|
"
I'll take dog vaccinations for $200, Alex!"
"And the answer is, 'Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, and others."
"DING, DING!"
"Frances!"
"Oh, Alex, it's 'What diseases do dogs need to be vaccinated against?"
"Correct! Pick again."
"Dog vaccinations for $300."
"And the answer is, 'Every 6 months to three years'."
"DING, DING!"
"Frances, again!"
"Alex, it's 'How often do adult dog need to be vaccinated.' "
"Correct, again!"
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.
Please note: The information provided here is meant to
supplement that provided by your veterinarian. Nothing can replace a
complete history and physical examination performed by your veterinarian.
Proud Member |
