thanks Alan, that was an interesting read,,,,,,,,,,,

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I get puppy vaccs and thats all. I use titre testing occasionally, i won't put unnecessary chemicals into my dogs

So what do you do for the best

I don't vaccinate. My dog runs with countless other dogs a day, she's built up her own immunity. Too much evidence against vaccinating for my liking, yearly money spinners

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all puppies must be vaccinated at 8 and 10 weeks old, to build up their immune system. as they get older the antibodies from their mother dissapear, so you must vaccinate all your puppies and adult dogs. if your dogs are not vaccinated and get a disease like parvovirus, then this could and does potentially kill dogs. the more protected your dog is the better. if you have children then you get them vaccinated against disease to build up their immune system so they dont get ill, so you should do the same for your dogs. all responsible dog owners get their dogs vaccinated, its just another small cost for your dog, if you want them to have a happy and healthy life. dont wait to get your dog vaccinated, because by the time you know that they are ill, it may be too late to help them especially with the main 5 diseases that they can get: parvovirus, canine distemper, rabies, leptospirosis and hepatitis.

i have 2 lovely shihtzu,s girl,s they both have there yearly booster it give me peace of mind that at least if they do come in contact with a sick dog they are protected. i was advised by my vet to give both dogs there booster,s every year because it help them if they need a little help to fight off those little nasty

I dont get my 15 year old done, but my other dog yes.
My mum stopped due to her dog being ill after his booster for a week.

I do not vaccinate my girls every year, but I titre test instead. (tested for immunity) That way I know they are immune and am not risking problems by vaccinating them unneccessarily. It is something I have started doing in the last few years, after looking into it, and so far my older girl (three) has only had her puppy vaccs at 10 and 12 weeks and is still immune.

I don't however, vaccinate or titre for leptospirosis. The reason for this is that the lepto vaccine only protects against 2 of the strains of lepto, yet there are over 50, and dogs have been known to contract at least 10 of them. Also, despite leppto being prevelant in certain areas, it is remarkably difficult for dogs to actually contract. On top of all that, the lepto vaccine only lasts for 3-6 months in a lot of dogs, so for the majority of the year your dog has been vaccinated, it may well not be covered anyway. Lepto is also the vaccine known to cause most problems. I have heard of perfectly healthy dogs dying in the waiting room on the way out after a lepto vaccine.

I don't believe most vets suggest vaccinating yearly for finacial reasons. (vaccine companies are another kettle of fish altogether) It costs me £60 per dog for titre tests, so if I then had to vacicnate on top of that, the vet would be making more money. I think some vets don't really stay as up to date as they should, and some are worried that if owners catch on to this, they may simply not titre test, but stop vaccinating their pets regularly, which isn't good for a number of reasons. The diseases are out there, or some dogs wouldn't stay immune for so long. Dogs being vaccinated or being immune contributes to the 'herd' immunity, which protects other, more vulnerable dogs and dogs which cannot be vaccinated as they have had problems in the past. I can see why people wouldn't want to vaccinate but I can see no reason to not titre test.

There is also evidence of more cancers at vaccination sites in routinely vaccinated dogs, amongst other things.

I have to say i have never thought of anything other than getting the boosters - this thread is very interesting and will certainly make me think twice.
I have never heard of the testing for immunity but this seems like such a better option - then you are only getting done what is needed? Costs don't worry me to be honest I would rather pay for immunity and then a booster if required if it is better for the dog.

Do you get these tests done at the Vets and what is involved

I agree, it is a better option. You know your dog is immune, but aren't risking an adverse reaction ot an unnecessary vaccination.

You get the bloods taken for the titre test at the vets, then your vet will send them away for testing, usually to Glasgow.

Most vets aren't accustomed to titre testing, and some will try and suggest you don't need to do it, just to have the vacc and all will be fine. So be prepared for that. Glasgow charge £18 roughly to test for Parvo, distemper and adeno virus. They don't test for immunity to lepto, so if you wan thtat done it'll have to be sent elsewhere. What your vet charges on top of the £18 for the consult and taking bloods is up to them. Do make sure the vet reads the Gl;asgow price list thoroughly too, some vets try and getteh tests done seperately, which is more, and I have been quoted up to £200 for the titre tests as vets have worked it out wrong.

Hope this helps.