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Originally Posted by Ellie May  I'm reasonably confident that my pup is protected with a high titer. With a low titer and a good vaccination history, I still would that there is protection, but it makes me nervous (still should be cellular immunity though).
The same low distemper thing happened to Ellie. The first year we boosted it. The next year it was down again and I decided against boosting it. That is not something I would recommend doing because there is always a chance it's low for good reason. I just do what I think it right for my dog. Ellie's vet's opinion is a major deciding factor in what I do. You really have to find one you trust so tthat they can help you decide.
When in doubt I recommend puppy shots, one year booster and then every three years for DHPP. AAHA totally supports this protocol. It is safe and fair (probably still over-vaccinating this way, but it's still a very respected protocol that is a compromise).
We stopped doing titers awhile back and won't be going back anytime soon.
BTW, there is no reason to give DHPP yearly. If a vet is absolutely insistent on it or wants you to believe that you are putting your pup in danger by doing it less often, then I'd move on.
While I take an approach between AAHA and minimalist, I don't recommend minimalist to others because I'm not comfortable doing so yet. I am much more comfortable recommending AAHA. A good portion of vets use this schedule. |
The only thing I want to add is that there are not as many reactions as people would lead you to believe....BUT, if your pup has a bad reaction that will not matter.
It scares me that some people are reading sites on the internet that are not backed by valid research data. One day we are going to have someone log in on YT and tell us their pup died of distemper because they believed the vaccine was dangerous and would kill their pup.
Sadly people don't totally understand because they get alarmed at all of the things written; and instead of following the correct protocol, they go overboard and do less than acceptable.
My vet does give DHPP every three years and I agree with that protocol although I will say that I had two pups who had shots every single year for many years with no issues. I don't do it now because that was too much as they now know. I also do not believe they need them after a certain age...that is my own personal call and I do not recommend it to others.