Vaccinate again?

The only vaccine that is mandatory is rabies.

For distemper and parvo, most vets have gone to an every three years schedule. The evidence is showing that the vaccines are effective for much longer than that, at least five years and probably for the life of the dog. Parvo and distemper cause the immune system to develop memory cells programmed to fight them. These memory cells probably last the life of your dog.

Other diseases that you might vaccinate for fall in the "optional" catagory. Whether you want to give them depends on where you live, and the lifestyle of your dog. Leptospirosis and lyme disease are bacterial, and the vaccines do not give permanent protection. Those shots need to be given every year. But first do some research and decide if your dog needs them, because both of those vaccines can have serious side affects. Large parts of the country really have no problem with those two diseases.

If you want to learn more, go to http://www.newvaccinationprotocols.com/index.htm

Kris Christine has posted some superb links in another post on here:

http://community.dog.com/forums/p/73257/569736.aspx#569736

I don't do lepto ever ... nor do I do Lyme.  (and yes, a dog can actually form antibodies to Lyme Disease -- but it's specific to the strain/specific Lyme disease the dog was exposed to -- they found antibodies in Billy's blood because it was the response to the tick disease that set the IMHA in motion with him -- his body FORMED antibodies but then generalized and decided ALL red blood cells were 'invaders' -- TMI but it's one of the reasons why vaccines given too much or too often can become dangerous).

Rather than vaccinating again, why not get titers read?  It's better than over-vaccinating.  The only state-regulated vax is rabies (and some states are 1 year and some states are 3 year).  No one should *require* anything further, and most vet schools are *no longer* advocating annual vaccines. 

Some will naysay the value of titers -- but I've found them incredibly valuable. 

calliecritturs

No one should *require* anything further,

A receptionist at my vet's office handed me some list of cat vaccines and pointed to the two columns and said "These are the vaccines we require, and these are the ones we strongly suggest." I about laughed in her face..seriously... They'll be lucky if I ever vaccinate my cat for anything again. Luckily my actual vet isn't like that at all..but really, they think they can require anything?? I think not!

Cherokee got a rabies vax in November (because it's required, and there's always the possibility of her biting someone..no matter how careful I am), and got titered for parvo and distemper. Titers came back perfect. I might titer again this year.. I might not. Because even if the titers come back low, I really seriously doubt I'll vaccinate her. Rabies is every 3 years in CA, but honestly, I can't see myself vaccinating a 12 year old for rabies, so we'll see how that goes... I think puppy vaccines and one, maybe two boosters are all dogs need. I doubt I'll ever do more than that except for rabies.

 Why can't you just get your old vet to fax or mail you a copy of his records? 

I vaccinate for everything (distemper/parvo, and rabies) every 3 years.  I think Maggie may get one last round at 12yo before we quit vaccinating for distemper/parvo - this is all on the recommendation of my vet.  Ziva was over vaccinated as a pup at the shelter (4 or 6 distemper/parvo combo vaccines between 2 months and 5.5 months) and so we will likely titer her for distemper/parvo in August at her annual exam before we decide if/when we want to booster those vaccines. She will be getting rabies (a 3 yr vaccine) to comply with state law.

There are still a number of vets out there that vaccinate for everything every year and imo that is foolhardy and shows me how out of date they are - find someone who is up on the current AVMA protocols (3 yr vaccine schedule).

The only vaccine I do yearly is bordetella because, like the human flu vaccine, it is only good for a few strains and is only effective for a year anyway. 

You'll have to do rabies again if you want to get your dog licensed. Unless you can get the vet to send you a copy of the original rabies cert.

I did his shots at a low cost vaccine clinic at the local petco. I went on their website and called but since they do hundreds every week I guess they don't keep track of anything. Is it safe to get the rabies a few months early?Is so I think I will get him vacc. once in this state to be licensed and such and then get a titer next year/ or in 3 whichever they require.

Thanks for the input and links. You guys always come in handy  

zatchbell322

Lex was vaccinated in October of last year ( all the yearly ones) I have since moved to another state and his paperwork was lost in the move. He is going in on saturday to the vet and I was wondering if it would be ok to vaccinate him again or should I just wait until october? Also is there a website or something where I can find out what vaccines are mandatory for my state? Thanks!

I don't know about YOUR state BUT Do NOT revac the boy ... Seriously , check out Dr Jean Dodd's Protocal and you will never again gratuitously vaccinate anything !!

 call your old vet and request the records , They will help you if they can !! Do NOT  , I repeat Do NOt revac the dog !!

Bonita of Bwana

If you cannot provide proof of a current RV, you have to vaccinate again. State law. Did your old county keep records? I can call our county animal services and get my pets rabies information, all I need to provide is my name, and animals name.

I would hold off on the others until his year. Explain to the vet what happened, and that you are NOT vaccinating again until it is time to.

ETA: if you cannot provide proof that he has had a rabies before, you cannot get the three year vaccine.

the only vaccines I give adult dogs is rabies every three years. If you've lost proof that your dog had a rabies vaccine within the last three years (didn't they give you a metal tag?) you might want to do it ASAP because if your dog bites anyone and you don't have proof your dog is in big trouble.

 If it was me, I'd contact the state vet's office and find out if a titer result is acceptable proof of immunity.  It's not in my state, but when talking to the state vet's office, they said they are exploring the possibility as more people are preferring to titer and the DOI studies are showing longer immunity than 3 years.  I'd also contact Petco and INSIST on a copy of the certificate.  You paid money and it is their responsibility to keep good records.  What if your dog had a freakish response from a bad batch or something, they'd have to track down who was exposed?  I think I'd at least spend some time bothering and hounding them before I'd revaccinate.  Then, if you have to for state law, booster in October when you were planning to, it's not that far away, YOU know your dog is protected and unless you're going to board him or put him in day care you're probably fine waiting.

I've dealt with those Petco clinics - trying to track down records through them is NOT easy. They really do NOT keep close track of things that go on through there - which is why I will never reccomend them to anyone. The easiest way to get proof would be to contact your old county for a copy of that rabies certificate. They HAVE to keep records, and I really doubt they would give you any trouble over it.

If for any reason she gets stopped by animal control, and is unable to provide proof, they fine you up the wazoo. Just *knowing* is not good enough for them. They can literally stop you walking down the street and ask for proof - I've know people it's happened to. All it takes is one bored ACO with a ticket book.

mudpuppy

(didn't they give you a metal tag?)

My vet didn't give me a tag, but they gave me a certificate that I'm guarding with my life, lol.

some vets aren't able to issue the license, depinding on where you are. go to your county facility, here they charge $8 for a one year, and it's against the county laws to not have one on your pet - even if you have the RV.