L to R - Search and Rescue Dog Association of Alberta

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This article first appeared in the [December 2009] AKC Gazette and is reprinted with permission. To subscribe to the Gazette please go to: www.akc.org/pubs/index.cfm Vaccination Protocols by Jeff Grognet, D.V.M. Jeff Grognet is a veterinarian with a practice in British Columbia, and the regular nutrition and health columnist for AKC Family Dog Thirty years ago, vaccines were simple. Every year you took your dog to the vet, and every year he received the same vaccines. But only two vaccines were available back then – rabies and fiveway. Things soon changed. In 1981, three years after the first devastating parvovirus outbreak, vaccines to curb the epidemic entered the market. Shortly after, we saw vaccines against bordetella, coronavirus, and Lyme disease. We now have vaccines that protect against giardia, new strains of leptospirosis, and even dental disease and rattlesnake bites. With all these to choose from, many dog owners are confused. They don’t know which ones are truly needed or even how often they must be given. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) made headlines in 2003 when it published its vaccination recommendations. They suggested that a number of vaccines are absolutely necessary, but some are only required in unique circumstances, and others should not be given at all. They also recommended moving the ‘annual’ vaccine to every three years. In 2006 they reconfirmed these recommendations. Scent Dog News... 8 The AAHA panel agreed that four core vaccines should be administered to every dog – parvovirus, distemper, rabies, and adenovirus vaccines. They also assigned parainfluenza, bordetella, and Lyme disease to the noncore group. These are only to be used where exposure to the disease is likely. If there weren’t controversial enough, they stated that some vaccines are not recommended. For example, too few dogs succumb to coronavirus to justify vaccination. Even when the disease does occur, it is mild and self-limiting. Leptospiral vaccines have a low efficacy (less then 75 percent), and most do not provide protection against the strains that currently cause disease in dogs. Giardia vaccines are also not endorsed by the AAHA. Though they may prevent shedding of the organism in the urine, they do not prevent infection. The vaccines that protect against dental disease and rattlesnake venom are new to the market. The AAHA takes no position on them. To decide which vaccines to give your dog, you must assess his risk of picking up each disease. One way to accomplish this is to ask your vet when the last time was he saw a case of the disease in question or when it last occurred in your area. Another aspect is physical risk of exposure, for example Lyme disease (Borrelia) is only a hazard if your dog is going to be exposed to Lyme-infested ticks. Similarly, bordtella is only picked up with direct dogto-dog contact. If your dog does not see other dogs on his walks and never goes to kennels, a groomer or daycare, this disease is not a concern. If your dog walks in areas were he can drink water out of ponds, lakes or streams, or go swimming, the giardia vaccine continued on page 9
Vaccines... from page 8 Create a pet emergency might be justified. As well, leptospirosis originates from contaminated urine and can be picked up from water. The vaccine against rattlesnake venom is designed to protect against bites of the western diamondback rattlesnake. It may protect against the bite of the eastern diamondback, but there is question about the Mojave rattlesnake. The vaccine to fight periodontal disease is very new and many vets are unsure of when to use it. Frequency of revaccination has been a hot topic for several years. The requirement for rabies has not changed. They are usually given once to puppies, boosted a year later, and then administered every three years. The booster frequency is sometimes modified to confirm to state regulations. The distemper combination vaccines are different; some vets are uncomfortable extending the vaccine interval past the traditional one year. Others embrace the AAHA recommendation to give the vaccine every three years. Protection from bordetalla only lasts 9 to 12 months so it should be done annually or more often if there is a high risk (such as attending dog shows). When creating a vaccination program for your dog, discuss with your vet what is recommended. Make a reasoned decision based on what your dog truly needs. See the complete AAHA vaccine guidelines, visit - aahanet.org - and click “Resources” and look for “2006 AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines Revised”.• survival kit Adapted from information provided by the Ontario SPCA Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre This kit would be very handy to have on hand in case you find yourself and your family and pets in the midst of any type of natural or man-made disaster. Emergency preparedness officials advocate preparing an emergency kit for humans so one for pets is a great idea. Keep your pet’s kit with your family’s emergency survival kit for quick and easy access (preferably on the top shelf of a closet near your front door, away from the reach of small children). Some things to include are: •72-hour supply of food, bowls, water •blanket and towels •small toy •leash, muzzle, harness •for the cat - litter pan, litter, plastic bags and scooper pet carrier for transportation •copies of medical records, especially •proof of vaccinations •medications and pet first aid kit •current photo of your pet in case he/she gets lost •information on your pet’s feeding schedule, behavioural/medical concerns, and special instructions in case you have to board your pet •list of boarding facilities in your area, hotels/motels that accept pets and friends and relatives that you and your pet could stay with (pets are generally not allowed inside emergency shelters designated for people, with the exception of service animals such as guide dogs) •ID tag (microchip number) •Flashlight Replenish your kit twice a year! • Scent Dog News... 9
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Page 5 and 6: 2010 in Review SARDAA members finis
Page 7: our expectations. Thank you to Expl
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L to R - Search and Rescue Dog Association of Alberta

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