Which dog vaccines are absolutely necessary? This is a common question and a good one. We all want to do what is best for our pups. To help you make that decision, integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby takes an in-depth look at dog vaccinations and gives her take on the answer to that question.
The idea of dogs going to the vet for their annual shots just because one year has transpired is as outdated as the idea that the earth is flat. Let me explain. I believe it is very important that your dog has annual (or semi-annual if your dog is a senior) wellness visits to the vet. And I believe that vaccinations have their place in keeping your dog healthy.
But I don’t believe that these visits are just for the purpose of vaccines. And I don’t believe that every dog needs the same vaccines on the same schedule. I think it is fair to say most vets now would agree.
You see, vaccinations do carry a high potential for benefit, but they are also inherently not without risk. And there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to dog vaccinations. There is overwhelming scientific evidence that dog vaccine selection should be based on a dog’s individual risk factors (i.e. age, breed, lifestyle, and environment). So then, this raises the question, “Which dog vaccines are absolutely necessary?”
I promise I will give you some guidance on how to answer that question. But before I can do that, let’s chalk the playing field by understanding seven important facts about dog vaccinations.
Ever caught yourself wondering if all those vet visits for shots are truly necessary? You’re not alone. As a dog parent, I’ve spent countless hours researching whether my furry companions actually need all these vaccines or if some vet clinics might just be padding their bottom line. Let’s dive into what’s really essential when it comes to dog vaccines and separate fact from fiction.
Understanding Dog Vaccines: The Basics
Vaccines are designed to prepare your dog’s immune system to recognize and fight off specific diseases. They contain either modified live viruses (weakened but alive), killed viruses, or other components that trigger an immune response without causing the actual disease.
But here’s the million-dollar question Are all these shots actually necessary?
The answer isn’t black and white. Some vaccines are considered essential (core vaccines), while others depend on your dog’s lifestyle and where you live (non-core vaccines)
Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines: What’s the Difference?
Core vaccines are considered essential for all dogs regardless of their lifestyle or location. According to veterinary experts, these protect against widespread, serious diseases that pose significant risks:
- Rabies: Fatal and transmissible to humans (legally required in most areas)
- Distemper (CDV): Attacks respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems
- Adenovirus (CAV-1 and CAV-2): Causes infectious hepatitis and respiratory disease
- Parvovirus (CPV-2): Causes severe gastrointestinal distress, especially deadly in puppies
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on individual risk factors like geography, lifestyle, and exposure risk:
- Bordetella (kennel cough): For dogs that board, visit groomers, or attend daycare
- Leptospirosis: For dogs exposed to wildlife or standing water
- Lyme Disease: For dogs in tick-heavy regions
- Canine Influenza: For dogs with high exposure to other dogs
- Parainfluenza: Often included in combination vaccines
- Rattlesnake: For dogs in areas with rattlesnakes
The Vaccination Schedule Debate
The traditional approach to dog vaccines was annual revaccination for everything. But research has shown this may not be necessary or even beneficial.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule (Traditional Approach)
| Age | Recommended Vaccines |
|---|---|
| 6-8 weeks | DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) |
| 10-12 weeks | DHPP, possibly Leptospirosis, Bordetella if needed |
| 14-16 weeks | DHPP, Rabies |
| 1 year | DHPP booster, Rabies booster |
| Every 1-3 years after | Boosters as recommended by your vet |
The Controversy: Are We Over-Vaccinating?
According to research by veterinary immunologists, many core vaccines provide immunity for much longer than a year – possibly even a lifetime for some diseases. This has led many vets to move away from annual revaccination.
Dr. Jean W. Dodds, a respected veterinary researcher, suggests that both allergic and autoimmune diseases have increased since the introduction of modified live virus vaccines. Some research indicates potential links between over-vaccination and:
- Skin allergies and inflammation
- Autoimmune disorders
- Cancer at injection sites
- Behavioral problems related to brain inflammation
- Seizures and neurological issues
Duration of Immunity: How Long Do Vaccines Actually Work?
The concept of “duration of immunity” (DOI) refers to how long a vaccine protects your dog. Recent studies show that core vaccines can protect dogs for 3-7 years or longer, not just one year as previously thought.
This has led organizations like the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) to update their guidelines, recommending less frequent vaccinations.
For example, after a puppy completes their initial vaccine series and receives a one-year booster, core vaccines are often recommended only every three years, not annually.
Antibody Titer Testing: A More Personalized Approach
Many pet parents are turning to antibody titer testing as an alternative to automatic revaccination. A titer test is a blood test that measures the level of antibodies against specific diseases in your dog’s blood.
If a titer test shows adequate antibody levels, revaccination may be unnecessary. This approach allows for more personalized care rather than a one-size-fits-all vaccination schedule.
Titer tests typically cost around $50-100 and can be performed during regular check-ups.
The Case Against Vaccination: Alternative Perspectives
Some dog owners have chosen to forgo vaccines altogether. Catherine O’Driscoll, founder of Canine Health Concern, argues that vaccines may destabilize the immune system and contribute to chronic health issues.
O’Driscoll claims her unvaccinated dogs have remained healthier than her previously vaccinated dogs, who suffered from cancer, leukemia, and other serious conditions. Instead of conventional vaccines, she uses:
- Homeopathic nosodes (alternative medicine)
- Natural diet to boost immune function
- Regular exercise to support overall health
Important note: This perspective is controversial and goes against mainstream veterinary recommendations. Most veterinarians strongly recommend at least the core vaccines.
