Annual Shots - Follow-ups
Written by Dr. Sherry Weaver

I am excited that our last article elicited such response. Vaccination is a very controversial subject, and I appreciate all of the opinions expressed. With all of the opinions in our community, I knew that there would be a heated response no matter what I said. I would like to take this chance to respond to some of the readers who sent emails.

"I was wondering why you did not mention the Bordetella vaccine. If she brings her dogs to a groomer, dog day care, dog park or boarding facility, they should have this vaccine, especially if they are older because they would be more at risk." - A. Gros

When I wrote that you need to discuss the “non-core” vaccines with your vet, I did fail to mention the Bordetella vaccine. Bordetella is a vaccine that your vet should help you evaluate, considering the specific risks and benefits based on your dog’s lifestyle. Many grooming salons and kennels do require this vaccine, so you should also be sure that you know when it is required. Thank you for mentioning my omission.

"I just wanted to share this with them if I may thru you. I got pet insurance for my pets. They have different plans, and some of the plans cover some or all of the annual/vaccines. It's like a well dog check, so to speak. That might be beneficial to this couple. I hope you can forward this e-mail to them." - D. Day

Thank you for sharing this information!

"I read your column first!  I always enjoy it.  I was surprised and delighted when Cesar brought you into the monthly newsletter. What do you have to say about Bordetella?  I run a boarding kennel  (dogs, no cats) and we have found it difficult to explain this one to  people, because veterinarians often skim past this one when they are  talking about vaccines, even though they talk about seemingly everything else.

I get a lot of calls from people on this subject, and I would like to always refer their questions to their veterinarian, but conflicting information causes such confusion in people. I tell them that you might get different opinions from two different  veterinarians in the same clinic, so they should do their homework, consult the AVMA and AAHA sites for their current protocols, and discuss with their veterinarians the reasons behind their recommendations, but that ultimately, it is YOUR dog,  and the ultimate responsibility falls on the human companion." – S. Sabatini

In a boarding kennel, kennel cough is one of the most common contagious diseases you face, so vaccination is important to the dogs in your care. For dogs visiting a groomer, it is more debatable as the risk is slightly less. The vaccine is a live virus and can cause a mild form of the disease, so there are reasons to discuss the pros and cons of the vaccine for your dog with your vet. Yes, the vaccine recommendations have gotten complex in recent years, and the only answer is to find a vet that you trust and follow their recommendations. As you said, just as we must choose which vaccines to give our human children, the dog parent must gather information to make the best decision they can for their canine child.

"There has been quite a bit of talk that dogs do not need to be vaccinated annually.  Once they reach two years old and have had all the puppy/adult shots for that time period, I have read they can be vaccinated two to three years apart.  What is your take on this?" – J. Marcus

I am still a believer in following the protocols laid out by the vaccine companies. Three year recommendations are becoming more popular, but I have seen individuals who possibly did not have protection that long with older vaccines. There are now vaccines for distemper and parvo (and even rabies in some states) that are tested and labeled for three year use. These are the vaccines I give to my own healthy dog and most of my patients.

Read on.

About Dr. Sherry Weaver
Dr. Weaver graduated with honors from the University of Georgia's School of Veterinary Medicine.  She founded a state-of-the-art animal hospital, teaches pet care to children, and donates time and resources to rescue organizations. For her full biography, click here.