A “titer†is a measurement of how much antibody to a certain virus is circulating in the blood at that moment. Titer testing takes blood from your dog annually to test his level of immune defenses to replace the annual vaccinations, some of which may not even be needed depending on where you live.
If a dog has satisfactory levels of vaccine titers, the dog is considered sufficiently immune to the disease and doesn’t need further vaccination against the disease at that time.
Lyme Disease Map-Click to enlarge
For example, Lyme disease vaccination; ticks carrying the Lyme disease pathogen can be found in only a few regions of the United States.
Another common vaccine that is unnecessary protects against “kennel cough,†an often mild respiratory disease contracted during boarding or dog shows. This is the bordetella vaccine.
According to Shultz, professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine, over-vaccination can actually jeopardize a dog’s health and even life. Side effects can cause skin problems, allergic reactions and autoimmune disease.
“These adverse reactions have caused many veterinarians to rethink the issue of vaccination,†says Schultz. “The idea that unnecessary vaccines can cause serious side effects is in direct conflict with sound medical practices.â€
Schultz says that core vaccines, or the ones that protect against life-threatening disease, are essential for all dogs, yet he does not recommend dogs receive these shots yearly.
Related Articles:
Schultz: Dog vaccines may not be necessary (news.wisc.edu)
Take the Titer Test (whole-dog-journal.com)
Shots You Can Administer to Your Dog (clancyaussiedoodles.wordpress.com)
In-Office Titer Test for Dogs: Test Before Revaccinating (dogs4dogs.com)
14 states Have Passed Molly’s Law. It Allows Dogs That Have Had A Reaction To The Rabies Vaccine Or Are Immune Compromised To Be Exempt From Having To Get The Vaccine (reikiforallcreatures.com)
