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Are yearly vaccinations needed? I read that it's sometimes bad to give your dogs boosters yearly? So what shots are needed? Pocky's covered for rabies for 3 years, but I wasn't sure what other shots were required.
Yearly Vaccinations?
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I don't vaccinate my dogs anymore, nor do I deworm them. They've gotten their puppy boosters when they were pups and that's it. I declined both their rabies and bortadella (kennel cough) vaccines during puppy boosters too, they just got the parvo and canine distemper. Here in Canada, though, rabies vaccine is not required, and the kennels I often to bring my dogs to when I'm on vacation prefer dogs don't have bordatella vaccine either.. for good reasons. Our climates here do not allow most worms or viruses to thrive.
Its a personal choice, and no, I do not believe they are necessary.. but that's my opinion, and my dogs have proven me right about my gut feelings on this so far. I don't much believe in vaccinations.. I don't get vaccinations myself, so I don't expose my dogs to them either.
I would like to bring my dogs one day to our property in Florida, and at that point I know I will have to break down and get them vaccinated, but it will be a one and one time only thing for sure.
Its a personal choice, and no, I do not believe they are necessary.. but that's my opinion, and my dogs have proven me right about my gut feelings on this so far. I don't much believe in vaccinations.. I don't get vaccinations myself, so I don't expose my dogs to them either.
I would like to bring my dogs one day to our property in Florida, and at that point I know I will have to break down and get them vaccinated, but it will be a one and one time only thing for sure.
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my dogs get their 3 yr rabies only b/c it is required by law....they do not get the DHLP-Parvo, Lyme, Bordetella, etc....and they don't get heartwormed nor do i use flea/tick control on them unless ABSOLUTELY necessary (going to be in a high risk area--woods, marsh, etc)....they get their puppy shots (8 wks,3 mo and 4 mo w/rabies) then booster at 1 yr and done....
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Chester was vaccinated when I got him, I skipped the next year with the vet's OK, then I got him vaccinated the following year because I started fostering. My area has a known problem with parvo and has had distemper outbreaks also so I think the risks from that outweight the risks of over vaccinating FOR NOW at least. After his set of vaccines this year, I will probably titer test next year because this year will make his 3rd set of vaccines (as an adult, not the puppy series) in 5 years
Aside from rabies as required by law, my vet will give vaccines every other year if the owner requests. I think they will titer test also. I think the every other year seems like a good balance of risks for the average dog. I think of it the same as the boosters for adult humans- you have your childhood vaccinations and then generally want to have one booster as a young adult or adult and some vaccines additional (like tetanus is every 10 years). So puppy vaccines, one or two boosters as an adult maybe 2 years apart and then test for immunity after that.
Kennel cough vaccine wears off quickly, only covers some causes of kennel cough and IMO is only needed if you board or have the dog in frequent close contact with dogs that you don't know personally. It does come in handy though- Chester had his last year because I was due for a foster (who turned out to have kennel cough!) and last week when he hurt his eye I was able to board him for the day at the vet's rather than take the day off from work only because he was UTD on his kennel cough vaccine.
Vaccinations for major diseases for both humans and dogs are some of the most amazing advances in medicine and society over the past century. So many people and animals have been spared painful, horrible deaths and since no vaccine is 100% and every vaccine relies on herd immunity to some degree, you are also protecting those dogs (and people in re: to human vaccines) who either can't be vaccinated (too young, immune issues etc) or whom don't developed immunity from a vaccine.
Aside from rabies as required by law, my vet will give vaccines every other year if the owner requests. I think they will titer test also. I think the every other year seems like a good balance of risks for the average dog. I think of it the same as the boosters for adult humans- you have your childhood vaccinations and then generally want to have one booster as a young adult or adult and some vaccines additional (like tetanus is every 10 years). So puppy vaccines, one or two boosters as an adult maybe 2 years apart and then test for immunity after that.
Kennel cough vaccine wears off quickly, only covers some causes of kennel cough and IMO is only needed if you board or have the dog in frequent close contact with dogs that you don't know personally. It does come in handy though- Chester had his last year because I was due for a foster (who turned out to have kennel cough!) and last week when he hurt his eye I was able to board him for the day at the vet's rather than take the day off from work only because he was UTD on his kennel cough vaccine.
Vaccinations for major diseases for both humans and dogs are some of the most amazing advances in medicine and society over the past century. So many people and animals have been spared painful, horrible deaths and since no vaccine is 100% and every vaccine relies on herd immunity to some degree, you are also protecting those dogs (and people in re: to human vaccines) who either can't be vaccinated (too young, immune issues etc) or whom don't developed immunity from a vaccine.
Vaccines given at the appropriate time (after maternal antibodies have worn off) give long-lasting immunity. Probably for the dog's lifespan, but even if not that long, at least 7-10 years. Same as with humans (I think humans are supposed to get "core" vaccines boostered once every 10 years or so). There is absolutely no science behind giving vaccines annually/tri-annually; it's just something they pulled out of the air. They know the vaccines confer immunity for at least that long, but they don't bother to see how long the vaccines DO confer immunity.
