Dog Vaccinations

[indieanna86]

Hi All,

I've decided I'm going to sign my 4 year old border collie up for agility training, but one of the requirements of the training centre is that you bring an up to date vaccination certificate.
He had all his injections as a pup, but hasn't had any booster shots since (just to add, he is technically my parents dog, I remind them each year about boosters but they never 'get round to it') So I've taken it upon myself to pay for the vaccinations myself.
What I'm wondering though, is whether he will just need a booster shot, or if he'll need a full course from scratch because he hasn't had any for so long...?

What do you all think?

I'm absolutely itching to take him to the classes, he's so energetic and I think he'd have a ball!

Thanks!

[paraffin]

Hi indieanna:

Sounds like you might be joining in yourself with such enthusiasm!

You'll need to have him innoculated one way or another and my guess is that a booster jab will do the trick. But as you'll need to take him to the vet for that anyway, that's the person who'll be able to let you know for definite.

The agility club will expect to see his innoculation certificate and they won't let him join in without it being in order.

Hope you and the mutt have a wonderful time!

[lankeela]

As he is so out of date most vets would want to do the full course, which is two jabs two weeks apart, so make sure he is booked in in time for you to start the course.

Personally I never have adult dogs done after their puppy jabs, as I don't believe they need it and there can be problems caused through vaccinating when they don't need it. I am surprised the club insists on it, as I know a lot of people who do agility and obedience as well as showing who do not innoculate adults. After all, he is not a risk to other dogs, it is him who is at risk if he is not up to date. Also many vets now acknowledge that vaccinating every year is not necessary, every three years is fine but some also agree it is not necessary once done as puppies. I'd phone the organisers and ask them, and tell them that you prefer not to give your dog unnecessary innoculations. You could ask the vet to do a titre test, which tells them the level of antibodies in the blood, and if they are adequate, he would not need vaccinating.

[wolf63]

I adopted my last dog when he was 5 years old. When I took him to the vet to be vaccinated they just gave him his boosters as they felt that would be enough.

As lankeela says new thinking is that is is not necessary to vaccinatate each year.

See what the vet says (mention the test to check for antibodies) and take it from there.

My vets practice is brilliant and I am always satisfied with the service and haven't yet burst out crying at the cost of the bill.

Have fun - that is wha having as dog is all about.