Vaccination is one of the more controversial topics in veterinary medicine today. There is little debate on the value of vaccinating dogs against infectious diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus and rabies - which make up the "core" vaccines - as these diseases have a mortality rate of up to 60-80%. The controversy stems from just how frequently our pets should be vaccinated, and just how important other "non-core" vaccines are. Critics believe animals are being vaccinated too frequently with too many types of vaccines, with some animals developing serious reactions ranging from fever and stiffness to susceptibility to infections, liver or kidney failure, and central and peripheral nervous system disorders. Veterinarians are faced with an ethical dilemma: follow the typical guidelines that are currently in place, or follow their own instincts as to how frequently to vaccinate. Pet owners are left wondering 'How often do our pets need to be vaccinated, and what vaccines are really necessary?'

Vaccination vs. Immunity

Being vaccinated against a disease does not necessarily mean being immune to it, especially when it comes to puppies and kittens. When they are born they receive antibodies against various diseases from their mother; how long this immunity lasts varies from animal to animal. If the pup is still carrying maternal antibodies at the time of vaccination, the vaccines will not be effective. This is why vets vaccinate several times in their first few months, to ensure immunity is achieved. Once a pet has developed immunity, most have this immunity for life, which is why regular boosters are considered controversial. More vaccinations do not equal a stronger immune response; either an animal has the antibodies needed to fight off the infection or they do not.

At their annual doggy well-check visit dogs receive up to 16 different vaccines (many are combined in a single shot): the 4 core vaccines and vaccines for milder diseases to which only some dogs are exposed, like Lyme disease. Dr. Ronald Shultz, an expert in the field of veterinary vaccines whose specialty is veterinary immunology, believes that animals are over-vaccinated and that most annual vaccines are unnecessary, as immunity (aside from rabies antibodies) can last a dog's lifetime. Children are vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella and DPT once, and it provides them with a lifetime of immunity; with our pets we often vaccinate them year after year.  "...adverse reactions have caused many veterinarians to rethink the issue of vaccination," says Schultz. "The idea that unnecessary vaccines can cause serious side effects is in direct conflict with sound medical practices."

Recommendations for Conservative Vaccinations

Dr. Shultz feels that non-core vaccines should only be given when the animal is at significant risk. For rabies he recommends giving the first dose at 4 months of age, then again at a year, followed by every 3 years. Puppies should receive distemper, parvo and adenovirus vaccines at age 6-8 weeks with follow up vaccines at 2-4 week intervals (for example, at 8, 12, and 16 weeks). Ask your vet if it's possible to titer at two weeks following the final dose to confirm immunity has been achieved; it's important to confirm this because there are some animals that are considered genetic "non-responders" for whom immunity is not achieved at this point.

If a titer is not performed following the full panel of puppy vaccinations (many vets do not offer this), then Shultz advises to revaccinate in a year. The American Animal Hospital Association now recommends this also. After that boosters can be given for peace of mind at 3 years or longer - no more often. "With the exception of rabies, the vaccines for CDV, CPV-2 and CAV trigger an immunological memory of at least seven years," he explains. (Studies testing the duration of immunity for rabies shots show it lasts about three years.)

Wag Zone's Vaccination Policy

We are not vets. While we will continue to consider the research of experts in the field as it becomes available, we recognize that this debate is evolving and we do not feel qualified to step in between our clients and their personal veterinarian. The bottom line is that if your dog is vaccinated, they are protected. Aside from the required panel of puppy vaccinations, if you and your vet are comfortable with your pet's level of protection within a group play environment, that is good enough for us.