To Vaccinate or Not?

So much conflicting information is everywhere. We try to do the right thing. We research (mainly on the web – for better or worse), we talk to friends. Everyone has an opinion.

When I am asked for my opinion, I am careful to be clear that it is my opinion. I am not a vet – only an experienced dog person with enough knowledge to be just slightly dangerous (LOL). Joking aside, it’s a serious topic that needs some of your time and understanding to get through it all.

Not all dogs have to be vaccinated for the same things. Age, location, and health, among other things, should be taken into account for each vaccine.

I was at a client’s recently. The puppy was about 3 months old. She had a routine reminder from the vet regarding upcoming vaccines. Including the combo, it listed 10 due for the puppy this month! (The combo was five and five additional ones). My client wasn’t sure if the pup would be getting all at the next visit. NO NO NO!

Let me explain something. The same information on the reminder cards is sent to each new puppy owner. It’s fairly standard.  It’s to make sure they cover all possible vaccines for your dog. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to get all of those vaccines! You need to see what’s recommended and reasonable. And you should NOT get them all together.

1. Set some time aside to speak with your vet to discuss each one. If your vet doesn’t give you the time or understanding of your concern, find a new one!
2. Ask your vet if he/she thinks your dog is at high risk for contraction without the vaccine. If you live in CA your dog’s risk for Lyme is drastically lower than if you live in NJ.
3. Consider what a groomer or kennel would require, if you ever plan to use them. If your dog is not social with other dogs is Bordetella necessary?
4. Ask your vet to split up the vaccines into multiple visits. Not only do you not want to flood his poor little system with a ton of foreign vaccines but what it there was reaction? If multiple were given at the same time how would you know which one caused it?
5. Avoid letting your dog get vaccinated while under anesthesia. How would you know if there is a reaction?
6. After the initial puppy vaccine protocol, ask your vet about getting titers instead of vaccines in the future. You can’t titer for all vaccines, but if the antibody level is already high then your dog might not need the vaccine!

It’s a ton of information, and it is ever changing thanks to new illnesses being introduced to our area and outbreaks that occur from time to time. I’m not at all suggesting that you don’t vaccinate. Some are necessary. I’m just hoping that you can avoid OVER vaccinating.

Talk to experienced dog people. Talk to breeders. Learn as much as you can from people who have been there and understand the decisions you are facing.

Then, talk to your vet. There should be no better advocate for your dog than your vet! Together the two of you can design an appropriate game plan for your precious pup!

Love them, cherish them, and keep them safe!

Stacie & Ronan