ANNUAL BOOSTER VACCINATIONS
have become a ritual that is slowly changing by many veterinarians. Research shows that vaccines have a
longer term of effectiveness against disease than previously thought, and some veterinary colleges have
published alternative vaccination protocols that suggest three year intervals after the initial shots and
12-month booster. Some veterinarians go further; they divide vaccinations into two groups according to the
prevalence of the disease in their area and recommend skipping vaccinations altogether for older animals
that seldom leave home for pets with already compromised immune systems. The changes may be
welcome, but they can have hidden dangers if the pet owners forgo the annual exam as a result.
WHY THE SWITCH?
- Increase in knowledge about the canine immune system and
- more information about the length of time that immunity is conferred by particular vaccines have
prompted veterinarians and researchers to question the yearly booster for adult dogs.
The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association have
published changes in their vaccination guidelines.
- Lack of scientific evidence to support the current practice of annual vaccination
- Increasing documentation that over-vaccination has been associated with harmful side effects.
Furthermore, there is evidence that some vaccines provide immunity for more than one year and that
annual boosters may:
- Subject the dog to events such as suppression of the immune system,
- Development of autoimmune disorders,
- Vaccine-site infections.
It is recommended that the pet owner work with their veterinarians to devise a health program that takes
into account the diseases that are a problem in the pets environment.
ABOUT VACCINES
Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies to the disease. Some animals have a
systemic reaction, including a low grade fever or muscle ache and pain. Rarely, dogs will have a more
severe reaction, characterized by hives, swelling of the face, or even vomiting. This reaction is easily
prevented by giving antihistamine at the time of subsequent vaccinations. Leptospirosis, the component
most likely to produce such strong reactions, can be left out of some vaccines.
Vaccines come with risks but are slight compared with the risk of contracting a fatal disease like
distemper, rabies, or parvovirus. Vaccination schedules should be based on your dogs age, breed and
lifestyle as well as your geographic location and your veterinarians advice.
Puppy vaccinations usually start at six to eight weeks of age and are given every three to four weeks
until the puppy is 16 weeks of age.
CORE VACCINATIONS TO PREVENT SERIOUS DOG DISEASES
- Distemper virus spreads from dog to dog by respiratory secretions. The virus is usually fatal,
especially in puppies. It's the leading cause of death among un-vaccinated puppies 3-8 months of
age. The first vaccination should begin at 6-8 weeks of age.
- Adenovirus causes liver and kidney damage and severe respiratory infections. Adenovirus
vaccination is usually included with the distemper virus vaccination. Annual booster shots are
recommended.
- Parvovirus is a viral disease that affects puppies more often than adult dogs. The virus causes
diarrhea and in severe cases, it can infect the heart, causing death. This vaccine should be given
early (6-8 weeks old). Annual booster shots are recommended.
- Never combine the above shots with the Rabies shot or NON-CORE VACCINES. Too much for a
little puppy to undertake at one time. Reschedule the Rabies at a latter date.
- Rabies attacks the brain and is usually passed through a bite and can affect animals and people.
Once the signs of rabies are visible, it is almost always fatal. Vaccinate at 6 months of age (check
for your state's requirements), repeat in one year, and in most cases revaccinate every three years.
In most areas in the U.S., rabies shots are required for public safety.
NON-CORE VACCINES are those that target disease that are of limited risk in the region or present threats
to infected patients. Use your judgment with your veterian's advise.
- Bordetellosis is caused by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica and can lead to a severe,
chronic cough known as kennel cough. It is usually passed along from dog to dog in kennels and
at dog shows.
- Lyme disease is transmitted to dogs by deer ticks. It may cause flu-like symptoms and stiff joints.
At-risk dogs should be vaccinated beginning at 9-12 weeks of age, repeated in 3 weeks, and then
annually.
- Leptospirosis develops from a type of bacteria, Leptospira, that infects the kidneys and liver, which
causes severe damage. This disease can be spread to humans. This vaccination is usually
included with the distemper combination.
- Coronavirus attacks the small intestines causing lethargy, anorexia, and depression. It is usually
passed from dog to dog contact in kennels and dog parks. This vaccination is usually included with
the distemper combination.
ANNUAL EXAMINES:
Your pet needs examine yearly to find potential problems before they become serious.
Heart, lungs, belly, teeth, gums, eyes, ears, skin, weight are checked with each visit.
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