[Pupcake]

So it's that time of year again when my vet calls to book for the annual check-up plus vaccinations. I'm reading a lot of conflicting info on the web right now as to how often dogs should be vaccinated. I heard that shots like parvo and distemper need to only be given once when they're puppies and it should be good for the whole life.

Just wanted to know what protocol you guys follow?

[r8rpwr]

I generally follow my vet's recommendation. I don't believe that my dogs have had parvo or distemper shots for awhile now. They do get rabies and kennel cough and one other, I forget which it is. I'll have to go check the paperwork.

[PugLuv]

I'd follow your vet's suggestions - they know the latest info as well as what's prevelant in the area as far as breakouts of certain diseases - especially around a dog shelter where strays can carry weird things!

[Lassie]

Our dogs have their initially course of vaccines as pups and then a booster the following year. Once that is done I don't take them for further courses or boosters. I just feel that if you really wanted to a vet would give some sort of vaccine or booster each and every year if I asked and do they really need them?

[GSP Lover]

If you have a local holistic vet, they are good sources of information. From my reading, you may get a different opinion on vacinnations, but I think it is worthwhile.

[goldiesmom]

While all dogs should have a yearly checkup, if your vet is still recommending yearly vaccinations, he is either way behind the times or more interested in his income than the dog's health.

If you check out this site among others, it will tell you about the fact that the American Veterinary Medicine Association has changed their recommendations for vaccines for dogs and cats.
Vaccination For Better Or Worse - Good Advice from BCCA Project Vaccine - Library TheDogPlace 0604

Although the protocol was first introduced in 1995, it wasn't widely known until after the year 2000. It is still recommended to give the rabies vaccine per your state or county laws as much to protect the dog from law enforcement as to protect the dog. As I said before, it's possible for a few vets to have not heard of this but a lot are not telling their clients because of fear of hurting the bottom line.