Re:Dogs Annual Vaccinations

[Guest guest]

Hi Folks,

Sadly I don't speak Dog, only Cat, tho I do have two dogs.... However

there are a few things in common with vaccinations in general for

pets. In the Cat world, indoor cats are not being advised to get

annual shots. This does not stop vets from sending annual shot

reminders however. I would imagine that even tho dogs are different in

many substantial ways from cats that a similar thinking applies,

depending on exposure etc. Immune functioning is nearly the same in

dog, cat and human... same parts, same functions etc.... b cells, t

cells, etc.

First, it depends on what it is that you are vaccinating for. You

would not go to a doctor of any type and say, fillerup doc, it's annual

shot time, (other than flu, which is a variation every year) You

might if you were going to travel and needed immunity to something

new. The general thinking on annual shots in the veterinary world is

that there are very few cases where annual boosters are desirable.

First of all, unless you know for sure that your dog does not have any

latent viral infections, or has an autoimmune disease or thyroid issues,

and the list is long, you could be doing more harm than good. the

theory is that you are overtaxing the immune system with repeated

assaults of viral material. Or asking an immune system to try to make

antibodies to something it already has them for.

Secondly Most of the 'combination' shots are mixed, several disases in

one shot, and most are 'modified live' or killed virus. very few, other

than Rabies are live and even that is not being uses as much any

longer. So one wonders what disease requires a live vaccine in a

mature dog. It's not just a SHOT, it's viral material. so call the

vet and ask what type of shot and then research it. Other than Rabies,

which may be required to obtain a license, there is no legal requirement

for annual shots.

Before I would panic, I would research the particular shot, and discuss

the advisability for that shot in YOUR pet at this time. Many vets

have ceased requesting 'annual' shots, tho certainly not all. The

'shot' reminder is really to get you in for an annual physical, which IS

a good idea, leave the shot out if you feel it's not needed. The one

exception to that is the, now mostly, biennial, or triennial Rabies

shots which is required by law in many states. again, that need not be

live.

Third, most of the diseases that affect dogs are not the same as those

that affect humans, or at least not the same strains.

There is on shot you may want to consider depending on where you live,

and your dogs exposure to other dogs, ie kennels, grooming shops, dog

parks or the neighborhood.....there have been some recent outbreaks in

some metropolitan areas, and dog parks of Dog Flu, which does have it's

own shot. Some vets recomend this since it can be a deadly disease.

You may want to research if that has occured in your area and discuss

getting that shot for your dog when you go for his physical exam, which

is a good idea.

there are many sites on line dealing with the inadvisability of annual

innoculations for dogs. Like everything else, some are reputable, some

not. Since there is no negative/positive test for OUR immune systems,

my best advice is to read up on the particular shot and evaluate your

dog's need for it altogether.

best, beth fillman