Pet Lovers

[Disneylover79]

How often do you take your beloved pet to the vets for their shots?

I know that my vet tells me every year but I thought I heard you don't necessarily have to go every year...so I would like to hear often you take yours and why...TIA

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

it really depends.

i have 3 indoor cats, and all animals should get their rabies shots every year but i was told that as long as they stay indoors, we can push back their shots. however, they did tell us that they SHOULD get them when possible(it's just so expensive, $85 a cat!!)

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Shots? I don't need no stinkin' shots...

 

[f86sabjf]

I ve heard tha some people believe that all the vaccinations could be the cause of some sicknesses. Not sure if i believe it or not.

 

[Diva of Dragons]

Our 5 cats are 100% indorr and the vet said they do not need shots. He even wrote a letter to that effect to help with our Foster/Adopt licensing process.

 

[Mermaid02]

We take our dog yearly.

If I had an indoor cat I might speak to the vet and see if it was necessary to come in so often.

 

[HeatherH]

My cats get annual exams (although they typically have health issues that bring them in more often) and I'm going to an every three years schedule for routine vaccines. Rabies vaccines are not required in my state for 100% indoor cats, which mine are.

We previously vaccinated every year but after further research I don't see the benefit for two older cats with no exposure to the outside. The vet agrees. Some vets still do vaccinate every year, but there are plenty who say that you can reduce that in certain circumstances.

However, as I said, I DO take them in for a routine exam every year, regardless of whether they are getting vaccines or not.

 

[crz4mm2]

Every year for rabies (required by my county/state). All the other shots, I do myself.

 

[ilovepcot]

Due to frequent trips throughout the year which are usually several hundred miles up and down I-95, I take my dog for his shots yearly. He stays inside with the exception of trips out of state, but have you seen the areas for dogs at the rest stops??? I try to walk him as far away from where other dogs have been but it seems to be of no use. Dog poo as far as the eye can see! It's really what you *don't see* that's the problem. I fear his picking up some type disease this way. In fact, because he goes to a groomer every 6 weeks, he gets a Bordatella shot every 6 months to guard against Kennel Cough. I don't *like* giving vaccinations...they scare me as to side effects and possible illnesses in the future, but in the mean time I fear his picking up "something" without protection. It's hard to know exactly what to do and have peace of mind.

 

[bellebud]

i've always taken all my dogs as often as the vet recommends (i guess once a year?). i also do the heartworm pills as they recommend - when I was a teen, my dog died of heartworm so i just don't skimp on things like that.

 

[MM27]

Here you cannot get their license until they have an up to date rabies shot. I take her whenever she is due. The vet sends a postcard with a list of upcoming shots/tests.

 

[Magic Mom]

We go once a year for a checkup, and if he needs shots he gets them. They love him there, 'cuz (yep I used it) he's sooo awesome.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

My two dogs get their shots yearly. They play at busy dog parks, and they are also boarded in "kennel-free" dog boarding facilities, where proof of current vaccinations are required.

My parents had a small dog (he died last March) who never left his own house and backyard. They chose to only get the rabies shot for him, and not the bordatella and distemper shots. The vet thought it was just fine, because he was never in contact with other dogs.

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

Shots? I don't need no stinkin' shots...

I love this.

 

[mrsstats]

We take the 1x a year for their annual exam and any shots needed are done then.

 

[catgirl]

At least once a year. I feel it's important for shots and checkups.

 

[Art 1]

My wife keeps both dogs up to date with what is recommended by the vet.

 

[Disneycrazy!!]

Some vets have a 3 year Rabies vacc.

We take our dogs every year for the shots. I lost an older dog, at the age of 14 to Distemper, because he was 9 months overdue for shots.

 

[Jockaroo]

I vaccinate as recommended by my vet. We have discussed some of the new thoughts on vaccinations and I know my doctor keeps up to date on all the latest research. I have a great vet. Before my older dogs passed, we did the required (state) rabies, but spaced out some of the other vaccines and opted not to do shots that the dog had a low risk, or should by that age have life immunity. Titer tests can be done to check immunity.

My current dog is younger and is in agility training. She is around other dogs and outside our yard/home environment. She gets rabies once per 3 years (as required by state). Yearly boosters as my vet deems needed. Bordetella nasal every 6 months while she is in training. I am seriously considering running titers in the future. I want my dog protected, but not inject her with needless vaccines. It is like walking a tightrope.

 

[omghidanielle]

Our cats get their shots once a year, but we visit the vet periodically throughout the year. Our girl cat has an issue with excessive cleaning on her one leg and requires Cortisone shots once every 2-3 months. Our boy cat just made a visit to the animal hospital for a possible parasite that the vet assumes he may have gotten by eating something that came in on our shoes (they are indoor cats, FYI indoor animals are not exempt from outside problems!) Neither of them are declawed, and we take them to get clipped every 2-3 months.