lepto Vaccine

[Tania L.]

hello!! We just got our beautiful goldendoodle from a breeder who strictly voids her warranty if any of her dogs are given the Lepto Vaccine. I took Molly to the vet today and she claims that since we live in a place where there are possums and skunks that she would benefit from having the vaccine. In my case the benefits would out weigh the risks in our case. I want the best for my puppy and both viewpoints are very conflicting. Have any of you given your doodles the lepto vaccine? If so have your puppies had any reactions to it? I don't know what to do!!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Both my dogS get the vaccine and have had no reactions.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Have you asked your breeder why she put that clause in her contract? She must have a good reason-some knowledge of or experience with the vaccine. Why don't you ask her about it?

Is Molly going to be outdoors frequently and exposed to standing water that may be contaminated by the wildlife you mentioned?  Each dog's lifestyle is going to dictate the risk of exposure and my understanding is that stagnant water sources are the primary area of exposure.

Tara has not had the vaccine. It sounds like you are already aware of the possibilities of adverse reactions to the vaccine but how serious is the illness? It sounds like it is treatable with certain antibiotics.  From what I've read about this vaccine, it is not always effective and needs to be given annually or more often. That's a lot of vaccinating. Maybe you can get more info from your vet about how many cases she treats a year and the severity of the illness. It might help with a decision. (Sorry I can't seem to undo the italics). 

[Rhoda and Asta]

My breeder said the same thing.  Her reasoning was that she had received information from her clients  of adverse reactions to the leptospirosis vaccine. However,  she couldn't provide any concrete  documentation to support this assertion.   I also live near wooded areas and various critters visit my property.   So after some research and many discussions with my Vet, I  opted to give the vaccine to Asta.  He had no reaction to the vaccine. 

[Stella]

My dogs have had the Lepto vaccine every year (they are now 7 and 6 years old) with no reactions. It is ridiculous that the health warranty is void if you give the vaccine.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I also have always given the Lepto vaccine and have never had any reaction.

[Tania L.]

Thank You for your replies. Molly will be outdoors a lot. I will call the breeder bc at this point i am not concearned about the warranty I am concerned for her well being. I will also talk to the vet again and try to make a decision!!! Thank You and keep the replies coming!!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Tania, if you decide to void your breeder's warranty please consider getting, if you don't already have it, pet insurance for Molly.  It is actually something many of use have, with or without a warranty, because of the increasing expense of quality veterinary care. There have been many discussions about pet insurance here on DK that can be found if you do a search. Here's a recent one:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/it-s-that-time-again-remin...

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

In Ireland all dogs are required to have the lepto vaccine and I bpersonally have never had any problems. In think your breeder would need to come up with some respectable scientific research to back this stipulation in her warranty. 

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Would your breeder be willing to sign a document stating that she will not be liable for any problems caused to your puppy as a direct result of the Lepto vaccine, but that the rest of the health warranty will be honored?

Both of my doodles have been vaccinated for Lepto without any issues.  

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

My dog has always gotten the lepto vaccine because we live in an area with a lot of wildlife.  No adverse reaction.

[Bonnie and Kona]

I, too, hesitated about getting the Lepto vaccine for our doodles. When we lived in another state they were not exposed to as much wildlife that would be carriers of the disease. Where we live now they are able to get to standing water and the Leptosperosis is rampant here. My dogs have not had a reaction to the vaccine but that doesn't mean your puppy won't. Could you wait a few months and always take your dog out on a leash so she can't get into standing water?