In 2003 the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) revised its vaccination guidelines , recommending that vets vaccinate adult dogs every 3 years. Although this guideline has been effective for the past 7 years the notion that vaccinations are a annual part of a dogs health care schedule is still widely held by owners and even some veterinarians. Owners need to maintain an independent record of their dogs past vaccinations including any reactions the dog may have had to the shot. In addition to your record request a copy of the veterinarian’s notes to include in your file. Next via conversations with your vet and self educating yourself write out a schedule of vaccinations you believe will benefit your hounds well being over his lifetime. The efforts you make preparing these documents will become highly beneficial tools as various aspects of your dog’s health, environment, and best practices in dog vaccination change. Dog health is the responsibility of the owner, vets are wonderful people however they are also responsible for payrolls, rents, and insurance bills. Utilize AAHA research on vaccinations as your base for beginning a written strategy. The next step for effectively vaccinating your dog again focuses on the owners actions. Always, no matter how routine the clinic treats the vaccination call ahead to discuss what vaccines and most importantly how much and are there options to consider. Do this a few days before you schedule the visit, allowing you time to review your records and research. If the vet knows there quoting a price, and there will be a few days for the owner to review the price they will make sure it is the lowest price possible for the treatment. This helps you maintain a positive relationship based on service not price, the veterinarian will quote you his lowest price without you having to prompt him. Our staff has experienced price differences of as much as 80%, sometimes the veterinarian is unaware in the rush of paperwork when prices are determined during the visit that the prices are on the high end of his scale. There are core vaccines that are accepted as vital for dogs to avoid life-threatening diseases. All dogs should receive these initially as a puppy ( a series of three vaccines given between 8-16 weeks of age) are:
Canine Distemper (CDV)
Canine Parvovirus 2 (CPV-2)
Canine Adenovirus 2 (CAV)
The core vaccinations should be administered one year later, and every three years thereafter, unless antibody titer test results indicate that the dog possesses antibody levels that have been determined to be protective. The rabies vaccine is also considered a core vaccine, but should be given once at age 12 to 16 weeks (or as local law allows), then again one year later, followed by every 3 years. Some local laws require annual vaccination. The rest of vaccination or non-core vaccinations are the ones you need to consider utilizing the strategy above.
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Dog Vaccination Guidelines
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