Dog Vaccinations

[Toni Petersen]

My 2 yr old ALB is up for his yearly vaccinations of Bordetella, Leptospirosis and Hearthworm and I don't know if it's necessary.  Eventhough my dog is healthy, vaccinations can represent a major stress to their immune system.  What is the general consensus?  Does he need them?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It was a handout from my vet's office. I'm sure I can get another one, I'll be there again tomorrow.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I do vaccinate both of my Doodles for Bordetella & Lepto yearly, and use the Heartworm prevention monthly. My guys are out with other dogs often enough where Kennel Cough is a concern. They've already had it once, but I believe their case was mild because they had been vaccinated. My Vet strongly recommends the Lepto vaccine in our area. Although we're very careful with our dogs, there's always that chance that they'll get to standing water. I don't worry so much about Guinness, but Murphy is very attracted to water, and I just don't want to take a chance. I would talk frankly with your Vet and ask her to outline the pros/cons. I believe the area you live in and the lifestyle of the dog are key factors, but your Vet can help you assess that.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Last year, for the first time in many many years, my regular vets handed out literature and spoke to each patient, encouraging them to have their dogs vaccinated against leptospirosis. The reason for this was that whereas they had rarely seen one case from one year to the next in their suburban practice, within a few months they had seen 6 cases, all among small pet dogs who never left their suburban neighborhoods and rarely even their yards. No woods, no ponds, etc. It seemed that it was being carried into neighborhoods by rabbits & other wild animals. Nationwide, reported cases had increased dramatically.
Because Jack is under the care of a specialist for immune-related issues, they advised me to consult her as to whether he should get the vaccine or not. She advised that if he ever visited the forest preserve dog parks and/or swam in lakes, ponds, etc., he should definitely have the vaccine.

[Toni Petersen]

Thanks Jane......I definitely will talk with my Vet. The more I read I'm certain that Morgan needs these vaccines.

[Pat & "Tucker"]

My vet did not recommend Lepto because the normal risks that eveyone is mentioning are lacking with Tucker and it is not know to be in our area. As Karen mentioned- if it is endemic in your area- it would likely be important to get - so again talk with the vet. You may be able to find endemic areas and more info at the CDC.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It may also be important to know that leptospirosis is zoonotic, which means it can be transmitted to humans from dogs; and it's not easily recognized or diagnosed.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I give my dog both vaccines and of course treat for heartworm. My vet has had dogs die of lepto. It is a vey dangerous disease and I think the benefits greatly outweigh the risks.