Jun 19 2008
Vaccinations: Tailored For Your Pet
Where the old school rule of thumb was that all dogs needed all vaccinations, these days, veterinarians are taking a different tact when it comes to doling out shots.
For example, I have a dog and two cats, so while we lean toward more canine vaccinations because she’s outside a lot, the cats get less shots because they are inside-only.
Vaccination protocols are now changing/mirroring the improvements in veterinary technology. Today’s savvy pet owners, and educated veterinarians, are deciding on the best approach to vaccinations, which may or may not means a slew of shots your dog doesn’t need.
Your vet will consider factors such as your pet’s age, health status, environment and potential exposure to infectious diseases when making vaccination recommendations.
By basing vaccination protocols on each pet’s individual needs and risk of exposure, changes may include titer tests versus booster vaccinations for some pets. Titer testing requires a blood draw to check your dog’s level of immune defenses.
It takes up to 14 days for the immune system to complete its response to a modified live virus vaccination for canine viruses, a process called “serovonversion” that means the dog has formed both antibodies and memory cells to those viruses. If you test your dog’s titer two weeks after vaccination, you can tell if he has formed immunity to the virus.
Titer tests can also be used to help customize an effective/minimal vaccination program for puppies. Puppies are typically given a series of vaccines because some puppies don’t form immunity to the first vaccination, and would be unprotected if the next in the series were not administered. By checking your puppy’s titers two weeks after the first vaccinations are given, you can determine whether or not immunity formed.
Titer testing is usually done in dogs for the most common and deadly canine viruses, parvovirus (CPV) and distemper (CDV). Rabies titer testing is also done, usually for purposes of travel to foreign countries that require it.
It’s always good to get involved with your pet’s health care, so ask your vet to discuss Fido’s vaccination options.
The American Mutt-i-grees Club, founded by Pet Savers Foundation, wants to spread the word that mutts are people dogs too!
The American Mutt-i-grees Club is all about change and choice:
Changing how mixed-breed dogs are regarded, by celebrating the unique
characteristics of each one of them, and helping people make the right
choice - the choice to adopt mixed-breed puppies and [...]
The pills you pop may make you feel better, but they could be fatal to your pet. Just last year, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled 89,000 cases of pets exposed to human medications.
Here’s what to watch out for:
NSAIDs
According to the APCC, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen or naproxen are the most [...]
My distaste for puppy mills notwithstanding, I’m pleased to report that, stepping away from its reputation as “The Puppy Mill Capital of the East,” the Pennsylvania Legislature passed HB 2525 on October 8, a bill that will improve the lives of tens of thousands of dogs living in Pennsylvania’s puppy mills.
HB 2525 doubles the cage [...]
Two years ago today, my husband and I rescued Greta, and our lives have never been the same since. Sure, it was hard in the beginning–after all, she was a puppy with no experiences outside of living in a wire crate 23 hours a day.
Slowly, she learned how to relax and live in a home. [...]
October is Adopt-A-Dog month, a celebration established by the American Humane Association to promote dog adoptions from animal shelters and educate people about responsible pet care. Learn more about events in your area here.
And just in time for Adopt-A-Dog month, Disney’s new film, Beverly Hills Chihuahua hits theaters October 3. The film is about Chloe, [...]
Getting the right pet supplies for your pet’s health should be your #1 concern.
Dog owners can revel in the fact that research studies report a link between dog ownership and reduced stress and improved health for their human companions. There’s nothing like the loyalty and unconditional love of a dog to balance the fast-paced, high tech nature of life today. Whatever you have to deal with, when you come home and your dog rushes to greet you with his tail wagging, the troubles of the day melt away.
“Whoever said you can’t buy happiness forgot about puppies.” !!
[...] like liver and heart disease. Your veterinarian will know if the vaccine is right for your dog, so discuss this and all other vaccines with your vet to find out what you need and what you can safely [...]
[...] Cujo been properly vaccinated and not allowed to run loose, the film might have gone something like [...]