A question about Ollies first year well check.

[Smita, Ollie and Juno]

We've had Ollie now exactly for one wonderful year. His last well check was in November and he got his rabies shot (if I remember right) in December/Jan. My question is which vaccinations can I expect at the well check and how often is an anti-rabies shot given? I know I could ask the vet but I like to go with some research under my belt.

[Cindy M, Zachary & the Frenchies]

You need to check your state laws about the Rabies. Most states are every 3 years, but NM just changed from yearly a couple of years ago, so there might still be some states that require annual rabies.There are new recommendations for every 3 years for core vaccines, but your vet might not be in sync with that. Just as an FYI. I start my  "annuals" 1 year from the last set of puppy shots, so pretty close to 18 months. I figure that the dogs are seeing the vet a lot during the first 6 months, and really don't need to be seen 6 months after the last set of shots unless I am worried about something.. 

[Smita, Ollie and Juno]

Thank you very much for your reply. I will have to look into what the laws say. Glad to know that we are not overdue. Ollie had his first visit with the vet on November 4th last year.

[Amber (with Maggie)]

Maggie just had her 1 year shots. She had the option of having rabies shots once a year or once every 3 years. The vet said sometimes the dog has an adverse reaction to having the shots all at once. The vet said that each county is different with the shots required (Maggie is registered in Marin, I think you may be registering your puppy in Contra Costa county?).

 

Maggie got the following:

rabbies (3 years)

Bortatella (1 year)

Letpo (1 year)

Kennel cough (1 year)

Dap Continuum (3 year)

 

I got all of the recommended vaccines for her (for Marin County). I hope this helps.

[Smita, Ollie and Juno]

Thank you Amber. I didn't realize that counties may have their own laws. We are in Pleasanton now so registered to Alameda county. I will check into it. I'm glad I have  your list of shots. That gives me a much better idea of what to expect.

[Amber (with Maggie)]

No problem. :)

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

My Vet, in North Carolina, will let my dogs go to the every three years on the Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvo AFTER the annual booster has been given that comes after the puppy shots.  Lepto is given here depending upon whether there are cases showing up in your county.    I read recently online that the kennel cough immunizations really did not prevent the dog from getting kennel cough, but TDI insists therapy dogs have the shot, so Webber gets it.  My vet also requires a heart worm test annually unless you are getting the heart worm medication from them and the Vet signs off on it.  They usually do a fecal smear as well.  Rabies in NC is every three years after they have had the initial one year shot.  We always separate the rabies from the other innoculations by at least two weeks.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

We also have a choice for 1 or 3 years.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You might also consider spacing the vaccines out a little bit. For example, if Ollie is due for bordatella or any other non-core vaccines, you might ask if you can bring him a week or two after your annual appointment. Bordatella is usually given intranasally and that can be done by a vet tech. (Actually, any of the vaccines can.) There would be no need to see the vet since he would have just been there for his annual check-up, so your only cost should be the cost of the vaccines themselves, and you should not be charged for another visit. This is how I do it, so that JD is isn't bombarded with a lot of vaccines at the same time.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Regarding leptospirosis vaccine, which is not a core vaccine and is considered "optional" (depending upon where you live), there is a newer vaccine which is given in a series of two shots and is not included in a "cocktail" with other vacccines. This newer version is supposed to have fewer side-effects than the older one, which is the one that would included with the DHP core vaccines. This may not be an option in your area, but if it is, I would seriously consider the newer version, and I would give it separately from the rabies and DHP vaccines if possible.

[Rachel and Ollie]

I know Ollie got super sick from his 12 week shots and I think Bortatella was one of the ones he got. Poor guy was so sad and sick. I thought it was the Rabies shot, but now this makes me wonder if it was Bortatella...