over vaccinating is bad for our pets

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

She is a major veterinary homeopathy supporter, which is fine if that is the kind of medicine you believe in...

Her views on heartworm preventative and balanced diets are not good, imo.


Rylee will also only be vaccinated every 5 years. The kids do not go to and never will be allowed to go to dog parks but they definitely are allowed where strange dogs have been. My biggest concern here is lepto honestly..

I think if titering makes an owner feel more secure then they should do it. But just like vaccinating doesn't mean 100% protection for all dogs, neither does a high titer.

BTW, I don't think Dodds even recommends titering annually for most dogs. Triennially or more...

The AAHA, AVMA, and all veterinary schools in the US seem to be fine with vaccinating no more than every 3 years without mentioning titers.

ETA: It is good to titer before and after, but weeks after to see if the vaccine 'took'. It will naturally drop a year after.

Dodds and Schultz also seem to have differing opinions on what a low titer represents. Dodds says revaccinate. It looks like Schultz says that unless it is 0 it is ok.

When you say your major concern is lepo, do you mean of them getting the disease of them getting the vaccination. It's not a concern in AZ, so my vet doesn't even give the shot and Joey's breeder put it in her contract that he wouldn't get the shot. I realize different parts of the country have different problems.

I wasn't planning to ever vaccinate the boys again unless the titer said it was necessary, now it sounds like I should vaccinate next year and skip titers?

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

She is a major veterinary homeopathy supporter, which is fine if that is the kind of medicine you believe in...

Her views on heartworm preventative and balanced diets are not good, imo.


Rylee will also only be vaccinated every 5 years. The kids do not go to and never will be allowed to go to dog parks but they definitely are allowed where strange dogs have been. My biggest concern here is lepto honestly..

I think if titering makes an owner feel more secure then they should do it. But just like vaccinating doesn't mean 100% protection for all dogs, neither does a high titer.

BTW, I don't think Dodds even recommends titering annually for most dogs. Triennially or more...

The AAHA, AVMA, and all veterinary schools in the US seem to be fine with vaccinating no more than every 3 years without mentioning titers.

ETA: It is good to titer before and after, but weeks after to see if the vaccine 'took'. It will naturally drop a year after.

Dodds and Schultz also seem to have differing opinions on what a low titer represents. Dodds says revaccinate. It looks like Schultz says that unless it is 0 it is ok.

I have never been a fan of Dodds just been scared to say anything because so many people are pro Dodds lol

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

I have never been a fan of Dodds just been scared to say anything because so many people are pro Dodds lol

I really don't know anything about her, but I thought her word was golden on vaccines, now I feel stupid for even mentioning her name to my vet. He really wasn't impressed.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I really don't know anything about her, but I thought her word was golden on vaccines, now I feel stupid for even mentioning her name to my vet. He really wasn't impressed.

I am a google freak lol. Don't feel stupid you are a very smart lady

[lisaly]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

When you say your major concern is lepo, do you mean of them getting the disease of them getting the vaccination. It's not a concern in AZ, so my vet doesn't even give the shot and Joey's breeder put it in her contract that he wouldn't get the shot. I realize different parts of the country have different problems.

I wasn't planning to ever vaccinate the boys again unless the titer said it was necessary, now it sounds like I should vaccinate next year and skip titers?

I've read what Dr. Dodds has said about vaccines, but I've read what Dr. Schultz has said, as well. Ultimately, you need to feel comfortable with what you have done. While I may not be comfortable with all of her practices, Dr. Dodds has done a great deal of good, and I respect what she has to say. I've attached what Dr. Schultz has to say about vaccines.

http://www.americanwaterspanielclub....e_Vaccines.pdf

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

I have never been a fan of Dodds just been scared to say anything because so many people are pro Dodds lol

Well, I'll say it for you. I don't believe her views pair well with standard of care.

[QUOTE=Nancy1999;4296183]When you say your major concern is lepo, do you mean of them getting the disease of them getting the vaccination. It's not a concern in AZ, so my vet doesn't even give the shot and Joey's breeder put it in her contract that he wouldn't get the shot. I realize different parts of the country have different problems.

