Every year you receive the “Reminder” postcard from your vet, your dog needs his annual booster shots. Dog vaccinations are very important for the long-term health of your puppy or dog. Vaccinating them every year is not only unnecessary, these annual shots can actually harm and in some cases kill our dogs. Our pets are over vaccinated. Our children too, but at least we stop at puberty. Our dogs are vaccinated every year throughout their lives!!

The only vaccine required by law is the rabies vaccine. Over-vaccination can suppress the immune system and cause conditions such as arthritis, skin diseases, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, spondylosis, seizures, loss of motor control, and cancer. Changes in behavior are also possible after vaccinations.

Have you ever noticed changes in your dog after receiving their vaccinations? Perhaps a fever, swelling, rash, or loss of appetite? These are all indications that your dog may be having an adverse reaction to the vaccines. Imagine what this does to your dog’s health when it continues year after year!

Good news! The American Association of Animal Hospitals, AAHA, has established new guidelines and recommendations for the United States and Canada.

The 3 main vaccines, parvo, distemper, and adenovirus, are no longer recommended annually. Parvo and Distemper vaccines last a minimum of 5 years. Adenovirus lasts at least 7 years. The rabies vaccine is recommended once every 3 years.

All of the other vaccinations that your vet administers are not always necessary. They should be administered as needed, taking into account the individual dog and his circumstances. Please note that some of these vaccines offer protection for a very short period of time.

Dr. Ronald Schultz is a professor and chair of pathobiological sciences at the Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Schultz has been studying and researching canine vaccines since the 1970s. He is part of a community of canine vaccine experts who have made recommendations that have been adopted and used as guidelines by the American Association of Animal Hospitals (AAHA). ).

Dr. Schultz recommends starting a basic vaccination program between 6 and 8 weeks of age, not earlier. Revaccinations should be given no less than 4 weeks apart. So if your puppy’s first core vaccinations are given at 7 weeks, the next revaccination would be at 11 weeks and the third would be at 15 weeks. 2 weeks after the 3rd booster, Dr. Schultz titrates to confirm immunity. I personally title immunity every year as part of my annual veterinary visit. My dogs always proved sufficient immunity that re-vaccination was never necessary.

For rabies, Dr. Schultz administers the first vaccination after the puppy is 4 months old. The next rabies vaccine is given one year and every 3 years thereafter. His dog would probably qualify for rabies immunity, but most states require a revaccination at least every 3 years.

Most traditional vets do not administer individual vaccinations, your pup may be receiving vaccinations that are not necessary. To ensure your puppy/dog receives only core vaccinations, ask to see the vial.

As always, I suggest you consult with your veterinarian to determine the correct vaccination schedule for your particular puppy or dog.