This issue has been debated on for quite some time both by veterinarians and pet owners that ultimately are just looking for what is best for their pets. Of course, pet owners may lack some trust in what veterinarians recommend as there is that profit margin that may blur a bit the pet owner and veterinarian relationship.

There are various things to put into consideration when considering this topic. Perhaps the most important is evaluating the risks factors involved with considering not to vaccinate. Questions to ask would be: Is your dog exposed to other dogs? Is your dog ever boarded at a kennel? Have there been any outbreaks of dog diseases in your area? How old is your dog?

Is your dog exposed to other dogs?

This is an important question, as there are various diseases that are highly contagious should your dog come into contact with a sick dog. Parvo virus and Distemper are examples of two very serious diseases that are potentially fatal. Thanks to vaccinations though these diseases are seen less than some years back.

Is your Dog ever Boarded at a Kennel?

Most kennels are required to accept only vaccinated pets at their facilities. Vaccinations have to be up to date or the kennel may refuse to board your dog. Commonly required vaccinations are the Distemper Combo, Bordetella and Rabies.

Have there been any Outbreaks of Dog diseases in your Area?

Some areas may be particularly ''hot spots'' for serious diseases. You will have to ask your veterinarian which diseases your dog needs to be vaccinated against. Only him/her can really give you informed information. A vaccine that may may avoided to be given in Arizona may be recommended in Pennsylvania.

How Old is your Dog?

Puppies need to have their vaccine series completed because they are vulnerable to various diseases. Senior dogs that are frail or dealing with health conditions may be spared from yearly vaccines. Some dogs that exhibit serious vaccine reactions should not be vaccinated. However, medications can now be given prior to the vaccination to reduce the risks of serious reactions.

While some vaccines may be avoided to be given, the Rabies vaccine is a different story, as it is mandated by law in most States. However, once administered to a puppy once over 12 weeks old it may then be given every three years in most States.

Conclusion

The biggest debate that remains is therefore, should vaccines be given annually or perhaps every 2-3 years? Some veterinarians believe that annual vaccinations are the best way to go in preventing serious diseases while others believe that immunity is still active in the dog's body for some years.

The best way to verify this is by having the dog undergo a  titer test. Titer  blood tests basically test the level of immunity remaining in a dog's body after vaccination. However, the biggest draw back in performing these titer tests is their cost, often reaching even hundreds of dollars. At that point most owners opt to have the dog vaccinated for a fraction of the cost rather than spending that amount of money only to find out if a vaccine is needed or not..

In conclusion, while the topic of  the frequency of vaccination is still being debated, it is certain that each dog should be evaluated on a case by case basis weighing carefully risks and benefits.

These schedules vary from animal clinic to animal clinic, this one, therefore, is just an example.

PUPPIES VACCINE SCHEDULE

Puppies: puppies must be given series of vaccination often separated 3-4 weeks apart started at around 6-8 weeks of age.

DHLPPVC stands for Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvo Virus, Corona

DHP-PVC 1st group given 6-8 weeks (no Lepto)

DHP-PVC 2nd group given 9-11 weeks (no Lepto)

DHLP-PVC 3rd group given 12-16 weeks (with Lepto 1ST group)

DHLP-PVC 4th group given 16-20 weeks.(with Lepto 2nd group)

LYME 1st series given 12-16 weeks

LYME 2nd series given 16-20 weeks

BORDETELLA given intranasally at 6-8 weeks or by injection at 6-8 weeks and repeated at 9-11 weeks

RABIES given once at 12 weeks

DOGS VACCINE SCHEDULE

DHLPPVC given yearly

BORDETELLA given every 6 months or yearly

LYME given yeary

RABIES given generally every three years