Breeders and rescues carry the enormous responsibility of protecting puppies during the most vulnerable weeks of life. For decades, the only widely-promoted method was a repeating vaccine schedule—6, 9, 12, 16 weeks—regardless of the puppy’s actual immune status. But today we have a far more precise tool: The nomograph. 

A nomograph allows you to see exactly when maternal antibodies are still protecting puppies and when those antibodies will decline. This makes it possible to time safe, controlled natural exposure without risking disease—and without exposing puppies to the well-documented risks of early vaccination. 

This tool is valuable for all breeders, regardless of rearing philosophy. But it is especially critical for breeders who want to avoid the immune disruption and autoimmune risks associated with puppy vaccinations, which have been documented in peer-reviewed research from Purdue University.¹

What Does a Nomograph Actually Do?

The result is a clear timeline showing:

• When puppies are fully protected 
• When protection begins to drop 
• When they enter a vulnerable window 
• When it becomes safe to begin natural exposure 

This replaces guesswork with precision—something every breeder and puppy deserves. The University of Wisconsin CAVIDS lab provides this service directly to breeders and rescues. Their submission form and instructions can be found here: Serum Submission Form | CAVIDS Titer Testing

Does This Matter for All Breeders and Rescues? 

Even breeders who follow conventional vaccination schedules can benefit from knowing when maternal antibodies will block vaccines. But for breeders who want to avoid vaccine-related risks, the nomograph becomes essential. 

The Purdue Vaccination Studies demonstrated that vaccinated dogs—but not unvaccinated dogs—developed autoantibodies to their own tissues, including fibronectin, laminin, collagen, DNA, albumin, cytochrome C, and cardiolipin.¹ These autoantibodies are early markers of autoimmune disease. 

This research was conducted over multiple years and raised serious concerns about vaccinating puppies during critical immune development. A nomograph gives breeders a way to protect puppies from disease without triggering the immune dysregulation documented in the Purdue studies.

How do I Use a Nomograph to Time Natural Exposure?

1. Draw the Dam’s Blood at the Right Time 

The ideal window is mid-pregnancy, before colostrum production alters antibody levels. Avoid the two weeks before and after whelping.²

2. Send Serum to the University of Wisconsin CAVIDS Lab

They run titers for parvo and distemper and generate the projection. 

Submission form 

Testing fees

3. Read the Predicted Drop-Off Window

This is the key moment. The nomograph will show when maternal antibodies fall low enough that puppies are no longer fully protected. That window becomes your start point for controlled natural exposure.

4. Plan Exposure in Three Phases

Natural Exposure Phase 

Begin short, structured exposure to healthy-dog environments.

Increase duration gradually.

This is when puppies build their own durable immunity.

5. Share the Nomograph with Puppy Buyers

It becomes part of the puppy’s long-term health plan, giving new owners confidence and clarity.

6. Share the Puppy Immunity Guide Handout

Share with your families so that they can talk with their vet and understand why you are running the nomograph for them.

What does a Nomograph Look Like?

(Click to enlarge)

The critical information is the Suggested Vaccination line. In this case, the lab says to vaccinate at weeks 8, 12 and 15, and to test again on week 17.

Instead, you'd start the gradual exposures protocol from our eBook, Creating Immunity Without Vaccinations, at 8 weeks, increasing exposure at weeks 12 and again at 15. Then run titer tests at week 17.

Notes on this particular nomograph

Interestingly, this girl was recently vaccinated for distemper but does not have protection to pass along. I'd not have known that without a nomograph. I included it because I usually see protective titer levels on my naturally-reared girls, yet this girl had been recently vaccinated for distemper. 

Nosodes usually start at weaning. But for this girl's litters, I would start distemper nosodes earlier if I felt they were at risk. Then I would start the gradual exposures protocols on the schedule indicated on the nomograph.

How Can Rescues Use Nomographs?

If the dam is available, rescues can use a nomograph to: 

• Determine whether puppies are still protected 
• Time safe socialization 
• Reduce disease risk in foster homes 
• Make informed placement decisions 

Even when the dam isn’t available, puppy titers can offer partial insight—though not as precise as a true nomograph.

Where can I Learn the Full Natural Immunity Protocol?

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Footnotes

¹ The Purdue Vaccination Studies And Auto-Antibodies

² Circulating anti-Canine Parvovirus Antibody Titer Is Impacted by Colostrum Production in Breeding Bitches. Lierman, Egerer, Larson. Animal and Veterinary Sciences, September 2024. volume 12; 5. DOI 10.11648/j.avs.20241205.12