Vaccinations
DHP
Vanguard DHP or Nobivac DHP covers the dog for:
Canine Distemper,
Canine Hepatitis,
Canine Parovirus.
After the 1year booster vaccine, the vaccine is required every 3years, not annually.
Leptospirosis
This is an optional vaccine and not 'essential'.
Figures and observations noted by breeders show that reactions to the Lepto4 vaccine are far higher than the potential of catching Lepto.
If the lepto vaccine is not given, and a dog contracts Leptospirosis, they will not be covered by insurance.
Since 2008 I have not personally heard of a doodle with Leptospirosis, but have heard of seizures and reactions to the vaccine.
Kennel Cough
This vaccine is not needed, or used by myself or recommended.
A boarding kennels may require it, but apart from that there is no need for this vaccine to be given.
Nobivac Brand
Nobivac is the most popular brand found in vets these days.
Prior to January 2025, Nobivac manufactured the Lepto2 and Lepto4 vaccine. From January 2025 they stopped the Lepto2 vaccine. This has proved exceptionally unpopular with a number of breeders in the UK due to a higher incidence of vaccine reactions, fitting, seizures, death and even a whole litter dying.
I do not give my dogs Lepto4 vaccine.
I do not recommend the Lepto4 vaccine.
Nobivac DHP can be given as a stand alone vaccine, the vet can use a saline solution with the DHP vaccine rather than adding the Lepto4.
Nobivac is not compatible with Vanguard.
Vanguard Brand
Vanguard is the second most popular vaccine brand used by vets.
Vanguard manufacture the Lepto2 vaccine.
Vanguard is not compatible with Nobivac.
Titre Testing
A blood test that measures the level of immunity a dog has against parvo, distemper and hepatitis. It does not measure Leptospirosis. Recommended use every 3 years.
The blood test is used to decide if a vaccine is required, and thereby avoiding unnecessary vaccinations. If a dog has previously had a vaccine reaction or immunocompromised, this is a recommended method of checking immunity levels.
From the initial puppy DHP and 1 year booster vaccine, users of Titre Testing state immunity against parvo, hepatitis and distemper, can exist for 7-9 years without the need for further vaccinations.
Table showing variation of puppy vaccines.
The Nobivac data sheet that is issued to vets states this....
' Vaccination regime
Primary course vaccination: A single injection should establish active immunity in dogs of 10 weeks of age or older. Where earlier protection is required a first dose may be given to puppies from 6 weeks of age, but because maternally derived passive antibody can interfere with the response to vaccination a final dose should be given 2–4 weeks later i.e. at 10 weeks of age or older.
Booster vaccination: To maintain protection a single booster dose is recommended every three years. '
Worming
I have used since 2008 Drontal Plus worming pill.
I worm at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks, and then recommend 12 weeks and quarterly after that.
Panacur is also a gentle wormer and can additionally treat Giardia.
Both Drontal and Panacur can be bought by yourself online.
From the vet I recommend Advocate, this will also cover lungworm.
An excellent company is wormcount.com who will test a postal fecal sample and reply within 24hrs advising if your dog has worms, thereby avoiding the need for unnecessary worming treatments.
Flea Treatments
I use Frontline every 3-4 months.
I use natural flea sprays from Herbal Dog Company.
I regularly flea spray the downstairs of my home where the dogs live.
Seresto collars can also be used.
Never Recommended
As with most UK and Worldwide ALD breeders, we do not recommend any treatment that contains the isoxazoline ingredient.
Products that contain isoxazoline are; Bravecto, Nexguard, Nexguard Spectra, Simparica, and Credelio.
These treatments can have minor to severe side effects, so be aware and be warned.
There are other products as mentioned here that are completely suitable and tried and tested for years.