I don't approve of not vaccinating at all, but I definitely don't approve of vaccinating annually either. Every 3 years is probably too often as well (this is the current AAHA recommendation). I'd probably go with every 5-7 years, ideally.
But. . .I vaccinate my dogs every other year because that's my vet's preferred schedule and I have to keep them "current" in order to board them. Bleh. But I don't vaccinate my cats after their kittten shots.
I don't approve of not vaccinating at all, but I definitely don't approve of vaccinating annually either. Every 3 years is probably too often as well (this is the current AAHA recommendation). I'd probably go with every 5-7 years, ideally.
But. . .I vaccinate my dogs every other year because that's my vet's preferred schedule and I have to keep them "current" in order to board them. Bleh. But I don't vaccinate my cats after their kittten shots.
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The "best" timing/schedule/interval of adult vaccines isn't known, but having said that there is really no excuse for a vet to be recommending yearly boosters anymore. I think it's safe to say we know for SURE that yearly boosters are not necessary at this point.
Personally I do rabies as required by law and distemper combination puppy series, at one year, and every 3-5 years thereafter depending on what kind of activities I'm doing with them/their dog exposure and what kind of incidence of them we're seeing in our area at the time. That's pretty much it although I will occasionally do bordetella (kennel cough) if I'm boarding somewhere that absolutely requires it.
Personally I do rabies as required by law and distemper combination puppy series, at one year, and every 3-5 years thereafter depending on what kind of activities I'm doing with them/their dog exposure and what kind of incidence of them we're seeing in our area at the time. That's pretty much it although I will occasionally do bordetella (kennel cough) if I'm boarding somewhere that absolutely requires it.
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I now do puppy vaccines then I titer; previously I did every three years til they were seniors, then I just stopped. I do do rabies every three years.
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I do Rabies as required by law and titer for the other stuff.
I do heartworm because it is a must in this state....
I do heartworm because it is a must in this state....
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Yeah I'm just kinda one of those weird types that don't buy into the hype that vaccinations are really all that great. Sure.. maybe for some.. but not all. It is just my belief that vaccines can cause just as much damage as good, so I opt out of them for both myself and my dogs. Both myself and hubby haven't had vaccinations since we were kids, and while everyone around us who get vaccinated annually, most of them get sick several times a year, or have many other health issues..my hubby and I haven't suffered from anything other than seasonal allergies in many many years. Last time I caught a bad cold and flu was highschool, haven't got one since. Maybe we're all just incredibly immune or something, I dont know lol.
Thankfully both kennels here that I take my dogs to don't require bordatella or rabies and they both dont vaccinate their dogs for them either, but my dogs, even my 7 year old, haven't yet been sick. Not saying it can't happen, but their immune systems seem to be functioning just fine without them. I dont fix if it's not broke, so the saying goes lol.
Thankfully both kennels here that I take my dogs to don't require bordatella or rabies and they both dont vaccinate their dogs for them either, but my dogs, even my 7 year old, haven't yet been sick. Not saying it can't happen, but their immune systems seem to be functioning just fine without them. I dont fix if it's not broke, so the saying goes lol.
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You are lucky enough to live in a country with a high immunization rate and get to benefit from herd immunity. Plus, you state that you were vaccinated as a child, which while immunity wanes over time it can be enough to get you by, particularly if you have low situational risk otherwise (for example, are not in the health care field or work in police or corrections work, travel often etc).
I assume when you are talking about people around you being vaccinated annually you mean for the flu vaccine. I'm really talking about the benefits of core vaccines like polio. Example- Polio cases have decreased by over 99% since 1988, from an estimated 350,000 cases then, to 1,352 reported cases in 2010. The reduction is the result of the global effort to eradicate the disease. (Cite- WHO)
Vaccination eradicated smallpox- going from a common disease which killed about 30% of its victims so millions of deaths to none.
WHO Factsheet
I'm not saying we need to vaccinate the dogs yearly, but to say that vaccines in general are hype shows a pretty limited knowledge of history, medicine and the damage still inflicted by some of those diseases today in counties lacking the nearly universal vaccination rates of the more developed nations.
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vaccines are kind of one of those things that looks at the broad perspective. I don't know if there's actually a "perfect" vaccine for anything that has no chance of ill side affects. It becomes kind of weighing the risks. With vaccines, you reduce the risk of catching the disease but also adds in the risk of side affects from the vaccine.
So obviously on the surface, if you never get the disease anyways, the added risk of the vaccine can seem unnecessary. However in a way, vaccination is for the community rather than individuals. The reason we can even say stuff like we don't need certain vaccines is because the risk of those diseases have been controlled and diminished due to a vast majority of the population that have been vaccinated. The risks of catching those diseases are lowered over time by the majority that are vaccinated. So we can somewhat selfishly say we're not going to take the mostly unnecessary risks of the vaccines now.
