Is there anyone out there that can give thier opinion right now? Annual Shots.

[ruthcatrin]

I think one reason these shots are yearly are because the virus mutates, just like influenza in humans.

They don't change most of the canine vaccinations nearly that often. I don't think they even change the kennel cough one that often and it mutates as fast as the human flu does....

 

[Gypsy Moon's mama]

Rugers-Kris,
Just an opinion...I would do the Rabies, DAP2(Distemper Parvo), and as far as bloodwork...you can have them check the kidneys and liver values and heartworm snap test (literally 3 drops of blood for this one)just to make sure...I've always done the Bordatella because I am in the industry and exposed to Kennel cough...if you have alot of exposure to other dogs or board him it's a good idea.(it's good for 6 mo. only)but otherwise the Bordatella isn't really that important.

 

[Iymala]

Dr. Jean Dodds is one of the most respected authorities on vaccine protocol. Here is her suggestions:

Dr. Jean Dodds' Pet Health Resource Blog | Dr. Dodds' 2012 Canine Vaccination Protocol

 

[voidecho]

Wouldn't the titer cost as much as the vaccinations?

Probably more, but it's better for your pup than over vaccinating. I think some people do the Distemper & Parvo booster at one year and then titer every year after that.

 

[thelady_v2010]

Probably more, but it's better for your pup than over vaccinating. I think some people do the Distemper & Parvo booster at one year and then titer every year after that.

If you have to board, isn't that going to create problems? I don't think that applies to the OP, but for the ones that do board?

 

[mx5055]

I'm here!

Rabies is required by law. Do the fecal.

Titer for the rest of it if money's not an issue. IT IS fairly standard to do a 1yr booster for the rest, but the chances of him actually NEEDING it is fairly small. Neither of mine did for example. I'll do a longer post later if you need it.

​Thank God; took you long enough lol

 

[Gypsy Moon's mama]

In Texas the Rabies is every 3 years IF you do it 2 times within the 360 days (to the day- 1 year apart) then it's every 3 years... each state is different...the DAP2 (Distemper and Parvo) can also be given every 3 years based upon the risk in a particular area...and recommendation of the vet. It's good to do a fecal because who wants their pet to be infested with worms? Yuck.

 

[ruthcatrin]

If you have to board, isn't that going to create problems? I don't think that applies to the OP, but for the ones that do board?

The one big thing for boarding etc is kennel cough, which many require. Other than that most places these days will accept a titer actually.

​Thank God; took you long enough lol

I was typing a big long rant in training sorry lol

 

[Iymala]

Most boarding facilities will accept a titer in lieu of the shot record in my experience.

 

[angelbears]

Rugers-Kris,
Just an opinion...I would do the Rabies, DAP2(Distemper Parvo), and as far as bloodwork...you can have them check the kidneys and liver values and heartworm snap test (literally 3 drops of blood for this one)just to make sure...I've always done the Bordatella because I am in the industry and exposed to Kennel cough...if you have alot of exposure to other dogs or board him it's a good idea.(it's good for 6 mo. only)but otherwise the Bordatella isn't really that important.

I have the opposite opinion. Over vaccination is more of a problem than under vaccination. If you have the money, titter! Why would you want to inject live virus in Rugers body if they are not needed and 9 times out of 10, they are not! At least don't get it done today. Come home read the links provided and if you think he needs them, run him back in.

 

[thelady_v2010]

Okay, cool! I think mine needs to get the 1 year booster because he finished his puppy series before 16 weeks of age. I will then do the titer.

 

[ruthcatrin]

yah, over vaccination has the potential to do serious damage to a dog.

 

[mx5055]

Dr. Jean Dodds is one of the most respected authorities on vaccine protocol. Here is her suggestions:

Dr. Jean Dodds' Pet Health Resource Blog | Dr. Dodds' 2012 Canine Vaccination Protocol

Thanks for both posts with the articles. I have done a lot of research on this subject; enough for me to be able to make what I consider an informed choice for my pets...but, I never saved or printed out any articles regarded this subject and it causes big "discussions" in my family...now I can forward/print out the articles for my family and just not have to discuss it anymore

 

[ruthcatrin]

Okay, cool! I think mine needs to get the 1 year booster because he finished his puppy series before 16 weeks of age. I will then do the titer.

Bet he doesn't. Both Apollo and Arty only had TWO of their puppy shot sets. The second shot was given at 12 weeks. Both titered with VERY HIGH (ie: very good) numbers at their one year apointment, AND Apollo just cleared his 2yr titer with the same flying colors.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

If you have to board, isn't that going to create problems? I don't think that applies to the OP, but for the ones that do board?

Yes obviously. Any time your around other dogs vets recommend ( push) the bortella and all the rest of the crap. Some of us don't board or if we need to leave have somone come by the home.

Kris what you got is normal when I worked at the vets we did this to all of our clients. Honestly I find the it uncessary but they have to make money some how. The only vaccines I have done are the rabies ( required) and for Mason now the parvo/distemper. Unless you notice anything not right with Ruger or just out of curiosity want to know I would decline vaccines. IMO.

 

[voidecho]

If you have to board, isn't that going to create problems? I don't think that applies to the OP, but for the ones that do board?

Yeah, like Ruth said, if we had to board we'd have to get the Bordetella, but a "good" titer result should take the place of proof of vaccines at most places. I think we're even allowed to titer for Rabies out here in my area.

Plus, until we snip Lincoln no place will let us board him anyways except the places that'll keep him locked in a cage away from all of the other dogs.

 

[ruthcatrin]

Bet he doesn't. Both Apollo and Arty only had TWO of their puppy shot sets. The second shot was given at 12 weeks. Both titered with VERY HIGH (ie: very good) numbers at their one year apointment, AND Apollo just cleared his 2yr titer with the same flying colors.

(we titered in place of automatically giving the 3rd shot, both cleared with flying colors at 16 weeks, if they hadn't they'd have gotten their 3rd shot).

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

Also remember bordatella only covers a small % of virus straines out there just like human vaccines. Dogs can still get kennel cough.

 

[thelady_v2010]

Yeah, like Ruth said, if we had to board we'd have to get the Bordetella, but a "good" titer result should take the place of proof of vaccines at most places. I think we're even allowed to titer for Rabies out here in my area.

Plus, until we snip Lincoln no place will let us board him anyways except the places that'll keep him locked in a cage away from all of the other dogs.

Okay. Our trainer will board him no matter what, because he works with him weekly and will until I don't know when!

 

[Iymala]

Here is a good article by Jean Dodds explaining why you can titer and why you should not over vaccinate. It also has a nice Q&A section that covers common questions about the minimal vaccination schedule.

Clean Run Magazine Article About Vaccines - Rabies Challenge Fund