calliecritturs:The vaccine is only going to help provide immunity if it is for the *exact* strain. And most vaccines are tough on the immune system anyway.
True, but if the dog is young and healthy and has no allergies or reactions to vaccine, the vaccine is definitely going to be a lot less tough on the immune system than fighting off the real deal and possibly getting pneumonia to boot. I know a dog that had pneumonia even while young and healthy, and it really did a number on her for months. I know many dogs have immune problems already or react to vaccines so it makes sense not to do it, but for young healthy dogs that have no history of anything like that, especially dogs that are in constant exposure to outside environments and other dogs, to me it seems like it can't hurt. Maybe it's only *one* strain, but one is better than none, IMO.
I don't know if this has hit our area like it has others but Nikon is due for an exam soon so I'll ask. I usually do what the vet says and it haven't had any problems yet...
http://vankelderdogs.dutchbingo.net
http://www.schhmi.com