The following information is referenced from nationally recognized veterinarians as well as local holistic veterinarians whom The Pines Pet Pampering has consulted with. They are:
Ronald Schultz, DVM, PhD Professor of Veterinary Pathobiology and Immunology
Jean Dodds, DVM, Clinical Pathologist
Richard Pitcairn, DVM, PhD in Veterinary Immunology
Shawn Messonier, DVM
Nancy Bozeman, DVM
In lieu of regular frequent vaccinations, we accept titer testing. A titer test is a fast and simple procedure where a small amount of blood is drawn and levels are tested with a small snap test similar to a heartworm test. The blood can also be sent out to a laboratory such as at A&M University for testing. This recommendation is due to the health problems accociated with over-vaccination by administering vaccines on an annual basis.
Current recommendations by the AAHA state that cats and dogs should be vaccinated no more often than every 3 years. The state of Texas requires that Rabies vaccine be given every 3 years, however the state allows individual municipalities to set a more strict requirement.
Distemper/Parvo/Adenovirus are the other "core" vaccinations recommended for dogs. For cats the "core" vaccines (called Distemper) are actually Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, and Herpes. Both puppies and kittens should have a series of vaccinations for the core agents. Following the series, they should have boosters done a year later. After that, titer testing is recommended to check their serum vaccine antibody titers for those agents, or boosters can be done every 3 years until the pet reaches "senior" age. Pets are considered "senior" at different stages according to the breed. A sample of a recommended vaccine schedule from Dr. Jean Dodds follows:
8-10 Weeks: 1st set of core vaccines
12-14 Weeks: 2nd set of core vaccines
14-16 Weeks: Rabies
1yr 3 months : Boosters of core vaccines
1 yr 4 months: Rabies booster
4 years: titer testing or boosters
7 years: titer testing or boosters
most pets are considered "senior" at this time and need no further vaccinations
Bordetella Recommendations: Bordetella Bronchiseptica is a bacterial agent and is not viral. "Kennel Cough Complex" is an upper respiratory complex that can be caused by up to 8 different known agents. Bordetella bacterium is just one of those agents. Other agents causing upper respitory comlex are viruses such as parainfluenza, distemper, adenovirus, herpes virus, and several types of reo-virus. When a dog has a cough, the particular agent or agents involved are unknown. The Pines Pet Pampering does not accept dogs who display signs of illness. We also do not require Bordetella vaccine and recommend you consult with your veterinarian since recommendations between veterinarians vary. Some recommend it every 6 months, some yearly, and some not at all. The Bordetella vaccine usually contains 3 agents. Bordetella Bronchiseptica, Parainfluenza, and Adenovirus. Sometimes it reacts the same way the flu vaccine reacts with people and actually causes symptoms with coughing. When administering Bordetella vaccine, it needs to be given at least a week before your pet stays with us.
However, we prefer all vaccines given, to be given at least 2 weeks prior to your pet's stay. This ensures proper time for the immune system to re-normalize as well as gives you plenty of time at home to observe your pet for any reactions.
Please keep in mind that the information we have provided is to outline our own requirements and is not medical advice. We are not veterinarians, yet we have sought the advice of veterinarians in establishing our requirements. Veterinary recommendations regarding vaccination vary greatly and we recommend that you seek the advice of your own veterinarian for their opinion of the protocol which suits your pet the best.
The following links will direct you to pertinent information about vaccinations and the official websites of the veterinarians we have consulted:
