Fair enough, for you and your situation.

However, my lifestyle is relatively active as we take Teddy through woodlands, parks, fields etc. Therefore, professional recommendations vary with each situation as would be expected for vets and other medical professionals who give advice according to medical ethics.

A blanket approach is never a good idea since we all live in different conditions. I would hope that if the vet disagreed with you, they would say instead of let you dictate treatment unless you have the relevant qualifications. Although, I do agree that we should question everything since that is how we learn.

When it comes to my money, you bet I dictate treatment. I'm paying for services that I need and declining those I don't need for my dogs. It's an approach that has worked for me for 15.5 years of owning my dogs. As my dogs celebrated 15th birthdays this year, I smiled knowing that these kinds of actions and decisions have led to their longevity. It certainly wasn't their puppy mill breeding. I don't think I have a blanket approach to anything -- I'm just not a sheep following along with everything people tell me (or charge me for). I have little tolerance for arrogant professionals who don't respect what I have to say about my dogs. I don't need a vet degree to understand what is being offered and to make a choice and I would not deal with a vet who judged me on my "qualifications." I happen to be very thoughtful about all decisions I make, and believe my conclusions are correct when it comes to my dogs. I offered my opinion and factual information about this vaccine and as of today stand by it....no matter what your vet who I don't know across the pond has to say about it. But I respectfully understand you have a different view and if you think your dog needs this vaccine then go for it. I disagree with the Lyme vaccine too and many here give it. Ditto for annual distemper vaccines. Some want to do Lyme tests every six months here too (when standard of care is to only treat for symptoms and not just a positive test). So my cynicism is justified. There are many vets with policies intended only to increase revenues. It's hard to wade through the waters.

Again, fair enough for you and yours!

And, I don't have a view at all, I just shared my experiences based on advice that was provided to me by my vet for my circumstances which I would urge all to do in order to make informed decisions.

Even though Cricket weighs 8 lbs, Because of her liver issues, my vet didn't want to risk giving it to her. My regular vet died suddenly at the end of October, and so my new vet, (that's in the same building). I had to tell her that Cricket doesn't get that vaccine. But there was no question or issue with it. My parents have two other dogs one of them being a Bassett hound, that Cricket is around and that Bassett gets the vaccine.

I am pro-vaccine (anti over-vaccination) so take a middle road approach. I understand what your vet is saying however lepto is NOT a core vaccine for a reason. And like you said it IS often dependent on area. Fwiw, Jax is very outdoorsy and has often swam in bodies of water, laid in puddles, and gone hiking etc. That reaction he had was horrible -- enough for me to clearly say never again. He also hasn't had vaccines, except rabies every 3 years per the law, since his 1 year old shots (DHPP). He's now 7 1/2. I'm going to booster the distemper vaccine by itself this year though as his titer was on the low side for that (even though titers are another discussion as well lol).

Jackson had a horrible reaction 7 years ago (not 10+) and my current vet STILL sees a lot of reactions with little dogs (way more than bigger dogs).

We opt out of both Lyme and Lepto here because of all the previously posted. I think a lot of vets push unnecessary vaccinations and it's essential to be an informed pet parent.

When we got our dog as a puppy, he is three now, our breeder warned us to never get this vaccine. She said a few of her other clients gave it to their puppies and they died. So, unless you feel it is absolutely necessary, I would avoid this vaccine.

All the best with whatever decision you make.

I'm the same as you, pro-vaccine and anti-over vaccination. As a result, I opted to not get Teddy's annual booster for parvo, hepatitis and distemper since I have read that science suspects life long immunity but can't prove it so recommend 3 year vaccinations instead. Rabies isn't a problem here in England. Also, they do roll lepto in the core vaccinations, as standard. Seems totally unnecessary since lepto is area specific.

I have looked into titers and those are virtually useless after puppy hood so I don't know what the right answer is apart from I don't believe all vets are ONLY after money. Science is shaky for animals and humans so we do our best.

I was told by my vet the common way they get it is drinking puddles that wildlife has urinated in, this doesn't seem to be something Ella is exposed to. My vet said she is always very cautious with vax but esp lepto vax in small dogs.