[SamIam]

Originally Posted by MaxaLisa

There is absolutely no reason to vaccinate a senior dog that has regularly received vaccines. I wouldn't even titer. http://germanshepherdhome.net/forum/....html#Post1598

Hope she is still doing well!

14 year old dog, belongs to a family member. Received all vaccines on schedule until last year. Last year titered instead, titer adequate. This year inadequate.

In areas where parvo and distemper were formerly thought gone, shortly after the trend of 3-year vaccines instead of annual, both diseases have popped up. It is true that some dogs after having received puppy shots and vaccines until the age of 2-3 years proceed to pass their titers up to 7 years past their last vaccination and beyond. It is also true that they may fail them as little as 12 month past their last regular vaccine, and at that point they are susceptible to the diseases.

The distemper/parvo vaccine titer is a moderate expense, and if your dog tests as inadequate, a decision can be made whether to risk a vaccine or keep the dog carefully isolated from possible exposure. The rabies vaccine is another story altogether; the vaccine titer is expensive, and legal and travel regulations may or may not accept a titer certificate in lieu of a vaccine cert.