Do you vacinate your dog(s) for Bordetella or Leptospirosis?

[KenworthT600B]

 

 

 

This is our Boston Terrier Abby. She travels with us everywhere we go. When at home in our RV park she loves going up to the beautiful fenced doggie park provided by the resort. Of course once in that environment off lease she and everyone else's pets become exposed to many things that could affect their health such as urine or feces from an unhealthy or sick pet.

 

Knowing Abby's lifestyle and all that she could be exposed to unlike a home bound pet that never shares their space with non-family owned pets our vet vaccinates her for both Bordetella and Leptospirosis, even though we do not typically board her anywhere.

 

As he explained, we would all like to believe that every pet in the resort, state park, or BLM is cared for as well as our own and that they have had their vaccinations kept current. But what assurance do we really have when our pet runs over to greet and play with Fido? We don't. We can control Abby's environment when we walk her on leash, and rarely take her potty or to play where the other dogs have been at rest areas, etc. But the dog park is different and we want her to be able to enjoy that freedom and social gathering. So we do vaccinate for her sake and enjoyment.

 

NOTE: The Leptospirosis vaccine does not prevent all strains of this bacteria but does treat the more common ones our pets may be exposed to while traveling and socializing. You can learn more about it online or from your vet.

[Cyberdave]

Thanks for the heads up! We visit many places and Beagles always have their noses to the ground...

[budeneighe]

We have Katie checked every year with titer tests to determine her levels of immunity to these various things. If her titers show she still has enough antibodies we don't give her that one, again. I have been very surprised at how high her antibody levels have been after 3 years since vaccination. In some cases, her immunities have been 3 or more times higher than what is required. Of course, I get a written statement signed by the vet for those places that want proof of vaccination.

 

Katie is a seizure prone lady and some of these shots can trigger them but the vet said that she titrates her own dog rather than just blindly giving her these shots at prescribed intervals.

 

I know that regular is easier but maybe not better.

[LindaH]

We have Katie checked every year with titer tests to determine her levels of immunity to these various things. If her titers show she still has enough antibodies we don't give her that one, again.

 

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends vaccines no more often than every 3 years. We follow this recommendation and will also have titers done when the 3 years is up (other than for rabies which is required by law).

 

We have given our dogs the bordetella vaccine when one of them was going to doggy day care for half a day. Unfortunately, it doesn't necessarily prevent kennel cough, and he came down with it...we subsequently pulled him from doggy day care. However, we do not routinely vaccinate for either. The only time we would consider it would be if we were to kennel them...and we can't kennel them because most kennels require vaccines be "up to date" which, for them, means every year. We will not over-vaccinate our dogs because kennels are behind the times.

[prabson]

Yes.

[KenworthT600B]

We also agree with the over vaccination issue. We keep Abby on the three year program and have her checked annually. We all know (including many vets) that over vaccinating our canine companions is not good for their health and can shorten their lifespan.

 

It can at times seem like a vicious cycle, but all we can do is try and protect them as best and safely an we can.

[LFDR3116]

Our japanese chin became very ill from the vaccine that contains the lepto. As a result of this, because she is especially suseptible (breed) to distemper, she now has just the distemper boosters used for puppies that does not contain the lepto. After a 2nd reaction to it, the vet also agreed she should not have it again.

[Guest Mary Mary]

Bordatella is important for traveling pets. I always have my yellow lab vaccinated against it.

[TXiceman]

Our two are on the 3 year rabies shots, all of the other annually. They also get the K-9 Influenza shot as well.

 

Ken

[Zulu]

Consider getting a shot for Lyme disease also.

[LindaH]

The lyme vaccine is a non-core vaccine that is "Generally recommended only for use in dogs with a known risk of exposure, living in or visiting regions where the risk of vector exposure is considered to be high, or where disease is known to be endemic." From 2011 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines

 

It isn't a vaccine that should be given routinely unless your dog is at high risk as described above.

[desertranger]

A word here on bortadella. A few years ago Jin had gotten his bortedella shots and about 2 months later he contacted kennel cough in a dog park. I asked the vet about it and she said bortadella shots are a lot like flu shots. They don't always work.