Like dog foods, vaccinations are yet another subject of controversy. On the one hand, vaccinations have virtually eliminated many lethal or severely debilitating communicable diseases of dogs. On the other hand, while the practice has been to inoculate dogs on an annual basis, some vets and researchers now believe this repeated practice unnecessarily provokes an immune response in pets that are vaccinated.

Some vets have embraced this philosophy on the basis of recent research. Dogs older than three or four years of age are likely to have developed lifelong immunity to the diseases for which they've been inoculated. Many vets now recommend against vaccinating dogs that suffer from immune-related diseases. However, it is the law in many states to require vaccinations on an annual basis, especially for rabies, so there may be some conflict between growing research and local laws.

Immunization Timeline

If you bought your puppy from a reputable breeder, by eight weeks of age he had already received vaccinations for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. This is usually administered in a combined shot called the DHLPP. There is some research that suggests that the combined shots may over-stimulate the immune system in some breeds or individuals of some breeds. Overstimulation can lead to immune-mediated diseases in boxers, such as hypothyroidism, some types of digestive disorders, and pancreatitis.

The combination DHLPP vaccine is given at around twelve to fourteen weeks of age, and there is usually a parvovirus follow-up at sixteen to eighteen weeks. The reason for so many shots is that most of these diseases are fatal to puppies, and vaccinations are the best way known to prevent the puppy from contracting them. No one knows for certain when the puppy's antibodies from its mother are gone, although it is generally accepted that distemper antibodies are gone by twelve weeks.

There is some suggestion that the longer a puppy is allowed to nurse, the more antibodies he retains for a longer time. Your puppy can also develop immunity simply from being around other vaccinated dogs, which shed cells constantly that the puppy inhales or otherwise ingests.

Different Diseases

Even though there is not complete agreement on immunization, it is generally considered sensible to err on the side of caution and to immunize anyway. The following diseases are easily preventable through immunizations, and many are fatal if they occur in the pup:

Distemper: A virtually incurable virus, regardless of treatment, that attacks every tissue in the body. Unvaccinated puppies and canine senior citizens are the most susceptible. Symptoms resemble those of a bad cold, including runny nose and eyes and gastrointestinal problems. Dogs that do recover will probably be subject to severe neural disorders. Many wild animals and other dogs carry the virus.

Hepatitis: Serious, especially in puppies. The disease is characterized by high fever, lethargy, and lack of appetite. The hepatitis virus in canines is much the same as in humans — it affects the liver and kidneys. Dogs that recover from hepatitis tend to have compromised immune systems and to be susceptible to other illnesses. It is usually spread by contact with an infected animal or its feces or urine.

Leptospirosis: Before a vaccine was developed to prevent this disease, it was fatal. It produces extreme fevers, lethargy, jaundice, and internal bleeding. This is a bacterial disease transmitted by contact with the urine of rats, other wildlife, or affected dogs. Recovered dogs can be carriers, and leptospirosis can be transmitted from dogs to humans.

Parvovirus: Parvo can be fatal if the dog has not been vaccinated for it; however, with vaccinations, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment, it is manageable. Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea that progresses to being bloody, leading eventually to collapse. Parvo attacks the bone marrow and intestinal tracts, particularly of young puppies, but it can occur in older dogs as well. Parvo tends to be transmitted most readily through urine or feces; however, it is also believed to be somewhat airborne.

Rabies: Can be transmitted to people and is virtually always fatal. It attacks nerve tissue, resulting in paralysis and death. Many states require an annual vaccination for it. Rabies is spread in the saliva and is carried by skunks, raccoons, foxes, and other dogs and cats, although virtually any animal can carry it.

Bordatella (kennel cough): Not usually life threatening, but in some cases it can lead to a serious bronchopneumonia. This ailment is highly contagious and characterized by sneezing, coughing, hacking, and retching. Nasal discharge may range from clear to lime green. Bordatella vaccine should be given every six to eight months to dogs that are in regular contact with other dogs. However, vaccines do not protect against all strains.

Coronavirus: Corona, as its known, is usually self-limiting and not life threatening. It was first noted in the 1970s, just slightly earlier than Parvo. It produces a yellow/brown stool and is generally accompanied by lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. Like Parvo, corona is transmitted through contact of urine or feces of an affected dog, or again, it can be airborne. It is highly contagious.

Lyme disease: First diagnosed in 1976 in Lyme, Connecticut. Symptoms tend to include sudden lameness, fever, swelling of the joints, and loss of appetite. This disease is more prevalent in some parts of the country than in others. It is transmitted by deer ticks that carry the disease.

If you look back at this list, you will notice that lethargy is a common symptom for most of these diseases. Since most boxers are rarely lethargic, you should get your dog to a vet as soon as you see this behavior. This is usually the very first symptom or indication that something is wrong, one that generally occurs well before vomiting, diarrhea, or other more serious symptoms are noticeable.

Most of the aforementioned diseases are deadly or severely debilitating, but they are also preventable. The wisest course of action is therefore to make sure your boxer gets at least the basic vaccinations. If you are concerned about the effects that vaccination is reputed to cause, you have one other option. You can have your vet take a blood sample and titre, or test, for the amount of antigen to any particular disease that your boxer has been vaccinated for in the past. The results of this test tell your vet whether your boxer has sufficient antigens to fight off various diseases.