Vaccination protocols are changing!!!!
The Canadian Veterinary Association (CVA) and the American Animal Hospital
Association (AAHA) are no longer recommending annual vaccination.
It is my understanding that all of the veterinary schools across North America have changed their vaccination recommendations, and are teaching a more conservative approach to vaccinating our pets.
The CVA is now telling its membership (veterinarians) that they should be recommending vaccination every 3 years, rather than annually - until the association has looked into the matter further - so this policy could change again within the next few years. They are also suggesting that titre testing be done between vaccines.
The AAHA has gone a step further and has put together a 47 page report on vaccines, their recommendations and concerns. This can be found at: www.dogsforsale.com.au/AAHA_Special_Report.htm
They recommend administering only "core" vaccines and taking into consideration where each animal lives and visits, before determining what vaccines are necessary. They also agree with research that indicates that MLV Distemper, Parvovirus and Adenovirus vaccines (these are the core vaccines) last more than 7 years in 90% of dogs, while Rabies has a duration of at least 3 years. They do NOT recommend administering Coronavirus, Giardia, or Lyme disease vaccines at all, and they note that the Bordatella (kennel cough) vaccine only an effective period of a couple of months. They also indicate that the Leptospirosis vaccine is relatively ineffective and short lived. Parainfluenza (another virus that causes kennel cough) protection lasts over 3 years in 80% of dogs vaccinated. The AAHA suggests that vaccinating with core vaccines, no more often than every 3 years will provide ample protection.
Keep in mind that these veterinary associations will always err on the side of caution (like vaccinating every 3 years for a vaccine that last for more than 7 years) and as such these protocols are STILL too much and vaccines are being given too often. For immune sensitive breeds like Tollers, it is important to minimize vaccines and still provide protection to "life-threatening" diseases.
So make sure that your vet is educating in the changing vaccine protocols and don't let him/her vaccinate your pets annually!!! Keep up to date on changing vaccine recommendations.
Our animals trust us to look after them and it is our responsibility to educate and arm ourselves with the knowledge required to do the very best for them.
