I was just going over some of my notes and would like to ask your opinions.

Tomarrow I have an annual vet appointment for my 2 year old GSD. He has had all of the regular shots up to this point (minus the lymes vaccination).
According to what I can find, my boy should be good for life on the Distemper & Parvo and not need that.
He also is not boarded, groomed other than by me, or taken to any dog shows, but does live with 2 other dogs, he has never had a Bordetella vaccination. Does he need that? (I'm thinking no.)
So Rabies is what I'm down to. I believe it is required in my state every 2 years. Here's the question, does this need to be given every year to be effective? I've read that rabies is a killed vaccine and must be given every year. Is this true? Should I be asking my vet to use the 1 year vaccine instead of a stronger 2 year vaccine?
Thanks!

Ok maybe I should revise that to say that he does not need the Distemper/Parvo THIS YEAR as he had this vaccination just last year at about 13 months of age.

Anyway - the card from my vet's office just said he was due for his 2 year Rabies vaccination.

Hi Vinnie,

Dogs are usually vaccinated for Rabies once when they're a puppy, and then they receive a booster one year later. That's common practice, and from what I've been told, a dog must be vaccinated one year after the initial vaccination in order for the Rabies vaccine to be completely effective. Is that true? I don't know, but maybe one of the vet people can answer that. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> After that, if the law in your state is every two years, your dog would need to be vaccinated again two years after this one, and so forth. Let them give the 2 year vaccine, and you'll be all set.

In Michigan Puppies are given their first rabies vaccine at 4 months wich is good for one year. After that a booster is required every 3 years. I'm going in wed. to get my 11year old his 3year rabies vaccine... $48 bucks

As to the Parvo/Distemper vaccination question..
This should be an annual vaccination unless you want to:
(1) Have blood test and check for immunity status which is in the range of $300 for the titer test
(2) Live in a clorox enviroment and spray your shoes each and every time you enter your home as you can carry the virus home from the ground of which you walked
(3) Take your chances and pray your dog(s)don't contract this potentially deadly disease

I would rather spend the $10 annually for the vaccination and have peace of mind.

As to the Rabies Vaccination: A pup should be vaccinated initially at the age of 16weeks. The next vaccination should occur a year later. Thereafter; the vaccination is repeated per the laws of your state requirements. Here in Indiana; it used to be annually. In October 2001; the state officials finally agreed to extend that to every three years.

For Bortdetella..(it's late and my spelling is terrible)..unless you're planning on boarding the dogs or going to areas where there are other dogs; I would forgo that.

Hope this helps