Vaccinations for your Dog
This site is not meant to give advice on veterinary topics and we are not veterinarians.
Since Jollytails does host training classes and run daycare, it is important to be talking about vaccinations! Its important that we understand what we're looking for when checking vaccination records. As responsible dog owners, we feel everyone should also do due diligence in researching certain issues regarding our dogs and vaccinations warrant some investigation. The below document is a detailed explanation of what vaccines are important to your dog, and when they should get them. The below document was written by Dr. Ronald D. Schultz, Ph.D., D.V.M, he is recognized as a pioneer in clinical immunology and vaccinology. He is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Pathobiological Sciences at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison. It was presented at the AHVMA conference in 2008.
Jollytails classes and daycare require up to date vaccinations for the 'core' vaccines as outlined in Dr Schultz's presentation (Parvo, Distemper, Rabies, Adenovirus) and ask for dogs to have their Bordetella vaccination up to date as well.
However according to Dr Schultz :
"Many animals receive kennel cough vaccines that include Bordetella and CPI with or without CAV-2 every 6 to 9 months without evidence that this frequency of vaccination is necessary or beneficial. In contrast, other dogs are never vaccinated for kennel cough and disease is not seen. CPI immunity lasts at least 3 years when given intranasally, and CAV-2 immunity lasts a minimum of 7 years when given parenterally for CAV-1, but duration of immunity is probably less for CAV-2 (eg 3 years). In most pet dogs, immunity to CAV-2 is adequate with a parenteral vaccine, but in animals at high risk (such as those in shelters or high risk kennels), an intranasal CAV-2 vaccine may provide improved immunity . However, kennel cough is not preventable with vaccines. These two viruses (CPI and CAV- 2), in combination with Bordetella bronchiseptica are only a few of the agents associated with kennel cough, however, many other factors play an important role in disease (e.g. stress, dust, humidity, molds, CDV, CIV, Streptococcal spp., Pasteurella multocida, mycoplasma, etc.), thus kennel cough is not vaccine preventable because of the complex factors associated with this disease. Furthermore, kennel cough is often a mild to moderate self limiting disease, which I refer to as the “Canine Cold.” My preference when a kennel cough vaccine is used is the intranasal vaccine rather than the parenteral, but some dogs will not allow an intranasal vaccine to be administered. On rare occasions, the intranasal vaccines will cause kennel cough in certain dogs!"
Rules of Vaccinations
Consult your veterinarian and ask questions around vaccinations. Discuss how often you should be getting them and which ones are needed for your area. Your vet should appreciate an informed owner that asks questions!
ALL dogs should be vaccinated for Parvo, Distemper and Rabies - when you re-vaccinate is up for debate, as some owners may chose to titer test (ask your veterinarian about this option), but there should be no debate on ensuring our pets develop immunity to these conditions.