Do dogs need to get vaccines like for parvo and distemper, etc., once a year or just once in their life?

Answer 1

Every year they need to be vaccinated for distemper...
and their rabies shots, is every three years after their first year.
Very important to keep up with them, also with their heartguard medication, if you love your pet...you must keep up with check ups just like a child. Good Luck and enjoy your best friend.

Answer 2

There is some debate in the veterinary community about how long vaccines provide immunity. The norm used to be 1 year for distemper and parvo, and 3 for rabies. Now most vets are switching to a 3-year schedule for distemper and parvo after studies have found that immunity lasts much longer (perhaps more than 3 years and maybe in some cases the life of the dog) and once per year is excessive. Rabies will likely remain on 3-year cycles no matter what because it is mandated by government in most places.

Vaccines are important and following your vets advice is the best bet.

Answer 3

Most dogs get vaccines annually. The first rabies vaccine is a one year vaccine and you can do a 3 year vaccine after that.

There are vets that believe that many of the common vaccines - Parvo, Distemper etc can be given every 2 to 3 years.

The MOST important thing you can do for your dog is for you to establish a very good relationship with a reputable vet. Talk to your friends and family with dogs. See who they recommend. Talk to your breeder. Call some of the local rescues and shelters and see who they recommend. Find a great vet who listens to you and really cares about your dog. Then take your dog to see your vet at least once a year.

Then LISTEN to your vet! If he or she subscribes to the annual vaccines rule, ask them why and ask them to explain the pros and cons. Get informed. A good vet will talk to you about this.

The other thing - depending on where you live is Heartworm prevention. This can be even more important than vaccines.

I hope this helped! If you find a good vet and develop a good relationship with him or her, you will have a lifetime frienship and partnership! They will help keep your dog healthy and you'll never have to worry!

Good luck!

Answer 4

After the initial puppy series and then a booster a year later there is no need to vacciante yearly. Vaccinating should not be done more often then every 3 years after that. Current studies are being conducted by several vet universities at least one major drug company as well as Dr.Jean Dodds and Dr.Ron Schultz that strongly suggest that vaccinations are good for 7 years or longer.

ALL vets are aware that vaccinations should NOT be done yearly. They have all been informed by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) and the AAHA (American Animal Hospital association) as well as the VCS (Veterianry Cancer Society).The protocol as set forth by the AAHA/AVMA and all 27 vet schools currently have it set at:
8-9 weeks distemper/parvo/canine hepatitis/adenovirus-2
12-14 weeks same as above
16-18 weeks as above
20 weeks or older rabies
one year from the date of last vacciantion a booster is given and then not again for 3 years.
Lepto, Lymes, parainfluenza and Kennel cough are still considered 1 year vacciantions but are NOT core vacciantions and should NOT be given to every dog.Unless a dog is at very high risk of exposure to those illnesses they aren't recommended.

Coronavirus, adenovirus-1 and Giardia vacciantions are NOT recommended for ANY dog.

Go to the AAHA/AVMA, sites as well as to Dr. Jean Dodds site and it will give you current protocol. Alos get a copy of the Whole Dog Journal November 2006 issue..it has a wonderful article on vacciantions.

Vaccinating yearly is over vaccianting and can cause a lot more harm then good. Sadly some vets aren't listening to the guidelines set forth by the AVMA/AAHA or paying attention to the studies and years of research that have been done and are continuing to over vaccinate. There is no controversy over vaccinating in the vet community just vets who decide to do "their own thing".

Answer 5

Oh that is an interesting question. There is a recent study done by Dr Jean Dodds that greatly reduces the number of vaccines a dog should get over its lifetime. Many have worried that over vaccinating has caused some of the health issues that some dogs face today. Recently 27 north American Veterinary schools have agreed that if a modified live vaccine is used over the age of 6 month that life long immunity develops. Bellow are some links to recent information, but I suggest you do some research and make an informed decision. Google Dr. Dodds and vaccine protocols.