The disease itself...
Ellie hasn't had it in several years and MI is full of lepto. both because the vaccine lasts for barely a year so she is totally unprotected and because the vaccine does not cover all strais it makes me nervous. Ry is faccinated for it and
I'm a bit less nervous for him but haven't decided if vaccinating him is worth it.

You are lucky to not have many cases there.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by lisaly

I've read what Dr. Dodds has said about vaccines, but I've read what Dr. Schultz has said, as well. Ultimately, you need to feel comfortable with what you have done. While I may not be comfortable with all of her practices, Dr. Dodds has done a great deal of good, and I respect what she has to say. I've attached what Dr. Schultz has to say about vaccines.

http://www.americanwaterspanielclub....e_Vaccines.pdf

Yes, I agree, I did feel comfortable, now, I'm not so sure, thanks for the link.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Teresiana

I have a question for those who choose to limit their dog's vaccinations. How do you have a conversation with your vet about which vaccines you want/don't want administered without offending your vet? It seems like that would be a difficult conversation to have. I looked over Dr. Dodd's Vaccination Protocol & according to it, it seems like the typical pet gets A LOT more than they actually need. My breeder also gave me a book about this. So I'm just wondering how open your vets were to the idea.

It's pretty simple depending on your vet. Like, this year, Jackson was due for his 3 year rabies and "due" for his 3 year DHP.... when I went for his yearly visit, I got rabies and she asked if I wanted to do DHP today too, and I just said no thank you, we're going to skip those today. End of story.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

It is my opinion that after the one year booster they either are protected or they aren't. Low titer or not revaccinating every year accomplishes nothing. I think I'd sooner revaccine every 5-7 years (because DHP is effective by challenge for at least that long) instead of spending $90/year for a headache of confusion.

This. I am not going to waste my money in titering, I just don't think it's worth it.

I'm really just not worried about it. Jackson had all the important puppy vaccines and the one year boosters. I am confident he is protected and don't worry a bit. We go to dog parks, lots of public places, pet stores, etc, and I'm just not concerned.

[Maximo]

Our past family dogs only had puppy shots, 1 year boosters, and then rabies every year according to law. The dogs went everywhere. Our Airedale lived to age 19 without ever having another DHP.

When did vets start giving them more often?

[Teresiana]

Originally Posted by Britster

It's pretty simple depending on your vet. Like, this year, Jackson was due for his 3 year rabies and "due" for his 3 year DHP.... when I went for his yearly visit, I got rabies and she asked if I wanted to do DHP today too, and I just said no thank you, we're going to skip those today. End of story.

Lol. Smart.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Britster

It's pretty simple depending on your vet. Like, this year, Jackson was due for his 3 year rabies and "due" for his 3 year DHP.... when I went for his yearly visit, I got rabies and she asked if I wanted to do DHP today too, and I just said no thank you, we're going to skip those today. End of story.

I'm not worried about what to tell the vet, I'm worried that I'm getting the correct advise, as in what's the safest and what carries the most risk if you do don't do it. Current best knowledge, isn't always good.

[Teresiana]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I'm not worried about what to tell the vet, I'm worried that I'm getting the correct advise, as in what's the safest and what carries the most risk if you do don't do it. Current best knowledge, isn't always good.

That's true. I was just curious if most vets are okay with going that route if that's what the client requests.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Teresiana

That's true. I was just curious if most vets are okay with going that route if that's what the client requests.

I don't know about most vets, you are the boss, but you are also paying for their expertise. If they are really against not giving shots, I would want to know why and then do more research on the matter. I just feel that there are pros and cons to everything, and unless you know both sides of the story, you might not be able to make the best choice for you dog. Location and lifestyle should be factored in when making these choices. I really didn't want to give Joey another rabies vaccine until I heard what happens if he doesn't have a current vaccination and he bites someone.

[Wylie's Mom]

This link has always been my favorite when discussing titers and their reliability. This link can def say it better than I can :

Titers