It is reasonable to “assume” that some of the vaccines could provide protection for more than 1 year. However, since dogs and cats both are individuals, the duration of the vaccine varies from pet to pet.
Veterinarians sometimes run a titers test to determine the immune system status against some of the viral illnesses. High, low, or even absent titers does not necessarily indicate that there is no protection remaining due to the presence of active memory cells which still recognize the virus the vaccine is supposed to protect against.
A virus challenge could be performed on individual pets, but nobody in his or her right mind wants to use this type of test to determine the duration of the vaccines. To ensure protection against many of the serious and life threatening virus, many vets suggest a yearly booster.
Posts: 1120 | Location: united states | Registered: 06-03-02
For your own piece of mind yearly boosters are neccasary and most vets encourage you to get this done although if you are suspicious of your vet wanting to charge high prices then call another vet and ask their advice, the Vet nurses will probably be able to tell you their surgerys code of practice on vaccines
The state I live in only makes rabies mandatory, and here we have the option of a 3-year or a 1-year. The DHLPPC and kennel cough are not mandatory (at least in my state). Caveat: I am not a vet nor medical practitioner.
However, I lost my beloved Airedale at 7.5yo; he had chronic skin problems for almost his entire life; he had colitis the last 2 years. I spent a lot of time, money, and thought re canine health issues.
If you do a google search on canine vaccinations, you will soon discover there is a raging controversy re how often boosters should be given. One veterinarian conference in the West has decided that boosters every 3 years seems like a good compromise.
Think about it: the same amount of serum given to a 4.5-pound chihuahua is given to a 150 pound Great Dane. Isn't there something wrong with this picture? Now, pets don't die of acute Leptospirosis or Distemper as often; instead what we have are pets dying of chronic diseases. How many pets must have benedryl administered to them b/c they may go into anaphylactic shock after receiving a cocktail of vaccinations (up to 9 at one time).
At the very least, if your dog is older, I'd consider giving him boosters every other year (note: you need to find out what your state's requirements are for rabies) and spread the vaccinations out so they are not given all at the same time.
