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Step 1
Talk to your vet about the vaccine schedule he or she recommends for both puppies and adult dogs. Where you live may determine which vaccines your dog needs. Puppies six weeks old and younger should not be vaccinated. The mother's milk gives immunity to young puppies and vaccines given too early will be ineffective.
The links below contain the American Veterinary Association's statement on vaccines and a responsible vaccination schedule. -
Step 2
Nursing and sick dogs should not be vaccinated. Wait until they are done with nursing or are healthy. Vaccinations should never be given at the same time as any surgical procedure.
Some dogs, especially puppies, toy dogs and certain breeds are susceptible to a short-lived vaccine reaction which may include swelling, listlessness and unwillingness to eat. Usually this confers no lasting harm but let your vet know if you notice anything unusual after a vaccination. -
Step 3
Most vets will agree that certain vaccines are necessary and worth any risk. There are called core vaccines and are parvovirus, distemper, rabies and adenovirus. Rabies is also mandated by law in most parts of the US. Puppies receive two or three series of the core vaccinations, with rabies given once at three to six months of age then boostered at one year. A distemper and parvo booster at one year of age is usually recommended. Thereafter distemper should be given no more than every three years and rabies as legally required.
Studies on most vaccines show them conferring immunity for many years and often for the life of the dog. -
Step 4
Non-core vaccines include coronavirus, leptospirosis and bordatella (kennel cough.) These are not a concern for many dogs and lepto in particular is implicated in many adverse reactions.
Remember that no vaccination is 100% effective and even vaccinated dogs may catch what they were vaccinated against. -
Step 5
Dogs with chronic health conditions and severe allergies should definitely not be overvaccinated because it can overstimulate the immune response and cause more complications.
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Step 6
Ask your vet about blood titers instead. The vet will draw a small amount of blood and have it laboratory checked for levels of immunity against all contagious diseases. Most training schools and kennels will accept proof of immunity through titers instead of proof of vaccination.
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Step 7
Not giving annual "boosters" should not mean you don't take your pet in for an annual vet check up! Your dog should be wellness checked by the vet every year. If heartworms are a concern where you live, an annual blood test for that is recommended. If you have a senior dog your vet may recommend a basic blood screening to check for underlying disease. Depending on your dog's age and diet, he could need teeth cleaning. Visit your vet to monitor your dog's health and condition because your dog can't tell you when he isn't feeling quite right!
