What about BIG dogs?? Does the same apply?

I really need to read up on this topic. Where can I find some articles?

For me I think the same goes for big dogs

Are yearly dog vaccinations really necessary?

Annual Immunization Boosters for Your Fila

What A Dog Really Needs... Don't Let Your Veterinarian Over Charge You?

HTH

Thank you. I really enjoy this topic and would like to better educate myself.

So, i just read the first article.

Someone posted about a titer..At what age should this be done to test the levels?? What's the cost on this??

Your most welcome ;)

I just hate to see all the harmful things that we are adding to their bodies regardless if they are big or small. When it comes to vaccinations or pet food the things people do just to make a buck it makes me feel so sad for these poor innocent animals who don't have a voice! WE are their voice if we educate ourselves and others we can help our 4 legged friends!:animal-pa

TITER TEST

Natural Pet Healthcare: Alternatives to Pet Vaccinations - The Titer Test

Ask Dr. Shawn - Vaccines, Titers, Blood Testing

Titers and Canine Vaccination Decisions

I did get the DA2PP Vaccines last Wellness exam for Ben and Candy along with their Heartwork Antigen test and Intestinal Parasite exam. I checked the bill to see what they called it. On the same bill was Annie's puppy shots. They gave her Bordetella when I specifically asked them not to, since she is not going to be boarded or in a dog park. That is the second time they wound up not following my instructions. I have got to get better with checking the bill before I leave and making sure they folow what I tell them! At least they did leave off the lepto as I requested.

So, I should never have to give the DA2PP again for Ben and Candy. I can imagine that won't go over well as we already had a discussion about over-vaccinating and I wound up splitting the difference with the vet. I wanted to wait 3 years, he wanted annual -- and I got them about 2 years after their last one. I will just have to be firm that they do not need anymore. Mine rarely go out in public. They are usually in the house and just go out in our privacy fenced back yard. I absolutely believe what I am reading about needing less vaccines. Many respected vets writing that no annual boosters are needed but there are just so many references still saying the annual boosters are required. I'll just insist on titres in 3 years and then make my case.

One of the articles was interesting. Had high risk breeds as short white haired dogs. My Candy (Jack Russell terrier) had a bad reaction to her shots when little as did my dachshund, complete with hives (bmps). My Yorkies have never had a bad reaction but I have been better about telling them to split them and never give rabies along with other shots. Makes for an extra vaccine visit for the pups but better to split than worry.

The vaccine protocols are *basically* the same for all dogs. The differences would come into play if, say, a certain thing was endemic to your area (ie, lepto), there is a breed sensitivity to a certain vaccine, your dog has had a previous allergic reaction to a vaccine, your dog is ill or has an suppressed immune system. I'm sure there are more...but that's just off the top of my head.

Remember that titers don't confirm cellular immunity - they only tell you about humoral immunity. So, in a nutshell, you could have a positive titer (yes on humoral immunity) - but no cellular immunity, and therefore your dog would still be vulnerable to the disease. Or, you could have a negative titer (no humoral immunity found), but your dog could actually *have* cellular immunity...and therefore is considered to have immunity and ability to fight the disease.

There are links in this thread - including a wonderful link that really explains duration of immunity, types of immunity, titers etcetera.

This is illegal. My trust would be totally broken with them now. :(

K, Gotcha! ;)