which checks the antibodies the dog has built up against the various illnesses they get vaccines for. Costs about $30.

The AAHA has release a 2003 study (28 pages) and concluded that dogs don't need shots every year but rather to titer them every three years and see what their results show.

I have been on the fence for a few years but have decided that since Sumo is 5 1/2 and just got his vaccines and 3 yr rabies, he will not get vaccines for the next 3 years. I will titer him before he is due and see what the results show. If his antibodies are still high, then I will skip all shots, rabies included, if that level is high.

I will continue to give heartworm year round though.

I think Sue mentioned it on the other board, too, and it's the first time I've see the word. Now I just noticed it on one of thos links you gave me, Liz.

Hmmm... Very very interesting...

My father had Lyme Disease... we are in a very tick heavy area. (Stupid note: My new house is a town or two away from Lyme, East Lyme, and Old Lyme, CT.) So while it's probably an unneccessary vacc, I've felt better getting it. I'm paranoid, what can I say.

Now I'll have to give some serious thought to all of this, with all this good info you guys have given me.

Thanks!!!

Julia

i wouldn't do all those vaccines at once, but that's the way most vets give them. the distemper is a combination vaccine, usually 5 or so other viruses also. but, does he even need the vaccines? here's a couple of links.
http://www.news.wisc.edu/view.html?get=8413
http://www.listservice.net/wellpet/vaccines/dodds-schedule.htm

liz

Normally dogs have all their vaccines done at the same time. What about parvo?

Sumo has never had a problem except an injection site reaction to distemper. He has never gotten sick from the vaccines.

A vet will insist that a dog is vaccinated yearly because vaccines are easy money for them, they buy the shots for about 7 cents and turn around and charge you 15.00 for the shot!!! So yeah, they want everyone to vaccinate yearly!

A holistic vet will treat conventional if there is a infection etc...then continue to supplement with medicinal. Cant hurt!

Thanks Shelly... I actually read a book last summer on a holistic approach to doggie medicine and as much as I admired it, it frightened me! I can't imagine not vaccinating, having been beaten over the head by vets my entire life to ALWAYS vaccinate every year, like clockwork.

But this book really stressed boosting the immune system and NOT filling the dog up with unneccessary drugs. (Sorry, I can't remember the name of the book - but it's by a reknowned holistic vet...)

Grover has environmental allergies so I'm sure it's not the best idea... Food for thought though...

Julia

I asked my vet the same question. Sheldon just received all of those vacinations (at once) in April, including the Rabies. He got the nasal spray for kennel cough, as opposed to the shot. Sheldon was due for the heartworm, too. Vet said to wait and give him the pill the next day. He was fine. Good Luck.

Joanna & Sheldon

How old is Grover? My Holistic Vet suggest not vaccinating yearly, he suggest every 3 years and even then he runs titers before he will vaccinate. Unneeded vacs cause the immune system to break down, causing lots of problems, especially allergies.

Tell the vet you want it all - shots all around!
If you can't , they will tell you...

Kris

Sampson just got all his done yesterday (except lyme, but rabies instead). I know he was fine last night and so far today. SO, I guess you can. Sorry not too helpful but it has been done!

We just had them all done on sat. if it is good for them I don't know.

Jacob