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I have been a bit upset recently regarding vaccines. I have been upset with myself for not doing the proper research (because after all I am my dog's advocate), and also upset with my vet because I'm concerned he's not giving me the best advice. Over the years I have slowly looked into raising and handling my dogs in the best possible manner. From choosing high quality food that suits their needs, to leaning into more natural products for bathing and grooming...I have been doing my due diligence trying to keep my boys happy and healthy for as long as possible. It's terrible enough our pups have such short lifespans, I certainly don't want to be doing anything to make them even shorter! This is why I am currently on a crusade (as I have called it) to now make adjustments in my vaccinating schedule. They say when you know better you do better... well that's me in this very moment. About a year ago in conversation with a fellow dog lover and rescue worker (my cousin), it was mentioned to me that core dog vaccines "should" be given every three years. A little bell went off in my head. Three years?? I didn't think that's what my vet was doing. I was fairly sure I was going in for those core shots far more often than every three years. So, when I met with my vet this past spring (not to get any vaccines for Murray but to get them for Piper) I asked what schedule he had Murray on as far as his vaccines and I mentioned I was growing concerned do to his lifelong skin issues pointing to an auto-immune disorder and I didn't want any more stress to his system, and he told me every two years was Murray's schedule. So, off to research some more I went! Two years didn't jive with what I heard but it was better then yearly! Now, today my eyes are pretty wide open...or I might say bugging out in shock! The American Animal Hospital Association (aka AAHA) changed over their core vaccine schedule guidelines in 2006 from annual administration to every three years. WHAT?!?! 2006?!?! How had I missed the boat the past 7 years? Worse, how was my vet missing the boat??? After calming myself down, I called my vet to discuss. I spoke to one of his assistants. I explained I was calling to make my wellness appointment but I had a few questions first. I asked them to specifically check Murray's vaccine schedule. I was told he received DHP-PV (distemper,hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvo) annually. Always had. Then I asked if I could refuse that vaccine. I was told yes, if I titer him annually. I then questioned why I couldn't titer him every three years if in fact the AAHA's own guidelines don't even recommend vaccines until three years have passed. I was again told titers must be done annually. So, I thanked her for her help, set up the appointment with my vet but explained I would have to discuss this at the appointment further and I wanted no shots and no titers at that point. I will go on October 26 to see where this all ends up. In the meantime I have also found out the two other local vets in my area are also vaccinating yearly. I have, however, found a very reputable vet a little further away who does follow the AAHA guidelines. If my current vet (whom I like a great deal) refuses to be flexible, I might have to switch. I, of course want my dogs fully protected through their vaccines, but I do think there are serious risks to over vaccination as well. I also realize where I live a current rabies vaccine is required by law. I am strictly referring to the distemper/parvovirus combo shots. So, my questions for anyone reading this is...Am I making sense? Do you vaccinate every three years? Do you titer? Were you in the dark and totally trusting your vet like me? So very frustrated!!!
