Canine vaccines
Every year you receive the “Reminder” postcard from your vet, your dog needs his yearly booster shots. Dog vaccinations are very important to the long-term health of your puppy or dog. Not only is vaccination every year unnecessary, these annual vaccinations can harm and, in some cases, kill our dogs. Our pets are overvaccinated. Our children do too, but at least we stop at puberty. Our dogs are vaccinated every year for their entire lives!
The only vaccine required by law is the rabies vaccine. Overvaccination can suppress the immune system causing diseases such as arthritis, skin diseases, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, spondylosis, epileptic seizures, loss of motor control, and cancer. Behavioral changes are also possible after vaccines.
Have you ever noticed changes in your dog after receiving his vaccinations? Maybe fever, bloating, skin rash, or loss of appetite? These are all signs that your dog may be having an adverse reaction to the vaccines. Imagine what this does to your dog’s health when it continues year after year!
Good news! The American Association for Animal Hospitals, AAHA, has established new guidelines and recommendations for the United States and Canada.
The 3 main vaccines, Parvo, Distemper, and Adenovirus are no longer recommended annually. Vaccines against parvo and distemper last a minimum of 5 years. Adenovirus lasts at least 7 years. The rabies vaccine is recommended once every 3 years.
All other vaccinations your vet administers are not always necessary. They should be administered as needed, taking into account each individual dog and the circumstances. Be aware that some of these vaccines offer protection for a very short period of time.
Dr. Ronald Schultz is Professor and Chair of Pathobiological Sciences at the Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Schultz has been studying and researching canine vaccines since the 1970s. He is part of a community of canine vaccine experts who have made recommendations that have been adopted and used as guidelines by the American Association for Animal Hospitals (AAHA ).
Dr. Schultz recommends starting a basic vaccination program between 6 and 8 weeks of age, not earlier. Revaccinations should be administered with an interval of not less than 4 weeks. Therefore, if your puppy’s first basic vaccinations are given at 7 weeks, the next booster would be at 11 weeks and the third at 15 weeks. 2 weeks after the third revaccination, Dr. Schultz titrates to confirm immunity. I personally titled the immunity each year as part of my annual veterinary visit. My dogs were always tested for sufficient immunity, so revaccination was never necessary.
For rabies, Dr. Schultz administers the first vaccine after the puppy is 4 months old. The next rabies vaccine is given annually and every 3 years thereafter. Your dog would probably be entitled to immunity against rabies, but most states require a re-vaccination at least every 3 years.
Most traditional vets do not administer one-time vaccinations, your puppy may be receiving vaccinations that are not necessary. To ensure your puppy / dog is receiving only the basic vaccinations, ask to see the vial.
As always, I suggest that you consult with your veterinarian to determine the correct vaccination schedule for your particular puppy or dog.