My friend refuses puppy shots. What are the health risks involved?

Yes it is bad, because the puppies are not protected against parvo and distemper. Both are deadly diseases and treating an infected puppy will cost thousands of $$ whereas vaccinations are under 100$.

This is definitely true. The diseases that we vaccinate against are very deadly to puppies. I've witnessed whole litters die from vaccine-preventable diseases, so it's definitely a concern. It's also very costly to get them the appropriate veterinary treatment when they get these diseases. It's important that the pup also gets a rabies vaccine when he is four months and 12 months old. Rabies will not only kill the dog, but will kill any people he bites when he is infected. I hope that helps and all is well with the pup.

Great question! Toro will need his DHPPi vaccine (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza) as well as rabies. For both of these, he will need an initial vaccine of both, then a booster of each four weeks later to incur immunity. Depending on the prevalence of leptospirosis in your area and if you are ever planning on boarding him, he may need a lepto vaccine and kennel cough vaccine. You can speak to your vet about if those vaccines, but he should definitely get DHPPi and rabies. There may be a low cost vaccine clinic in your area, which can offer vaccines for as low as $20. I would call local clinics to get prices for his vaccines. Good on you for taking him in and getting those done!

I would not recommend it. Without vaccines your dog is not protected against a disease like Parvovirus which can be fatal. The virus lives in the soil and can survive up to one year after it is excreted from the body. The vaccine is highly effective but it must be administered in a proper timeline. I recommend to keep your new pup inside and to get him vaccinated ASAP. Best of luck.

Unfortunately, the only way to vaccinate is through injections. The best thing to do in Teddy's case is to prevent exposure to possible pathogens. Rabies is relatively easy, keep him in a fenced yard and leashed when outside. Don't encourage pesky animal invaders to your property by keeping it clean and tidy. Don't go to dog parks or be around dogs whom you are not familiar with their vaccination status. Use a groomer that travels to your house rather than go to a busy grooming salon. Teddy will need to rely on "herd immunity" rather than his own immunity.

I do not trust the vaccines sold at feed stores or pet stores. We cannot ensure that they have been handled appropriately or kept at the correct temperatures to be able to work. I would recommend that you take Iroh to a vet clinic or even shot clinic to be vaccinated. At his age, two vaccines for distemper/parvo/adenovirus/parainfluenze at 1 month apart is sufficient for 1 year's protection. He is also required to be vaccinated for rabies by a vet. Depending on your lifestyle, the vet or clinic may recommend additional vaccinations to keep him protected.

If the fox seems healthy then the risk is low, but foxes can be carriers of distemper virus, leptospirosis, as well as intestinal parasites that can be passed to dogs. It is important to get Martha started on her puppy vaccines as soon as possible to provide her protection. Specifically she should be getting the distemper/parvovirus combination vaccine, and your vet can discuss the other "non-core" vaccines to decide what is recommended for your area and for Martha's lifestyle risk. Hope this helps - congrats on your new puppy!