Making Informed Decisions: What Your Dog Really Needs
So what should you do? Here’s my practical advice based on extensive research:
1. Core Vaccines Are Still Important
Despite the controversy, core vaccines protect against deadly diseases. Even critics acknowledge that diseases like distemper and parvovirus can be fatal.
2. Consider Your Dog’s Actual Risk
Not every dog needs every non-core vaccine. Consider:
- Geographic location: Does Lyme disease exist in your area?
- Lifestyle: Does your dog interact with other dogs regularly?
- Age and health: Puppies and elderly dogs have different needs
3. Discuss Vaccination Intervals With Your Vet
Instead of annual vaccines, discuss a 3-year protocol for core vaccines after the initial puppy series and one-year booster.
4. Consider Titer Testing
Ask your vet about titer testing to check your dog’s immunity levels before automatically revaccinating.
5. Watch for Vaccine Reactions
Be vigilant for side effects after vaccination, which can include:
- Soreness at injection site
- Mild fever or lethargy
- Reduced appetite
- Rarely, more serious allergic reactions
Special Considerations for Different Life Stages
Puppies
Puppies need a series of vaccines because maternal antibodies (received from their mother) can interfere with vaccine effectiveness. This is why we vaccinate every few weeks until about 16 weeks of age.
Adult Dogs
Healthy adult dogs with completed puppy vaccines may need fewer boosters than traditionally recommended. This is where titer testing can be valuable.
Senior Dogs
Older dogs may have compromised immune systems, making vaccine reactions more likely. Some vets recommend less frequent vaccination for seniors, focusing only on the most essential vaccines.
My Personal Approach
After researching this topic extensively, I’ve adopted a middle-ground approach with my own dogs:
- I ensure they receive their complete puppy vaccine series for core diseases
- I get the one-year booster for core vaccines
- After that, I use titer testing to determine if revaccination is necessary
- I’m selective about non-core vaccines based on actual risk factors
- I keep detailed records of all vaccines and reactions
This approach has worked well for my dogs, providing protection while minimizing unnecessary medical interventions.
Final Thoughts: Finding Balance
Vaccines have saved countless canine lives, but like any medical intervention, they come with risks. The key is finding the right balance for YOUR dog.
Work with a veterinarian who:
- Is willing to discuss the pros and cons of each vaccine
- Considers your dog’s individual circumstances
- Respects your concerns and questions
- Stays updated on current vaccination research
Remember that vaccine needs can change based on lifestyle changes (like boarding, traveling, or moving to a new region).
The truth is, there’s no perfect one-size-fits-all answer to the question “Does my dog really need vaccines?” The best approach is an informed, thoughtful one that considers both the benefits of protection and the potential risks of over-vaccination.
What’s your experience with dog vaccines? Have you noticed any reactions in your pup after vaccination? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Killed (e. inactivated) vaccinations
As the name would imply, the organism in this type of vaccine is no longer alive. This means it isn’t particularly interesting to the immune system, so the vaccine typically also includes an adjuvant. The goal of the adjuvant is to direct the body’s attention to the killed organism and convince the body to mount an immune response.
Even with an adjuvant, the immune response may still be less substantial than with other vaccine types. This makes killed vaccines more likely to require a booster vaccine two to four weeks after the initial vaccine. This booster shot is kind of like a follow-up training exercise that hones the immune system’s skills and increases the size of the response.
Modified-live (e. attenuated) vaccinations
To create this type of vaccination, manufacturers weaken the organism so that it can still multiply in the body but cannot cause disease. This gives the body a chance to mount a strong immune response in the practice drill. That way it will be ready to respond if needed. Since the first dose tends to simulate a strong response, these vaccines are less likely to need a booster in two to four weeks (except in puppies, which we will get to in a bit).
Instead of containing the whole organism, manufacturers create these vaccines by inserting a selected portion (or portions) of the disease-causing organism’s genetic material into the genetic material of another organism called a vector. The vector organism can multiply in the host (i.e. your dog). It will express the inserted portion of genetic material from the disease-causing organism.
The immune system will then mount a response that targets the selected portion of the disease-causing organism. While this sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, it actually provides great protection against the disease in question.
What Vaccinations does my pet really need?
FAQ
What happens if you don’t vaccinate your dog?
If you don’t vaccinate your dog, they are at high risk of contracting fatal and highly contagious diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and rabies, which can lead to severe illness, death, and expensive treatments. Unvaccinated dogs also pose a risk to other pets and people, as diseases like leptospirosis can spread to humans. Additionally, a lack of vaccination can prevent your dog from accessing certain boarding facilities, grooming services, or travel destinations, and may lead to legal issues, as rabies vaccinations are often legally required.
Can dogs survive without vaccines?
A dog can survive without vaccinations, but it significantly increases their risk of contracting and dying from potentially fatal, highly contagious diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and rabies. While some non-core vaccines can be skipped based on lifestyle, the rabies vaccine is legally required in most areas, and core vaccines protect against severe, widespread, and often deadly illnesses. Without vaccinations, an unvaccinated dog is highly vulnerable, especially in environments where other dogs, possibly infected, are present.
Is it okay to skip the dog vaccine?
Missing a scheduled vaccine dose for a puppy typically does not require restarting the entire series. It is generally safe to administer the missed second shot as soon as possible. Vaccination timing is important to ensure immunity, but slight delays can be managed by consulting a veterinarian.
At what age do you stop vaccinating dogs?