shot requirements (clean, vet, cleaning, surgery)

[123catlady]

My dog is about 5yrs. She has seen 3 different vets. The first one gave her all her first two yrs of shots and spayed her. The second vet was more of a holistic vet, he recommended staying away from optional shots. Don't know what those were tho. Not rabies I guess.

So we move to a new town, I bring all her records in and they say she needs her rabies (which I knew) and here are these others optional things. I just stuck with the rabies. Went in again 3wks ago for rabies and they recommended have a teeth cleaning. They quote me the price and I save up to have it done. When I call to make the appointment they say 'oh she needs her rabies' I'm like she just got it when you gave me the teeth cleaning estimate -duh. I figure they just hadn't updated things yet. I go in for the appointment this morning after having my dog fast all night. The lady we see is telling me that my dog needs these others shots if we want to proceed with the cleaning. They were another $70. (bordatella & parvo)

We left. I don't know if she was thinking she had me over a barrel or what. If my girl really needed the shots why was I not told at the rabie appointment or when I called to schedule the cleaning? I'm pretty mad. If she legitimately needs the shots I get it. Shouldn't I have known/been told before the morning of?

This is not my first visit with this vet, the cleaning would have been my dogs 3rd visit. And last year I spent over a $1000 on my cat there.

Frustrating. So can anyone tell my the required or mandatory shots my dog really needs?

[latetotheparty]

i transport a LOT of rescue dogs, so my own dogs are kept up to date on all of their vaccinations.... rabies, distemper, parvo, etc. etc. .... but i don't do kennel cough (bordatella) because a dog can still come down with it even after having been vaccinated.... it's sort of like a human cold virus.... so many mutations and variations that it is impossible to protect against them all.... that said, my dogs' immune systems are in great shape, so i don't worry about kc all that much.....

[Va-Cat]

Originally Posted by 123catlady

My dog is about 5yrs. She has seen 3 different vets. The first one gave her all her first two yrs of shots and spayed her. The second vet was more of a holistic vet, he recommended staying away from optional shots. Don't know what those were tho. Not rabies I guess.

So we move to a new town, I bring all her records in and they say she needs her rabies (which I knew) and here are these others optional things. I just stuck with the rabies. Went in again 3wks ago for rabies and they recommended have a teeth cleaning. They quote me the price and I save up to have it done. When I call to make the appointment they say 'oh she needs her rabies' I'm like she just got it when you gave me the teeth cleaning estimate -duh. I figure they just hadn't updated things yet. I go in for the appointment this morning after having my dog fast all night. The lady we see is telling me that my dog needs these others shots if we want to proceed with the cleaning. They were another $70. (bordatella & parvo)

We left. I don't know if she was thinking she had me over a barrel or what. If my girl really needed the shots why was I not told at the rabie appointment or when I called to schedule the cleaning? I'm pretty mad. If she legitimately needs the shots I get it. Shouldn't I have known/been told before the morning of?

This is not my first visit with this vet, the cleaning would have been my dogs 3rd visit. And last year I spent over a $1000 on my cat there.

Frustrating. So can anyone tell my the required or mandatory shots my dog really needs?

Here is an excellent article that will give you the guideline you are looking for.

Canine Vaccinations: A Summary of Which Vaccines are Needed by Your Dog and Which are Not | Suite101.com

[Sco]

The only shot required by law in most areas is the rabies. Depending on jurisdiction this can be an annual or typically an every third year requirement.

Combo vaccines (DHPP, DHLPP, etc) used to be given annually. More vets and pet owners are opting to do these every other year, on the three year cycle or even just the single series when the dog is young. I personally give my dogs this injection myself every third year, the cost is very cheap online or at an aminal supply store. If your vet charges more than $25 for this shot, you are getting ripped off.

Bordatella is a waste of time and money, I would only do this if necessary for boarding the animal.

Keep in mind that some vets are in business to take care of animals and some are only in business to make money. IMO, must haves for a dog are an annual exam, rabies/DHPP every three years and heartworm preventatives. You can tell very quickly when a vet is using your sentiment to pad their bank accounts. I suggest you find a good vet that understands that you want to provide your animal with good care but presents you with all of the options in accordance with your budget.

[skelaki]

Originally Posted by 123catlady

My dog is about 5yrs. She has seen 3 different vets. The first one gave her all her first two yrs of shots and spayed her. The second vet was more of a holistic vet, he recommended staying away from optional shots. Don't know what those were tho. Not rabies I guess.

So we move to a new town, I bring all her records in and they say she needs her rabies (which I knew) and here are these others optional things. I just stuck with the rabies. Went in again 3wks ago for rabies and they recommended have a teeth cleaning. They quote me the price and I save up to have it done. When I call to make the appointment they say 'oh she needs her rabies' I'm like she just got it when you gave me the teeth cleaning estimate -duh. I figure they just hadn't updated things yet. I go in for the appointment this morning after having my dog fast all night. The lady we see is telling me that my dog needs these others shots if we want to proceed with the cleaning. They were another $70. (bordatella & parvo)

We left. I don't know if she was thinking she had me over a barrel or what. If my girl really needed the shots why was I not told at the rabie appointment or when I called to schedule the cleaning? I'm pretty mad. If she legitimately needs the shots I get it. Shouldn't I have known/been told before the morning of?

This is not my first visit with this vet, the cleaning would have been my dogs 3rd visit. And last year I spent over a $1000 on my cat there.

Frustrating. So can anyone tell my the required or mandatory shots my dog really needs?

I follow Dr. Jean Dodd's protocol. Dr-Dodds-ChangingVaccProtocol

The only vaccination required by law is rabies.

[123catlady]

Thank you all. I think I will take our visit as my cue to find another vet.

[MAK802]

This site is great:

Critter Advocacy

[grannynancy]

Many vets and establishments refuse to take dogs in the back unless they have bordatella and, now, flu! I was appalled at a recent visit where my dog HAD to have surgery ASAP and they would not do without a flu shot.