To vaccinate or not to vaccinate?

[Taylor & Huff]

I found this website where different vets put their thoughts of vaccinations. They say to only vaccinate once or twice in your dog's (or cat's) life. I know it is a lot to read but I think there is some good information about vaccinations. What do you guys think about this?

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Good question! I suggest you read through the discussion in this group on titer testing too. It has information in it about vaccinating and also about using titer tests as an alternative to vaccine boosters.

 

Tara just turned 2 years old and so far she has only had one puppy shot for distemper and  the puppy series for parvo. Oh, and at one year old she had a rabies shot.  When she was about 1 1/2 years old we had her blood titers tested to check her immunity for parvo and distemper. Both tests showed strong immunity so we did not give her any booster shots at that time.

 

We plan to continue the rabies shots as required by law and continue to titer test for parvo and distemper. If her titers drop to a level that suggest weak immunity to the disease we will probably give her a booster at that time (it may never happen).

 

I think there is still value in vaccinating and would not recommend NO vaccinations at all. Parvo in particular is still a very wide spread and potentially deadly diseasef in dogs. Dr. Jean Dodds is one of the more well versed proponents of titer testing as opposed to regular vaccine boosters. 

 

Here is her recommended vaccination protocol:

 

http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/DODDS-CHG-VACC-PROTOCOLS.HTM

 

Our cat is 5 years old and she received vaccinations at the shelter before we adopted her 4 years ago. She has not received any further vaccinations.