Dear Dr. John,

Our Cockapoo was born in August, and just had her last puppy shots a few days ago. The breeder gave us a list of vaccines that we should get for her, and it does not include something called leptospirosis. Is this a vaccine that we should have gotten for our dog? Our vet recommended it due to where our puppy spends her time. Is there any risk to the vaccine and why do you think the breeder did not recommend it? Our vet is suggesting we spay the puppy around late February or early March. Does that sound right? What would you recommend? D.F.

Dear D.F.,

My feeling is that you should trust what your veterinarian is suggesting in the way of vaccines and care for your puppy. A local veterinarian is aware of possible risks and environmental exposures that a dog may come in contact with especially if they are aware of your lifestyle and where the dog will be. Leptospirosis is still frowned upon by some breeders because of the vaccine reactions that it led to years ago. Those included vomiting, fever and lethargy, and localized swelling at the vaccine sites. Vaccine technology currently has addressed those issues, and the vaccine used today is safe and effective.

I vaccinate all my dog patients for leptospirosis because it can be found in any backyard or outdoor environment. It is spread through the urine of infected animals and can lead to kidney or liver failure, fever, and even death.

Historically speaking, dog spays were always recommended before the first heat and usually at around six months of age. This was because heat cycles increased the possibility of mammary tumors later in life. More recent thought suggests that larger dogs who grow and mature more slowly might consider waiting until they are fully grown at a year or more and after their first heat cycle. This is still debatable. Since your puppy is a small breed dog, the date you were given seems reasonable and appropriate by all conventional wisdom. Your veterinarian is giving you sound advice.

Dr. John de Jong owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic. He can be reached at 781-899-9994.