Question:
I know you get a lot of letters about vaccination shots for dogs, but many of us don't know how often each shot is required. Our dog died last week, and I firmly believe that being overvaccinated had a lot to do with it.Could you print a list of the shots that are required and how often dogs need them? We just got a new dog from the Humane Society, and I don't want to overvaccinate it.
F.J.F., Fenton, MI Sep 24, 2006
Answer:
There are several core vaccinations that dogs should be given: canine parvovirus, canine distemper, canine adenovirus-2 and rabies.Adult dogs with a record of shots during puppyhood up to a year old do not need to be revaccinated for three years with any of the above vaccines unless a 1-year-duration rabies shot was given. Revaccination may not be needed if a blood-titer test is done to determine whether each vaccine is still providing protection.If your veterinarian insists that all these core vaccinations be given annually, have him or her read the American Animal Hospital Association's 2006 Canine Vaccine Guidelines, or find another animal doctor.
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