I compete AKC. I don't vaccinate and nobody has ever asked.
As far as concern that my dogs may "catch" something while at an event--i am not concerned. I believe that because of the no vaccinations combined with a raw diet my dogs natural immune system can handle all it comes in contact with.
As for puppies I do give them some time for their immune system to mature and wait until at least 6 months before exposing them to these high traffic dog areas.
Thanks for your reply. The organization holding the show required proof of vaccinations. Also they posted a rabies alert for Texas requiring yearly rabie vaccine.My dog had all his puppy shots but at15 months he is due for his vaccines again.He had a bad reaction to lepto and I have had some health problems with him. We are now seeing an holistic vet who recomends that I not give him any more vaccinations. We have been feeding him rmb for two weeks now and have already seen improvement in his health.
YEARLY?!? That is excessive isn't it? I have heard of people getting blood drawn and having titers done to prove immunity in lieu of more vaccinations. Could that be considered?
From what I have read off this forum there isn't a difference from 1yr or 3 yr vaccine strength. I don't know if my new vet does titers or if this organization would except this. How long would it take to get the results back?
Also, there are a lot of clubs out there that require proof of vaccines. This would make it very difficult to participate.I don't mind taking privates but that too is difficult to find. It seems must of these clubs just offer group classes.
Um, I don't really know. It depends on how far away they have to ship the blood. TAT on most blood serologies is 24-48hrs. My lab used to do animal specs but doesn't anymore, so the vet has to ship them out..yet he still got results within 24hrs. They've come a long way - now alot of labs are very techical. They recieve the sample and do everything via computer - the Dr just logs on and prints off his results.
You're right, there is no difference between 1 and 3yr STRENGTH. Note there is a difference between STRENGTH and effective timeframe. I was told by the vet that they focus on vaccinations alot the first year because the pup gets its immunity from it's mother's milk. Those antibodies recieved in the milk actually interfere with the vaccine promting an immune response. Which is why they want several vaccines, because they can't tell when the bestowed immunity wears off, I guess it varies.
I think the reason that as the dog ages they can go more than every year is they know the dogs OWN immune system has kicked in and it has been shown to be effective over that long a timeframe. Which is why I am suprised they want it done yearly...too many vaccines can be detrimental to anyone's health! My vet was telling me that some national vet association was thinking of revamping the vaccine schedule with an eye to that end (good idea in my opinion!).
Considering the health issues you described, I would ask the organization if they ACCEPT titers as proof (I think it would be silly not to!), and ask the vet how much it would cost.
These are simple antibody titers so I think the only issue is however much it'll cost - I am clueless on that part.
ps: would a letter from your vet stating your pup is allergic be sufficient? I'd pursue that avenue also.
Edited by Julie Wilson (02/09/2008 12:11 AM)
Edit reason: misspelling!!!
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