Dog Community

Rabies vaccine only?

Posted : 6/12/2009 11:49:09 AM

I can't believe that as long as I've been here, I have to ask this question, but here goes. DH had Sassy at the vets this morning for her post-op check. DH doesn't like to make decisions about this kind of stuff, so I got a call from a vet tech and she said Sassy was due for her distemper and did I want them to give it to her. I have to take her in Sept for her annual thyroid test and HW test, so I said "not today" to the vaccine. My question is - at the age of 10ish, should I get any vaccines other than the 3yr rabies vaccine? I haven't with my older girl (14) but had up until now with Sassy. My dogs lead a very sheltered life, so the danger of them contracting anything is minimal but I don't want to be stupid about this either. Thoughts?

stardog85

Posted : 6/12/2009 12:14:20 PM

On my holistic vet's recommendation, Maggie got her last distemper/pavo shot at age 9 (last fall). Technically she won't be due for another until she's 12 anyway and by then our vet is confident she won't need to risk another vaccine.

Keep in mind that Maggie goes to dog shows, classes, and I work at a shelter, so her risk is higher than many pet dogs that stay at home the majority of their lives.

My parent's dog got her last distemper/parvo vaccine at age 10 and she lived a much more typical pet dog life, only leaving the neighborhood to go to the vet really.

calliecritturs

Posted : 6/12/2009 12:33:43 PM

A dog of that age I would titer BEFORE you give any vax other than Rabies. I vax'd Kee this year BUT she titered really really low on distemper and I have to have the clear titer for her to go to GKTW. BUT I only vax'd after titering and knowing it was too low to be acceptable.

cakana

Posted : 6/12/2009 12:51:31 PM

Thanks Erin and Callie. I felt like it was the right decision but wanted to make sure. It kind of caught me off guard. I usually know what the dogs need or don't need when I take them in and have reviewed their records. I figured it was better to err on the side of caution at least until I can look at her shot history.