When the mom is pregnant, have a blood test done on her to show what immunity she’s passing on to the pups at birth through the first feedings which contain colostrum. This test is called a nomograph and identifies when the pups need their parvo and distemper shots. These are fatal and the pups will need protection. After the correctly-timed vaccination/s, have a blood test (called a titer) done on the pup to see if its immune system is protecting the pup against these.

Then you worry about rabies. It should be given without any other vaccine and the dog be given benedryl a couple hours before the shot. A month later, if you’re in a state that allows it, give the 3-year rabies booster. If you’re in a state where the rabies law states the 3-year shot has to be given 12 months after the first shot, then be sure to give the benedryl and hope your dog isn’t one that will have a bad vaccine reaction. If you’re in a state that requires yearly rabies—work to get the law changed or find out if a rabies titer is acceptable. A rabies titer is very expensive, but vets get their own blood tested, so why not a dog?

Boost the distemper/parvo the first year after, then titer the dog every 3 years.

The dog should be set until the next 3-year rabies booster.

I’m not a vet, but this vaccine schedule is based on the work of Dr. Ron Schultz at the university of Wisconsin vet school. CAVIDS is the website to look for. They run the nomograph and titer tests a lot cheaper than the commercial services charge and give a report with recommendations.

Do this with consulting a trusting vet. They are out there. I have the blood drawn by a tech and the blood spun down to the serum needed and mail the package myself priority to save money.