Vaccinations Question...

[ScootieBootie]

I don't get my dogs vaccinated every year, because I got a book that talked about "over vaccinating" and what it can cause. Also, it explained that just like in people, vaccinations are good for years.

I look at it this way, no one in my family gets shots every year, so why should my dogs be any different?

I do get the rabies shot (mine are every 3 years) as stated.

I was wondering if anyone else had an opinion on yearly vaccinations, or if any of you have read the book?
Amazon.com: What Vets Don't Tell You About...
I actually know a breeder who will not sell a puppy to someone who is going to vaccinate yearly, because of the info he has read.

[Wylie's Mom]

I TOTALLY agree with you! And I know many people on this board who also agree with you. Overvaccination is one of the main causes (in addition to diet) that we're seeing so many health issues (esp. allergies, for one) in dogs these days. I do only core vaccines for my dogs. So are you going to titer then?

It's sad bc most vets and almost all boarding facilities are completely behind the times. Even though this is BETTER for the dogs' health, you cannot board your dog if you vaccinate this way - ridiculous huh?

[ScootieBootie]

It is ridiculous! Yes, I'm going to titer. I want what is safer for my dogs.
I'm lucky, because I don't have to board my dogs! They can usually go with me wherever I go, and if they can't, I have a friend with whom I trade pet sitting duties!

I think vets still vaccinate so much because 1. they are behind or 2. they get kick backs from the vaccinations. I'm not sure, but I can't imagine why else they would do so!

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by ScootieBootie

I think vets still vaccinate so much because 1. they are behind or 2. they get kick backs from the vaccinations. I'm not sure, but I can't imagine why else they would do so!

Honestly, I think it is due to revenue only. Because ALL of the published and peer-reviewed literature supports the AAHA's findings in how to vaccinate our pets. It's a blatant refusal to give up revenue, in my opinion. Luckily, I don't have to board my guys either - but it really infuriates me for those who do - they're basically forcing vaccinations in those cases. Vaccinations themselves cost pennies - and look at how much vets charge - uh huh.

[mainegirl]

Absolutely!!! The vets will lose a lot of revenue if they reduce the vaccination schedule. Each dose cost them a few dollars yet they charge about 30 to the patient.

I agree that we are overvaccinating and will get Ozzy's 1 year boosters then will switch to every 3 years for all his core vaccines.

(I was forced to vaccinate my horse by the barn I had her at. (rabies every year for 13 years!!!!!) I decided to move her because of it and now she is at a more forward thinking facility.)

[Sandysbabies]

Just talked to my vet this morning about this very thing. Actually talked to the tech. I asked them if they had to have the yearly rabies because Mandy and Tina are now seniors and little Kayla is one but I don't want any of mine over vaccinated. They said they just did the yearly but before it was over they said they would order the every 3 vaccine for me. She ask me if I wanted her to go ahead and order it and I told her no, I was going to wait a couple of years for Mandy and Tina. I will get Kayla's rabies one more time and then every three years. Of course they still have to have the kennel cough, distemper and parvo.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by Sandysbabies

Just talked to my vet this morning about this very thing. Actually talked to the tech. I asked them if they had to have the yearly rabies because Mandy and Tina are now seniors and little Kayla is one but I don't want any of mine over vaccinated. They said they just did the yearly but before it was over they said they would order the every 3 vaccine for me. She ask me if I wanted her to go ahead and order it and I told her no, I was going to wait a couple of years for Mandy and Tina. I will get Kayla's rabies one more time and then every three years. Of course they still have to have the kennel cough, distemper and parvo.

In the case of at least one brand of rabies vaccine, the 1 year and 3 year are the same thing in different packaging to meet different states' requirements.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Sandysbabies

Of course they still have to have the kennel cough, distemper and parvo.

Distemper is every 3 years (and theoretically can be longer) and Parvo is 7.5 years (and could be lifetime) - you can titer for both.

I have an Excel Spreadsheet I use for my guys vaccines - I wish I could attach it for others to use....

[mel Vincente]

I have done some research on the titer tests and I found that even though your pup might not show antibodies(after a period of time) doesn't mean that he/she is not still protected from the disease. Titers are useful if you do them to make sure the immune system kicked in after the first vaccine.. If they are present then the immune system is working against the disease and after they go away ( i believe they called them sleeper cells) they are cells that when they are exposed again to the disease these cells kick in and start the antibodies all over again. I'm still confused myself but I don't think I'm going to vaccinate for parvo/ distemper and definitely no lepto. I haven't decided about rabbies( which is very bad for our little ones) but state requires it.

[mel Vincente]

Titers and Canine Vaccination Decisions OOPPPS they are called memory cells.. Maybe this site will be helpful..

[mel Vincente]

I don't know where my last post went?? The cells are memory cells and here is a site that my be helpful...Titers and Canine Vaccination Decisions

[TLC]

So I have a question, are the boosters shots required by law? I know the rabies is.

My last Vet office said every year for the boosters, so I did just that, but my Vet has switched to a new location and they say boosters every other year.

Roxy and TJ had their shots in June 07 - so according to the new office, they aren't due until Jun 09 - BUT - from all I am reading, I do not want them to get the shots next year, but do I have a leg to stand on? Is it law? (oh I am in NYS)

[mel Vincente]

I do not believe they are, ONLY rabbies.. I remember when I was growing up My mom never took our pets to the vet only if they were sick... She never vaccinated regularly and we had dogs that lived long healthy lives so maybe thats the trick??? Since they made the Rabbies shot every 3 years there have been reports that more dogs have had bad reactions from it over time???? Has anyone else heard this as well?

[nikkinack]

My vet said there are two types of titer does anyone know what the two are and which is best to get?

[CupofDog]

I am so happy to see this thread!!! I believe in highly limited vaccines and honestly, I drive 45 minutes to my vet because he also only believes in limited vaccines. We do a three year rabies (because I am a law abiding citizen) and titer for the rest. I have a relationship with a local vet in case of emergency, but I HATED when my previous vet would make me feel like a terrible mother for not doing the rest of the vaccines each year.

If you are interested, google the Rabies Challenge Fund which is attempting to pursuade legislators to consider five and even 10 year rabies vaccines as it is believed rabies vaccines work for the life of a dog.