TaraBear's Titer Tests

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I thought I would update you with the results of Tara's titer testing in case some of you have an interest in or questions about titer testing in lieu of vaccinations. Tara is the first dog that I am doing titer testing on instead of doing scheduled vaccinations for Parvo and Distemper.

So far she has had the following vaccinations for these two diseases:

1 Distemper/ Paro at 9 weeks

1 Parvo-12 weeks

1 Parvo-15 weeks

When she was due for her 1 year booster I had her titers tested instead and they were strong meaning her body was still producing  a large number of antibodies against those illnesses.

She is now 3 years old and I had her tested again last week.  I was pleased to find out that she is still showing strong immunity against the Parvo and Distemper viruses.

At this point I plan to have her titers tested again in 3 years.It is certainly raising questions in my mind about the frequency of vaccinations that are recommended for our pets.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I forgot to mention that if I had just had her vaccinated instead of testing the titers the vaccines would have cost:

$19.50 for a one year or

$30.00 for a three year

for the Parvo/Distemper

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That's why a lot of people don't titer. But to me, it's worth it. Did being overvaccinated have anything to do with JD's two immune-mediated diseases? I'll never know. But I can tell you his vet bills are higher than they would be if I had him titer tested every month, lol.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I agree that cost is a deterrent for some people who may not realize that they and their pet could end up paying a higher price down the road.  That is my concern-the potential of over vaccinating triggering an autoimmune response.

[Carolyn Shusterman]

Excellent information you gave us on the titers test.  I have never heard about this test.  I also feel our dogs are over vaccinated/medicated.  Scarry is the rabies vaccination......our Hershey is only 16 pounds and she will get as much serum as a 125 pound dog.  Before getting Hershey's booster shots I plan on looking into the titers test.  Thank you for alerting us.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Carolyn, the rabies vaccine is a HUGE concern for me as well. I put it off as long as I could with Tara. I think she finally got one when she was 1 1/2 years old. I don't understand why a small dog cannot have a lesser amount of vaccine. It makes no sense to me that they should get the same amount as the 125 pound dog!  There is a titer test available for rabies but it is not accepted in lieu of the vaccine by government agencies so it is kind of pointless. :(

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Wow, that is fantastic I hate giving shots to Daisy when I know it may not be necessary....I did inquire at a Vet's office when we were searching for a new one and he basically poo poo'd it even though his website said that they did it. Obviously we did not choose this guy as Daisy's new Vet.

I am definitely going to consider testing next year...we just had Daisy's shot's updated in February.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Lisa I feel the same way about shooting a bunch of viruses and chemicals into Tara. :(

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Andrea how is it working (legally) for you to titer test for rabies? Doesn't your state require evidence of rabies vaccination every year or 3 years?

I agree that the entire area of animal vaccinations needs to be "rethunk". :)

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Wow, that's really interesting. I am definitely doing Titers for Sophie and Winston from now on.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I think it's a good plan Sherri. There are some titer tests available for kitties too but because of her lifestyle I don't vaccinate Amber. She is really low risk for exposure.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

This is a related question:  What, if anything, do you give your dogs (in terms of supplements) to boost their immune systems?  Thanks.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I don't give my Tara much in the way of supplement.  She eats primarily a raw food diet but she also gets salmon oil and a seaweed formula that is for her teeth but is also full of minerals on a regular basis. Occasionally whey powder, vitamin C and Vitamin D but not every day.  Of course sunshine, exercise and lots of love! :)

I have given animals colostrum in the past when I thought their immune systems were being challenged (surgery or illness, vaccinations, etc.)