My dogs have to get a lot of tests and vaccines
- Thread starter Pomp
- Start date
Yes. You can decline to have them done, apart from the rabies vaccine, which is a public health issue as well as a health issue for your dog, but they are standard regular maintenance for dogs.
Heartworm's easier to prevent than to cure (and cheaper). DA2PP innoculates against a range of illnesses that used to kill dogs by the thousands - parvo and distemper among them - and seems a worthwhile investment. Bordatella is kennel cough, and the vac is usually recomended (and required) if your dog is going to be in a kennel situation.
Heartworm's easier to prevent than to cure (and cheaper). DA2PP innoculates against a range of illnesses that used to kill dogs by the thousands - parvo and distemper among them - and seems a worthwhile investment. Bordatella is kennel cough, and the vac is usually recomended (and required) if your dog is going to be in a kennel situation.
B
On the site where these suggestions are mentioned there is also a disclaimer stating that this is their opinion and you are best to take the advice of your vet.
http://www.doglogic.com/disclaimer.htm
http://www.doglogic.com/disclaimer.htm
Yes, many vets will suggest that you have these tests and vaccines, and many vets will tell you that it is unhealthy to have these done every year. It comes down to personal choices and lifestyles. I personally do not have all of these done. You can have a titer done in replacement of the vaccines and they will tell you if your dog is still covered by previous vaccines. Over vaccinating your dog can cause many serious health problems. And yes, many vet practises and teaching institutes do not advocate yearly vaccination programs because of the associated health risk. A titer can easily tell you if your dog needs a vaccine or not, ask your vet and you can discuss all of the other options.
This is what I did and plan to do each year.
Fecal Exam - Good idea
Heartworm Snap 3-DX Combo Test - I usually test every year, but I'm in low Heartworm area and only use preventitives part of the year
Rabines Canine, 3 year - Only as required by law
DA2PP 3 year Duramune - I titered for Parvo and Distemper (I think it was about $50.00)
Bordatella Annual - I only get this before I board and only because the boarding kennel requires it.
Fecal Exam - Good idea
Heartworm Snap 3-DX Combo Test - I usually test every year, but I'm in low Heartworm area and only use preventitives part of the year
Rabines Canine, 3 year - Only as required by law
DA2PP 3 year Duramune - I titered for Parvo and Distemper (I think it was about $50.00)
Bordatella Annual - I only get this before I board and only because the boarding kennel requires it.
W
HOw long ago were his last shots?
Most vet colleges now recommend every 3 years instead of every year for boosters and there is now a study being prepared to get the rabies pushed from every 3 to every 5-7 years. Sadly most vets still insist on yearly shots even though every 3 years has been shown to be just as effective without overloading the immune system
Most vet colleges now recommend every 3 years instead of every year for boosters and there is now a study being prepared to get the rabies pushed from every 3 to every 5-7 years. Sadly most vets still insist on yearly shots even though every 3 years has been shown to be just as effective without overloading the immune system