My dog had an allergic reaction last May after her shots and I had to take her to the emergency vet clinic after hours. Our vet's office told me this year I would have to drop her off all day and they would give the shots individually and check for reactions. However, I am reading more and more that some vets say these yearly shots are not necessary for older dogs (mine is a 12-yr-old Boston Terrier), and are actually harming them. Does anyone have any knowledge of this?
2007-05-01 02:01:17 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
A dog's vaccine schedule should be catered to their lifestyle. Example: if she never boards, dog-parks, goes to the groomer, contacts any other dogs, then bordetella isnt absolutely necessary. Obviously, rabies isnt one you can get around.
Talk with the vet to see what choices you have. Also, is it possible for you to have the vaccines split? Bloodwork for titers? Did they talk with you about using Benadryl before hand to decrease the likelihood of having a reaction? There are some hospitals who are taking into effect the 3-year vaccine protocol (feline RCD & canine DHPP are considered good for 3 yrs - but it also depends on what manufacturer).
Best thing is to have a thorough discussion with your dr.
2007-05-01 02:15:56 · answer #1 · answered by tlh_98 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
From what I understand, the only vaccine mandated by law (in my state anyways) is rabies. If an animal has an allergic reaction to it, the vet can write a letter saying why the dog can't have the vaccine. Distemper and Parvo immunity can be checked with a quick blood test. My vet only recommends this vaccine every three years in adult dogs past the age of two (they had the puppy series and then the one year vaccine). If he is exposed to other dogs. If you show and/or board a dog, there are other required vaccines.
Check with your local laws as to what are mandatory when (some states rabies is 2 years, and some 3). If you read up on the testing the manufacturers do, it is entirely possible that immunity lasts much longer. There is a tendency to euthanize at the end of the test period so they can't find out if it's longer.
2007-05-07 07:59:40 · answer #2 · answered by Susan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if your dog is 12 years old and has been vaccinated on time her whole life there's a good chance his/her titers are good, if my pet was that age and she had a reaction i would discontinue vaccines the only thing you need to check is if the city you live in requires those vaccines like rabies then you are bound by law if you live in the city limits to vaccinate otherwise i would talk to your vet but many senior dogs are not vaccinated every year. Also the strand of distemper that dogs are vaccinated for is the young dog disease there is an older dag distemper but it is rare and not covered in most of the vaccines on the market you might want to ask your vet about this as well. If it is not covered than ask yourself why vaccinate.
2007-05-06 19:51:45 · answer #3 · answered by andrea w 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dr. Ron Schultz of Wisconsin University did a duration of immunity study on all the vaccines and published the results in 1999. ALL vaccines are good for many, many years and do not have to be repeated. Here's a link to his study
http://svmweb.vetmed.wisc.edu/articles/68/5/39
Another vet, Dr. Bob Rogers, has a website with lots of links on the subject http://www.critteradvocacy.org
I would NEVER let a dog who has had a bad reaction have another shot!
2007-05-01 04:41:17 · answer #4 · answered by A Great Dane Lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would discuss your concerns with your Vet, and then ask for a copy of your pets records and tell your Vet that you would like to seek a second opinion. Then schedule an appt with an alternate vet or an emergency animal physician. Your primary vet has to by law release a copy of his records for review. HAve the second vet review...The solution could be as simple as changing the brand of the vaccination. But don't allow the first vet to vaccinate without a second opinion. If there is a difference in opinion then ask that the two vets have a consultation regarding your dog. It is not costly and could save your pets life. Even Vets can be blind sided on occassions.
2007-05-08 04:11:24 · answer #5 · answered by gina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, all dogs are being over-vaccinated. My vet has said that no dog over the age of 10 needs any more shots - something she lets all her clients know. They need their annual exams more than ever, including geriatric blood panels, but no more shots! According to her, the drug companies are now starting to acknowledge that dogs are being over-vaccinated. With so many people doing titers, they can no longer ignore the proof.
2007-05-01 02:58:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
The veterinarian I used to work for understood that older dogs don't get out as much and aren't around other dogs. He would say to just get the rabies shot and a heart worm test if the owner wasn't comfortable with the Distemper, parvo, corona shot or the bordatella. I don't think I saw many dogs have reactions to a Rabies shot. I saw plenty have reactions to the others though. I would keep my geriatric dog on heart worm preventative and flea preventative though forever, and I would also feed them food specialized for older dogs.
2007-05-07 09:31:40 · answer #7 · answered by Ava's Mama 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dog is 12 as well and the Vet just gave her the rabies saying she has built up immunity from shots over the years
2007-05-08 22:53:28 · answer #8 · answered by jigadee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she is 12 and has been utd on shots till last years reaction I would not worry about it. You will need to maintain the rabies schedule but the others she should be fine.
2007-05-01 02:19:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't vaccinate my older dogs. And if my dog had an allergic reaction to the shots, there is no way in h*ll I would vaccinate her again.
2007-05-01 02:09:54 · answer #10 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