[Ellie May]

Almost everyone agrees that they need puppy shots and a one year booster (of DHPP). But then, there is no one way it is done.

It used to be given every year and still is by a good number of vets.

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) put out recommendations to do it every three years (after one year booster).

Then the third way is to do a one year booster and then never again.

Some vets are concerned that a dog isn't adequately protected by doing it the third way (or even AAHA's way). It all has to do with duration of immunity and such. Your vet will tell you it is necessary every year. It is not and is in fact very bad to give it that often.

You are right. She doesn't need it until three years after her one year booster (and every three years thereafter) -OR- you technically never have to give it again, but since that research is still underway, most vets won't let you do it that way and you would be taking a slight risk -OR- you can titer, but that has its problems too.

If this helps you any, I would choose to do puppy shots, a one year booster, another booster about three years later, then probably never again. It's a combination of a couple protocolts. Ellie has not had DHPP since age 6 and will never get it again.

It is not required by law, and it is not needed yearly.