If you have ever had a dog, at some point you have gotten a “reminder” post card from your vet saying your dogs’ annual rabies shot is due. Most cities and counties have ordinances requiring yearly rabies vaccinations.
Over the past ten years or so, researchers have been testing how long the vaccines last. And, it looks like we have been over dosing our pets. The finding demonstrates that one rabies vaccine can provide immunity for “a proven” seven years maybe even for the dog’s life time. I first heard this year’s ago, and I have not given any of my pets annual rabies shot since, just the “core” vaccines. They are all healthy and happy. Today most professionals accept the findings as fact, as demonstrated in The American Animal Hospital Association 2006 Canine vaccine guidelines.
It suggests, “there is no scientific basis for the recommendation to revaccinate dogs annually since current vaccines provides years of immunity”. Other research has found revaccinating with the vaccines we know work for seven years or more does not increase your dog’s immunity to that disease. In addition, over doing it can cause side effects ranging to anything from fever, sore joints to liver and kidney failure, it is rare but can happen.
Even with all the evidence, which shows the rabies vaccine last for years most cities and counties have not changed their ordinances and the ones that have only extended it by a year or two. Like my county, it is required every three years. However, I still get those yearly “reminders” from the vet. I guess they hope I am a sucker and do not know the new rules. Or, that I am one of those people that still do it yearly. I think that is shady business dealing.
The costs of vaccines are outrageous, and keep going up. It is not surprising though, since they have to make up for the lost income somehow. They have to be losing a lot of money, last time my dog got a rabies shot it was 13.00 dollars. It used to be 8.00 just a few years back, and that was over priced.
I do not want to diminish the importance of the “core” vaccines, they are very necessary to your puppy or kitty’s health. Do Not Skip them. Make sure your pet is old enough to be vaccinated. You can do all but the rabies at home. The 7-in-one shot can be bought at most Wal-Marts and feed stores. Ask someone that works there or a friend with pets if you are not sure, the box is usually clear as to what it is for. However if you are not comfortable giving your dog a shot get someone else that can or go to the vet. You do not want to freak out with the needle in the dog you may hurt him.
The exception to revaccinating is when a disease present in your area. In addition, do not forget to worm your pets too. They will love you even more for keeping them healthy
