I'd like to know what vaccines everyone gives to their dogs. I'm particulary interested in the opinions of breeders who also feed a raw diet.

My 11 month old GSD, Roxy, has had all of the standard puppy vaccines, but the time for her annual boosters is approaching. I'm going to buy the book that Ed recommends entitled "What Vets Don't Tell You About Vaccines".

I know that, by law, I will have to get the rabies vaccine. Hopefully, it will be the 3 year one.

I live in the Mid-Atlantic region where lyme disease in endemic. Should I vaccinate annually for that?

Also, what tests should be performend on an annual basis in lieu of annual vaccines?

In a couple of weeks, I will also have a new GSD puppy and I'd like to know what vaccines everyone thinks he should get.

PARVO, PARVO, PARVO, lost a whole litter of 9 to that damn virus. Then I started vaccinating for it as recomended in Ed,s Whelping pups Video and I haven't had a problem since, now on my 10th litter.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Hello Stacie,
I'll be interested in hearing others opinions on Lyme disease as well. There is a ton of information on the web and Ed's board. Here are a few link to get you started:

Considerations in Designing Effective and Safe Vaccination Programs for Dogs

Lyme Disease Update

Testing a dog’s serum antibody titers can prevent overvaccinating

Hope this helps.

PS If anyone has anything updated could you please post it?

Thanks
Robert

Hello Stacie..

I would NOT get the lyme vaccine.. it causes more problems then it solves.. and for some reason.. if your dog gets the disease from the vaccine.. the regular treaments don't seem to touch it.. I have recently moved into a lyme area also.. I hate the thought of using frontline or some other topical poison.. so i am researching what will be best for my dogs in the spring..

Jody. Let me know if you find a good alternative to the traditional topical.

I hadn't been too worried about Lyme disease because we don't spend a lot of time in the woods. I'm in the suburbs, so there are a lot of trees around and wooded areas, but we're generally not in them. Of course, my vet freaked me out about it, so I had them give Roxy the vaccine. Then I wondered if I'd made a mistake. She is coated though, so it's a bit more difficult to check her for ticks through all the hair.

Robert. Thanks for the links. I did see the Lyme Disease update, but admit that I didn't follow it too well. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Max just got his Lyme disease Vac yesterday. is there any reactions that I should be looking for? I also live in the Burbs, but we have lots of deer out here, hell, a hawk ate my pet squirrel.

Hello Stacy,
I also live in the MidAtlantic area and yes, Lyme disease is a real concern. In 1997 I lost my lovely lab mix to suspected lyme disease. It initially presented w/ vomiting and anorexia, we took her to the vet and did the usual bland diet, with no result. Her front ankles swelled and were painful. Anyway, she rapidly went into kidney failure. We took her to U. of Penn vet hospital, where they worked feverishly to save her through the night. After several hours, I gave my permission to euthanize her (they were talking chest tubes, she had pneumothorax from hyperventilating and a kidney transplant was way out of the question) I swear that dog held on until I gave permission, the vet told me she passed on right after I gave permission.
So, I do vaccinate for Lyme, and use topical in the warm months. I think it is a decision that you and your vet need to make based upon the risks in your particular area. By the way, my husband also had Lymes disease, he was one sick pup. Also had the classic bulls eye rash, fever etc.
Also a consideration for yourself, esp. if you find yourself presenting with flu-like symptoms in the summer.

Regards,
Linda

I am surprised people and vets for that matter are still giving the lyme vaccination. Yes, there are side effects. The exact same ones of lyme disease except much worse. It is my understanding there are several class action law lawsuits out against the manufacturer for this vaccine. (for people and dogs). Many vets refuse to give the vaccination because it has caused more problems than lymes disease.

I live in an area where Lyme disease is in the highest concentrations in the country. I do NOT trust the Lyme vaccine. It was pulled from use in humans, and I do not let my dogs get it. However, I do use a topical tick killer,
Frontline Plus.