So obviously on the surface, if you never get the disease anyways, the added risk of the vaccine can seem unnecessary. However in a way, vaccination is for the community rather than individuals. The reason we can even say stuff like we don't need certain vaccines is because the risk of those diseases have been controlled and diminished due to a vast majority of the population that have been vaccinated. The risks of catching those diseases are lowered over time by the majority that are vaccinated. So we can somewhat selfishly say we're not going to take the mostly unnecessary risks of the vaccines now.
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Until enough people make that choice to allow disease outbreaks.
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i was given a Hep shot about 20 yrs ago.....outside of that, i have not had any vaccines since i was a child....i think my last tetnus was back about 30 yrs....i work in health care and am the only one in the house that i work for that has taken only 2 sick days in the almost 12 yrs that i have worked there.....alot of the ppl are sick at least 2 wks out of the yr (mostly just minor things, but i don't even get that) and at least 1/2 get the flu shot....still get the flu!!!!
i really don't feel that vaccines beyond the puppy then 1 yr booster are really necessary...and, i know that i have had less "issues" w/ my dogs since i have started this policy (used to do vaccines religiously)....
i really don't feel that vaccines beyond the puppy then 1 yr booster are really necessary...and, i know that i have had less "issues" w/ my dogs since i have started this policy (used to do vaccines religiously)....
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Yearly vaccines are a complete joke.
I do believe initial vaccines are very important. I like to get the puppy vaccines then the one year boosters, then I follow the law in regards to rabies (every 3 years).
But any vet giving YEARLY vaccines is just trying to make money, or they are clueless.
All research shows vaccines last 3-7 years ++... probably the lifetime of the dog.
I do believe initial vaccines are very important. I like to get the puppy vaccines then the one year boosters, then I follow the law in regards to rabies (every 3 years).
But any vet giving YEARLY vaccines is just trying to make money, or they are clueless.
All research shows vaccines last 3-7 years ++... probably the lifetime of the dog.
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I do yearly vaccines and 3 year rabies b/c we live in Louisiana where we have plentiful mosquitoes that can infect our pups. Also, we have alot of wildlife hanging around our home and should they ever be bitten by anything they are pretty much covered!!!!! I do for my dogs as i would my child! Up to date on all vaccines!!!
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I found this to be some interesting reading, although I can't vouche for the sources, but this supports my belief against most vaccinations, especially annual ones. http://www.healingwell.com/library/health/thompson2.asp and http://www.relfe.com/vaccine.html
Although those articles were aimed primarily at children, there are many, many others out there about long-term side effects of vaccinating pets. I'm not encouraging people to not vaccinate at all or ever, I do support the initial boosters, but yearly vaccinations - no. And of course I understand some may require more often than others due to immune health or locations, etc, but as a general, I do not support most vaccines for very good reasons.
For those of you that are avid about vaccinating yourselves, your children, and your pets on a regular basis, please do some reading on severe long term (and short term) side effects of vaccinations that could be potential risks. Its worth knowing and being aware, IMO.
Perhaps healthcare professionals (for humans and pets) are informing people of possible long-term risks, I couldn't say because I rarely see doctors or vets, but from what I understand, they focus more on telling people their risks if they don't vaccinate on a regular basis.
Although those articles were aimed primarily at children, there are many, many others out there about long-term side effects of vaccinating pets. I'm not encouraging people to not vaccinate at all or ever, I do support the initial boosters, but yearly vaccinations - no. And of course I understand some may require more often than others due to immune health or locations, etc, but as a general, I do not support most vaccines for very good reasons.
For those of you that are avid about vaccinating yourselves, your children, and your pets on a regular basis, please do some reading on severe long term (and short term) side effects of vaccinations that could be potential risks. Its worth knowing and being aware, IMO.
Perhaps healthcare professionals (for humans and pets) are informing people of possible long-term risks, I couldn't say because I rarely see doctors or vets, but from what I understand, they focus more on telling people their risks if they don't vaccinate on a regular basis.
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I vaccinate yearly. It's illegal not to, for starters, and it's also just better for my own peace of mind and seems to have no detrimental effects on my dog. Also many places do not allow unvaccinated dogs ie dog parks, training classes, agility competitions, and the vet tech school I am attending all require dogs to be vaccinated.
Re the clueless comment: I'm already being taught in my second week of vet tech classes that yearly is right, and whether that is true or not that is what vets are taught as well. They aren't clueless, though they could stand to do some of their own research I suppose if they have doubts about it.
Re the clueless comment: I'm already being taught in my second week of vet tech classes that yearly is right, and whether that is true or not that is what vets are taught as well. They aren't clueless, though they could stand to do some of their own research I suppose if they have doubts about it.
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I am not surprised at all that vets/vet techs are taught that annual vaccinations are necessary.. I also wouldn't be surprised if some pharmacuetical companies that sell these vaccines are somehow influencing alot of their education on this for financial benefit... sounds familiar with the whole diet and nutrtion part of their schooling too... lol.
I agree they are not clueless.. but many should definitely do some of their own research, and nowadays many do it seems.
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