Rabies vaccinations are a must.
Possible effects of over-vaccination is causing concern among dog owners. Responsible dog owners want to keep their animals healthy and safe, but fear that over-vaccination comes with its own set of problems. While core vaccinations are necessary, other vaccines have little efficacy or are of short duration. Vaccinations are required for traveling with dogs, or to bring them into a boarding or grooming facility. Some facilities may insist on vaccines that go beyond the minimum protocol, especially if there are local disease outbreaks.
New Protocols
In 2006, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) issued a new set of guidelines for dog vaccination. This new protocol lists the core vaccines for canines, but allows for veterinarians to test blood titers for antibody levels in lieu of booster shots. The blood titer testing is usually more expensive than a booster injection.
Puppies
As puppies receive immunological protection while nursing, they should not receive vaccinations before the age of 8 weeks, when they are generally weaned. Vaccinations in puppies still consuming their mother's milk results in neutralization of the vaccine. Veterinarians differ at what age puppies should start the core vaccine regimen, but no longer start at 6 weeks as was done in the past unless the puppy is at particular risk of parvovirus.
Distemper and Parvo Vaccines
Puppies should receive the first of these series of vaccines no earlier than 3 months of age. Generally, the combined vaccine, which also includes hepatitis, parainfluenza and adenovirus cough, is given from 12 to 16 weeks of age. Two additional booster shots are given in three week intervals, and the dog gets the final booster at 1 year of age. Parvo and distemper have a high fatality rate in puppies.
Rabies
Because of widespread mandatory vaccination, the incidence of dog rabies in the United States is very low. Most municipalities require a valid rabies vaccination certificate to obtain a dog license. The vaccine is initially given in a one-year dose and subsequent shots are good for three years. While the vaccine can be given in the vet's office, many states offer free rabies clinics for public health protection. Avoid giving rabies shots at the same time as other combined vaccines. If a veterinarian determines a dog cannot receive a rabies booster for health reasons, some municipalities will accept a written waiver if blood titers are done to show immunity.
Bordetella Parinfluenza
If the dog will spend time in boarding kennels, dog shows, doggie day care or similar situations where it is exposed to a lot of other dogs, a bordetella vaccine is recommended. Commonly called "kennel cough," the intranasal vaccine only provides protection up to six months. Kennel cough usually runs its course within two weeks, and is characterized by a harsh, dry cough that sounds as if the dog is trying to regurgitate. For a dog that spends most of its time at home with minimal exposure to other canines, the vaccine is not necessary.
Not Recommended
Do not vaccinate dogs while they are sick, recovering from injury, extremely stressed, pregnant, nursing or with a compromised immune system. Other than rabies, follow veterinarian recommendations for the vaccination of elderly dogs. Vaccination for the corona virus, which affects only puppies, is not recommended as its incidence is rare and complications may outweigh benefits. The leptospirosis vaccine is only effective in roughly one-third of dogs, as the disease comes in many strains and the vaccine has a high rate of adverse reactions.
Adverse Effects
While the incidence is low, adverse reactions may occur with any vaccine. The immediate response is the life-threatening allergic reaction due to hypersensitivity to the vaccine. Other effects may manifest later, among the most serious a fibrosarcoma, or cancer at the site of the injection. For those concerned about over-vaccination and possible side-effects, a veterinarian can check the dog's blood titers for antibodies. How often titers are done vary with the particular vaccine.
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