Q: I bought two golden retrievers from a breeder a number of months in the past, and for a fairly penny. The canine are 4½ years outdated. I heard from my veterinarian just lately about my cat being due for an annual checkup and, after I advised her about my new canine, she requested in the event that they had been updated on their vaccines. I forwarded the data to search out out that the 2 canine had solely obtained one distemper/parvo vaccine as puppies and every had obtained two rabies vaccines however one of many canine’s rabies vaccines had expired. My vet advised me that there have been a number of vaccines that had been by no means achieved, and that the rabies vaccine needs to be achieved quickly, in addition to different vaccines. It seems that the breeder is a holistic kind of individual and prompt that I don’t do vaccines in any respect and ask for titers for the rabies requirement or ask for a waiver. What do you advocate that I do? I dwell within the suburbs and my canine are always within the woods and my yard, if not enjoying with different canine on our avenue. I’ve pulled a number of ticks off them as nicely. The canine additionally by no means have had any heartworm or flea and tick preventatives. Is that proper?
A: My normal feeling on the topic is that I respect what folks need to do with their animals concerning vaccines and preventatives, but I do my greatest to teach them as to what I believe is greatest for these pets and let the house owners make knowledgeable selections. However, rabies is a required vaccine for all canine in all 50 states and having titers achieved doesn’t adjust to the regulation. Waivers can solely be granted if the canine has had an adversarial response that might compromise its well being if repeated. This doesn’t appear to be the case since your two canine every had two rabies vaccines beforehand.
Having had just one distemper/parvo vaccine as puppies means that your canine will not be adequately protected at current. Since they work together with different canine, they may get sick. Distemper mixture vaccines, which additionally defend towards adenovirus, parainfluenza and parvovirus are usually given to puppies beginning at 6-8 weeks each three to 4 weeks till they attain 16 weeks of age, after which each three years These are commonplace tips. I might additionally advocate having them vaccinated for Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough) in addition to for Lyme and Leptospirosis, particularly given their dangers of publicity to different canine and the atmosphere. Some of those illnesses might show deadly if not protected towards. Another commonplace of care is testing for heartworm after which utilizing correct preventatives since that is one other horrible illness if contracted and since you may have already seen ticks, which may carry Lyme and different situations, utilizing a really helpful flea and tick preventative looks like a no brainer.
With all due respect, I strongly disagree with what the canine breeder really helpful and agree together with your veterinarian who has the training and, I consider, is aware of much better. I hope this helps. Ultimately, the selection falls again to you.
Dr. John de Jong owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic. He may be reached at 781-899-9994.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”