Answer 6

Dogs need to be vaccinated EVERY year!!!!!!!!!! Some states have 1 year Rabies some have 3 year Rabies but the Distemper, Parvo etc is done annually

Answer 7

Dogs and cats alike need to get vaccinations every year for parvo and distemper etc....when it comes to rabies, call a local vet, some states have a rabies vaccine that will only last a year and some will last a few years, I advise that you call a vets office and set up an appt, or go talk to a local vet!!

Answer 8

Dogs need to have a series of vaccinations when they are puppies, and then once a year. Sometimes rabies is every 3 years, depending on the vaccine the vet uses (one year or 3 year).

Answer 9

I feel that we overvaccinate quite frequently. In breeds prone to immune system disorders, like Great Danes, yearly vaccinations have been linked to serious disorders. It is also not recommended to give vaccine "cocktails" to Danes, especially puppies. It is better to get only the necessary vaccines administered in separate visits.

Rabies vaccinations are required by law, and in that case I would get the 3 year type. For the rest, as another answer says, you know which type your circumstances require.

If your dog has already had vaccinations, have your vet do a titer yearly, to determine the level of antibodies present in the system. If there are sufficient antibodies, then there is no need to give that particular vaccine.

Answer 10

There are several different factors:

1. Legal issues. Certain areas have requirements for vaccines, like rabies vaccinations. In some parts of Texas you have to do it annually; in some parts of Florida it's every 3 years; some places will accept vet notes if the dog has previously had a bad reaction and is contraindicated for the vaccine. Check your local animal laws; call a shelter and ask, they will know. If you're in an area with rabies, I would definitely urge you to follow the law -- if your dog ever bites someone and it's reported, having a rabies certificate may be the difference in your dog being destroyed by Animal Control immediately, without waiting to see if the bite victim develops rabies, or being allowed to live.

2. Environmental issues. What is in your environment? Is your dog going to meet a lot of other dogs? Will you be taking your dog with you to dog parks, dog beaches, get-togethers where there will be other animals and humans? Dogs are not required to get parvo vaccines, but it's a good idea to get your puppies inoculated -- parvo is a deadly, fast disease that can kill your puppy in a few days, and spread to others quickly. Kennel cough is annoying, but rarely life-threatening for the dog. So you should look at your environment and ask yourself: what risks are you willing to take on behalf of your dog?

3. Boarding/showing. If you plan on boarding your dog while you go on vacation, or leaving your dog with a vet, they often have requirements for certain vaccinations. Same for showing. If you plan on doing either, investigate what is required and do what you feel is necessary for your lifestyle choice.

4. Personal choice. This kind of goes with the concept: what are you going to choose to risk for your dog? I don't believe in over-vaccinations, for myself OR my dog, so I do what is legally required and nothing else. However, I also researched what diseases are common in my area and understand the risks. You may live in swampy areas and go hunting with your dog -- so you may be interested in giving lepto vaccines regularly. But if your dog is an apartment Yorkie, there's no reason to give lepto. If your dog is over 8 years old with a history of regular vaccinations, there may be no reason to vaccinate -- the dog has probably got enough antibodies in the blood, and the risks for vaccine reactions are higher in younger and older dogs.

Whatever you choose, NEVER have combination vaccines administered to dogs. Each vaccine depresses the immune system. If you've ever had a flu shot, you know what I mean -- your arm hurts, you feel aches and pains for a few days, you almost feel like you HAVE the flu. It might save you money at the vet to get a combo vaccine with 3 - 5 vaccinations in one, but think of how you would feel if you had the same thing happen to you. High risk of catching something, high risk of reactions. Keep Benadryl on-hand right after the vaccination and if your dog starts reacting, immediately administer Benadryl and notify your vet.

Answer 11

8 weeks, 12 weeks 16 weeks and then yearly. Some new research says you can go every three years but that up to the vet and if the carry 3 year vaccinations. But rabies is a once a year. When you and your vet decide what to do, you still need to have your dog examined once a year for health problems.