Rabies Vaccine

[Chip's Mom]

Dale is due for his one year old boosters and his appt is tomorrow so I have to get him his 5 in 1 vaccine and rabies shot. Now I am concerned with all the different views on these shots but we travel some and go to parks and I would never forgive myself if he caught something because I didn't get him vaccinated so I plan on getting him his one year booster and rabies this year and next year getting him the three year rabies vaccines. Also there has been rabies reported within 6 miles of us. So what does everyone else do??????

[MyPemCharlie]

Charlie finished his puppy shots November 1st, so this fall we'll be doing boosters plus the 3-year Rabies vaccine. After that, I'm planning to run titers, and only do the 3-year Rabies unless his titers test shows a need for anything else.

[glencorgi]

Originally Posted by Chip's Mom

Dale is due for his one year old boosters and his appt is tomorrow so I have to get him his 5 in 1 vaccine and rabies shot.

Just an option to consider, get either the 5 way or the rabies tomorrow and go back a week later for the other. Many people concerned about vaccine reactions will split them up that way.

Dale had is 1st rabies vaccination at 6 months (I'm guessing) right? That one would be good for the year. IF you are on a three year rabies requirement, then the next shot he gets will be for the 3 years, you don't have to get him another one next year for the 3 year. I know some parts of TN require annual rabies vaccinations, not sure if those apply to where you are or not.

Debbie

[Chip's Mom]

From what I understand, puppy shots and rabies are given the first time around, then a yearly booster of the 5 n 1 and another 1 year rabies shot, then I can switch to a 3 year. When we lived In NY, we always got the three year rabies shot. Much easier. Here they usually go with every year as it is easier on the people according to my vet to remember and get them revaccinated. So you are saying that I should get Dale's 5 n 1 tomorrow and take him back a week later for his 3 year rabies shot correct and forgo the second 1 year shot? I will do that.

Now second question, Dale has always been on heartworm so in your opinion do you do the heartworm testing every year or can I bypass it? Chip didn't get his test last year because the tech hurt him and I was not pleased. Chip has also always been on heartworm.

Hope I didn't confuse you all.

[MyPemCharlie]

Heartworm doesn't have a vaccination. Heartworm treatment still needs to be given monthly in most areas of the US, either the oral or topical type. As long as they're being treated with preventative, I wouldn't think the vet would have to test for heartworm...but that may be part of the standard annual checkup.

[Chip's Mom]

You are right, I just give them the tablets monthly year around. From my experience, alot of vets still test for it even though they are on it constantly.

[LaRogue]

Pip gets a 3 year rabies, a 3 year DAP (distemper, hepatitis, parvo) vaccine, bordatella and lyme disease yearly.

Just an option to consider, get either the 5 way or the rabies tomorrow and go back a week later for the other. Many people concerned about vaccine reactions will split them up that way.

I do this, but break it into spring and fall visits. Rabies and DAP are due in different years. Spring is lyme and heartworm, fall visit is annual exam and bordatella.

Now second question, Dale has always been on heartworm so in your opinion do you do the heartworm testing every year or can I bypass it?

Different areas where I lived have different requirements. My vet requires the test every year to get the meds.

I do an fecal exam every time we go to the vet...I don't have a yard and live in an area with alot of dogs and some stupid owners who don't pick up after them. Three neighbor's dogs (who owners take very good care of and pick up after their dogs) have gotten parasites.

[Kris L. Christine]

Chip's Mom,

Dr. Ronald Schultz of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine recommends that the rabies vaccine never be given with any other vaccine.

There is an interesting article on veterinary vaccines which you can read in its entirety at the link below.

Are Our Pets Being Overvaccinated, by Melissa Burden, The Press Main News

(Dr. W. Jean Dodds) “But there is really no breed that is not at risk,” she said. The only vaccination needed, she asserts, is the rabies vaccine because it is legally required. Dogs’ and cats’ immune systems mature fully at 6 months old, she explained. If canine distemper, feline distemper and parvovirus vaccines are given after 6 months, a pet has immunity for the rest of its life.

(Dr. Robert Rogers) “Dogs and cats no longer need to be vaccinated against distemper, parvo, and feline leukemia every year,” Rogers said. “Once the initial series of puppy or kitten vaccinations and first annual vaccinations are completed, immunity…persists for life. Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to the potential risk of adverse reactions, he added.