Vaccinating Your Dog

Vaccinations are a critical component to preventive care for your dog. Thanks to the development of vaccines, dogs have been protected from numerous disease threats, including rabies, distemper, hepatitis and others. Some of these diseases are zoonotic, meaning they can be passed to humans, so vaccinating your dog helps protect you and your family, too.
Several factors have led to Dr. Ramsey and many other veterinarians recommending reduced frequency of vaccinations, while at the same time tailoring vaccines to specific risk factors. Recent studies have shown that vaccines protect dogs for longer than previously believed. There have also been improvements in the type of vaccines produced. Additionally, concerns about vaccine reaction and risk factors may lead to a different vaccine schedule for certain dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vaccines

Is vaccinating my dog a risk to their health?

Vaccination against disease is a medical procedure and, like all medical procedures, carries some inherent risk. As in any medical procedure or decision, the benefits must be balanced against the risks. Veterinarians recommend that no needless risks should be taken and the best way to accomplish that is to reduce the number and frequency of any unnecessary vaccines. The choice in type and frequency of vaccines is determined by your dog's age, lifestyle, and potential exposure to infectious diseases.

What possible risks are associated with vaccination?

Vaccine reactions, of all types, are infrequent. In general, most vaccine reactions and side effects (such as local pain and swelling) are self-limiting. Allergic reactions are less common, but if untreated can be fatal. These typically occur within several hours of vaccination. If you notice facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms after vaccination, please contact us as soon as possible.
In very rare cases, vaccines can stimulate the patient's immune system against their own tissues, resulting in diseases that affect the blood, skin, joints, or nervous system. Again, such reactions are extremely uncommon but can be life threatening. There is an uncommon possible complication of a tumor developing at the vaccination site in a small number of pets, most frequently cats.

How do I know which vaccines my dog needs?

There are two general groups of vaccines to consider: core and non-core vaccines.

Core vaccines are generally recommended for all dogs and protect against diseases that are more serious or potentially fatal. These diseases are found in all areas of North America and are more easily transmitted than noncore diseases. The AAHA guidelines define the following as core vaccines: distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus (DA2PP) and rabies. Non-Core vaccines are those reserved for patients at specific risk for infection due to exposure or lifestyle. The AAHA guidelines classify kennel cough, Lyme Disease, and leptospirosis vaccines within the non-core group.

Due to our location in Missouri, Leptospirosis is recommended for all dogs due to an increased number of cases and the risk for human infection. The Bordetella vaccine protects your dog against the most common strains of kennel cough and is required for dogs going to a boarding facility, doggy daycare, and most groomers.

How often should my dog be vaccinated?

To set up lifetime immunity, it is very important that your dog completes the initial series of core vaccines administered at the puppy stage, as well as booster shots at one year of age. Following these one-year boosters, the AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines recommend that the distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus (DA2PP) core vaccine be administered once every three years. The rabies vaccine can also be given every three years after the initial series.

Non-Core vaccinations should be administered whenever the risk of the disease is significant enough to override any risk of vaccination. Our doctors recommend Leptospirosis and Bordetella be administered every year. Some boarding and daycare facilities may require Bordetella vaccination every six months, which is perfectly safe for your pet.

Does this mean I only need to see the veterinarian every three years?

Regular wellness examinations, at least once a year, are the most important preventive measure that you can provide for your dog. Vaccinations are just one component of the wellness visit. Though your dog may not receive their Core vaccines every year, it is important they be examined yearly both for their health and to maintain a doctor-patient relationship.

Can a test be done to see if my dog needs to be vaccinated?

Tests that measure protective antibody levels for diseases are called titers. In recent years reliable titer tests for some diseases such as canine distemper and parvovirus have become more readily available and economical. Veterinarians may recommend using these titer tests in some cases to determine whether or not vaccinations are needed. Your veterinarian can provide you with more information on titer testing.

For more information or answers related directly to your pet's individual health, give us a call to set up a time you can visit with Dr. Molly one on one.