PET CARE FAQ » VACCINATION PROTOCOL

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A widespread canine vaccination program has played a crucial role in the prevention of infectious diseases in veterinary medicine. As pets have assumed a different role in the modern family and risk factors have changed the vaccination schedule has changed accordingly. As a holistically focused practice we seek a compromise between maximizing immunity to diseases and minimizing possible short and long-term side effects from vaccines. The risks versus benefits of using certain vaccines or of administering multiple vaccines at the same visit need to be strongly reconsidered. It is now known that some vaccines may be unnecessary and that their use may increase the risk of adverse reactions. In addition, there are studies that now show the duration of immunity from many vaccines is much longer than one year. When we consider if and when a dog needs to be vaccinated its health, age, risk of exposure, lifestyle, and past medical and vaccination history are important variables to assess.

The following vaccine protocol is our recommendation but it may be modified. It includes the “core” vaccines and should not be interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended are not valid. It is a matter of professional judgment and choice.

Puppies:

• 8 weeks of age Distemper, Parvo, Parainfluenza, Adeno (DAPP)
• 12 wks DAPP
• 16 wks (if needed) DAPP
• 20 wks or older Rabies
• 1 year DAPP (3 yr duration)
• 1 year Rabies (3 yr duration)

Adult dogs:
There are two options for adult dogs that need the DAPP vaccine. We recommend performing antibody titers for DAPP on an annual basis to assess a dog’s immune memory status to determine when the next DAPP vaccine should be given. This test helps us to know how susceptible a dog may be to diseases to which it may be exposed. Alternatively, your dog should receive the DAPP vaccine every 3 years to stay “current.” Rabies should be given only once every 3 years as required by law.
Other non-core vaccines such as those to protect against Lyme disease, kennel cough, Coronavirus, Giardia and Leptospirosis are not recommended unless your dog is determined to be at risk. This may include dogs that board at kenneling facilities, hunting or field dogs, or those that travel to areas where some diseases are more prevalent. Always tell us about your dog’s vaccine, travel, and medical history so that we can make an informed decision about future vaccines.