer testing and immune support

• 📘 Holistic eBooks on puppy wellness

• 💬 Weekly Q&As with Victoria to ask your questions

• 🐶 A supportive community of dog owners walking the holistic path

All for just $10 your first month.
👉 Click here to join and make informed choices for your puppy.

Your puppy only gets one immune system.
Let’s protect it with wisdom, not worry