BTRNT - Emergency & Health

Vaccinations

by Frances Smith, DVM *

Every six months to three years?? Can that be right??? Yes, it is. You see, vaccination schedules for dogs and cats are changing. For years, veterinarians have recommended yearly vaccination for most things, and every 6 months for others. And these recommendations weren't just to send you to the poorhouse or the vet's kids to college - they were the manufacturer's instructions, and the best bet on preventing many nasty, life threatening diseases in our pets.

What has changed, you ask? Well, I'm glad you asked! You see, we're finding out that the immunity produced by the vaccines usually lasts longer than one year, and even though vaccination is relatively safe thing to do, it does carry some risks. But hey, don't most worthwhile things! The risks are the possibility of an allergic reaction (which can range from swelling and pain at the injection site to generalized swelling or anaphylactic, life threatening, shock), and stimulating the immune system to react against the animal's own healthy tissue (immune mediated diseases that affect skin, blood, nervous system, joints). In cats, we are seeing in about 1 in 10,000 cases, a tumor strongly associated with vaccine administration. It is important to know that all of these reactions are relatively rare and should not prevent you from giving the vaccines that your pet needs to stay healthy.

So, what vaccines does your dog really need? Adult dogs need to be vaccinated against distemper, parvovirus, rabies, and adenovirus. These are some of the more serious, easily transmitted, and potentially fatal diseases. Other vaccines that are available are kennel cough (Bordetella/Parainfluenza), leptospirosis, Lymes disease, coronavirus. Depending on where you live and where your dog goes, these may be needed for your pet as well.

How often does your dog need to be vaccinated? Well, that depends on who you ask. All the evidence isn't in yet, so many people are not willing to take the risk of these serious disease by recommending anything other than yearly vaccination. Others think that the main vaccinations (distemper, parvo, adenovirus, and rabies) should be given every three years, and the other, not as common ones, as the area dictates. For example, kennel cough may need to be given every six months in dogs that board, show, or travel often. Also, the frequency of rabies vaccination is set by each state. In Texas, we MUST vaccinate for rabies yearly!

So, what's a pet owner to do? Talk to your veterinarian. He or she knows what diseases are prevalent in your area as well as your pet's history, and can best recommend what vaccinations should be given at what time.

BTRNT - Emergency & Health

Vaccinations

by Frances Smith, DVM *

* Dr. Frances Smith is a member of NTBTC and is a licensed vet in Texas