Hello,

My two huskies is about for annual check. But one thing that I really concern about it which is annual booster vaccine (not too sure the spelling vaccin or vaccine).

Some background of my dogs: both male ( still a dog) one 5yr old, other 2 yr old. Both are pet dogs rather than working dogs.
Both of them have completed the puppy vaccine courses while ago and did annual booster up to dated.

So, the question is: Should I give them another jab or carry the titer test for them?

Since I have read that some articles said actually mammals do have some degree of anti-body to against certain virus? ( not too sure virus or bateria here)

Do they really need a boost or that is a marketing thing in pharmaceutical industry?

If so, taking the test, when is the best time to having one?

Bonnie

It's always best to titer when possible. I highly believe that the over vaccination of our pets is one of the leading causes of sickness and cancer. My OWN doctor won't vaccinate me without tittering first!

Titer test, duration of immunity lasts longer than a year so there is no good reason for annual over vaccination.

I believe in titer testing for the majority of my kennel....however most race vet checks require up to date vaccination records and do not consider titers to be adequate enough so if I want to continue racing I need to vaccinate.

If you are in a situation where they don't need to be "UTD" then by all means titer test them!

Sheba&Kennedy wrote:

If you are in a situation where they don't need to be "UTD" then by all means titer test them!

Sorry, I am not too sure what does UTD stands for? =D

Thanks for all of your replies

Now I believe in better having the titer test would be more beneficial and meaningful for my four legs friends.

Could I have idea of price to carry out the test perhaps? (I understand price would be different place to place)

UTD = Up to date

UTD stands for 'Up to Date'. Some places require dogs to be UTD on all shots regardless of whether or not they've had the titer test done.

You should check though, some places, like where Pippa goes to daycare occasionally, will accept titer testing in lieu of all shots.

You will have to do your own pricing. I priced around where I live, and it was just crazy. One vet clinic was $80, and another clinic tried telling me it would cost me $300!! BS! All they do is do a blood draw and send it to a lab! Don't let a clinic fool you into thinking you need shell out your savings account for it. A lot of vet clinics (at least ones around me) DON'T want you to do titer testing because they are losing money from you. The more a person gets involved with the holistic side of vet medicine, the more traditional vets start to sweat. I had one clinic that was VERY rude to me and told me that most people just do the vaccinations because titer testing is much more expensive and it is just easier to get the vaccines. When I said I am well aware of that but I don't want to pump my dogs with shots that are proven to be more detrimental then helpful, this vet exploded on me. So don't let anyone bully you around.

Thanks for telling =)

When should I get the dogs for the test perhaps? Just before the vaccine due date? did I get the idea?

Sheba&Kennedy wrote:

You will have to do your own pricing. I priced around where I live, and it was just crazy. One vet clinic was $80, and another clinic tried telling me it would cost me $300!! BS! All they do is do a blood draw and send it to a lab! Don't let a clinic fool you into thinking you need shell out your savings account for it. A lot of vet clinics (at least ones around me) DON'T want you to do titer testing because they are losing money from you. The more a person gets involved with the holistic side of vet medicine, the more traditional vets start to sweat. I had one clinic that was VERY rude to me and told me that most people just do the vaccinations because titer testing is much more expensive and it is just easier to get the vaccines. When I said I am well aware of that but I don't want to pump my dogs with shots that are proven to be more detrimental then helpful, this vet exploded on me. So don't let anyone bully you around.

That's a very handy information. I would really shop around before "buy-in" one.