Vaccinate Every Year??

[pitc9]

I got my card in the mail from the vets office yesterday letting me know it's been a year since the dogs had their shots. I think I may no longer vaccinate every year I'm thinking about doing it every other year.
With all the talk about over vaccinating and how it can lead to cancer it just makes you wonder, but then again... what if you don't and they catch something.
What do you think about it?

[Jessika]

I'm not sure actually.. I'd like to hear some thoughts on the matter before making a choice or decision. I WAS going to vaccinate yearly, but if there are problems caused by it or other things, I'd like to hear what everyone else has to say about it!

[cali]

I do parvo as a pup and nothing else ever.

[Cinder & Smoke]

That's a Big Question these days!

Do a Google search with terms like annual or yearly vaccinations and you'll get a
LOT of differing opinions.

Since Cinder, Smokey & Bowser get "Out & About" a LOT with me -
I tend to be swayed towards getting them annual shots.
And some of the places we go "REQUIRE" proof that they have had them.

[Lady's Human]

Given the fact that most municipalities around here require dog licenses, and they all require vaccinations to GET a dog license, we don't have much choice.

[Ginger's Mom]

When Ginger got her shots last year (2004) they were good for two years (three years for rabies). So they aren't doing yearly vaccinations around here any more. I did still take her for a yearly check up though, simply because she can't talk, and I wanted to make sure everything was functioning as it should.

[.sarah]

My dogs are vaccinated every other year. I don't want to over or under vaccinate!

[Logan]

We do annual vaccinations because that is what our vet suggests and also SC law requires annual rabies shots.

We chose to only get the rabies for out senior girl, Murphy, this year, and she never even had to get out of the car because we went to a mobile vet. We also took Mimi, our senior kitty, but she got the full panel of shots, including her Feline Leukemia booster.

[ramanth]

I didn't vote because for Kia it's option 1 and 2.

Kia goes in every year for an annual physical, but many of her vaccinations are three year shots. Certain ones like Bordatella are required every year so she can go to the dog park.

So in a way she is vaccinated every year, but not for every innoculation. She won't need a rabies vaccination again until 2008.

[chocolatepuppy]

My vets just started staggering shots. They do consider the dogs/cats lifestyle as to their risk factor. Different dogs/cats might need more or less protection. Rabies is a state law, every three years here.

[wolf_Q]

So far Nebo has had all of the puppy shots plus the yearly boosters every year (rabies 2 years) but I'm debating on whether or not to continue. I need to research more on the subject, but I think I may do it at least every other year instead of each year...still get the rabies at least because it's required by state law and to get a dog license. I'm going to call around and see if any vets around here do the testing that shows if they need the shots again or not. I worry though because he is around other dogs often, he goes to work with me (grooming salon) every couple of weeks or so. I just want to do what is best for him and I'm not sure what that is.

[wolfie]

This is for everyone who vaccinates yearly

The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) itself published an article recommending dogs and cats be vaccinated every 3 years. It has been proven that vaccines rabies, parvo... last for 3+ years.

However, there are vets against this, because a large portion of their income is from vaccinating dogs and cats. But, you still should bring your dog for a check-up every year.

sources:
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articl...5/ai_100046377
http://www.prevention.com/article/0,...44-1-P,00.html