Originally Posted by Sunnie
For nearly 20 years I haven't given annual shots to any of my dogs. It has been proven that annual shots contribute greatly to immune related illnesses in dogs and cats. For the first 10-12 years we gave boosters every 3 years, then additional research indicated that most all shots give lifetime immunity. If you are concerned about the efficacy of your dogs immunity to certain diseases you can ask your vet to do a titer test to ascertain the level of protection. In my state I still have to give rabies every 3 years.
I have 8 healthy dogs in my house and when we lose one it is usually to old age (some around 16 years.) We also tell our puppy buyers to save themselves some money and NOT vaccinate after the 3 puppy shots (except for rabies as it is the law.) And if their vet "requires" annual shots to do themselves and their puppy a favor and find a new vet.
Annual boosters are a huge $$$ to vets and many don't want to give that up. Plus, by giving annual boosters they know that many of their patients will be back with a more serious illnes (often the result of too many vaccines.)
Consider this - did you or your children get annual boosters for life?
OK = off my soapbox. PM me if you need additional info.
I have learned this also. I got Andy's shots when I moved but will get titer tests this coming year and he has a 3 yr rabies. The doctor wanted to give him a flu shot. Never heard of it before I moved to VA. Even the doc said there was no dog flu in VA yet so why are they giving it? Shrug. I decided not my dog. I don't get a flu shot either. lol Andy is 12 and doesn't run around with other dogs like at a day care so I figure he is good to go for pretty much the rest of his life.