Over Vaccinations?

March 1st, 2008

By Anu Maurya

Vet hospitals and clinics make most of their money from prescriptions and vaccinations. Studies show that these vaccinations weaken the natural immune system, which can leave the dog prone to other illness in the long run.

The antibodies from booster vaccines can stay longer in the dog’s body than the recommended time-period. Blood tests, called “titers” help check the dog’s blood system for these antibodies – if there are enough antibodies still present, then a booster isn’t required.

 

Titer Test
Titer test measures the amount of antibodies in the blood. These antibodies attack and remove antigens (bacteria, viruses, any foreign substance to the body) that are present in the body

In a titer test, a blood sample is collected and checked for the level of immunity. The test determines the strength of the body’s immune response to a disease. If the dog has a normal level, then the dog has a good immunity and doesn’t need a vaccine for that year. If the results are abnormal, the dog isn’t adequately protected from the disease and a booster vaccine will be required.

These tests should be performed yearly to ensure the levels are normal and the dog is well protected from the disease.

Most states require all dogs to have a Rabies vaccine. If you are interested in doing a titer test for your dog, I would suggest you do it for DHLPP. In my experience, it’s best to do titers for an adult dog that is due for the 3-year DHLPP vaccine. Puppies that receive their 1-year booster usually don’t have enough antibodies present in their body after the 1-year time period is over. This will also help offset the costs, as titer tests tend to be more expensive than booster vaccines.

Related articles:
Vaccinations: More Harm Than Good?
Vaccinations…Too Many, Too Often?
Are we vaccinating too much?

Entry Filed under: Health and Nutrition