Insights for your dog's well-being

Core vaccinations are considered essential, as they protect against serious and potentially life threatening diseases such as canine distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus. In the UK, leptospirosis is also commonly included due to its prevalence.

It is extremely important that dogs receive their initial course of vaccinations as puppies, or later in life if immunity has lapsed, to ensure adequate protection.

Non-core vaccines, on the other hand, are given based on a dog’s lifestyle and environment. For example, rabies vaccination is not routinely required in the UK due to strict controls, but it is mandatory for dogs travelling abroad. Similarly, the kennel cough vaccine may be recommended for dogs that are frequently boarded or socialise with large numbers of other dogs. 

Over-vaccination generally refers to administering booster vaccines more frequently than necessary, often yearly, without assessing whether a dog still has sufficient immunity. Traditionally, many dogs received annual boosters, but this approach has evolved as more research has become available.

While vaccines are overwhelmingly safe and effective, like any medical intervention they can carry risks. Most reactions are mild (such as temporary soreness or lethargy), but in rare cases more serious adverse reactions can occur (such as autoimmune responses/conditions, allergy flare ups, seizures etc..)

Titre testing is a blood test used to measure the level of antibodies in your dog’s system. It can help determine whether a booster vaccination is necessary, rather than automatically administering one.  Your vet should be happy to support you through this. 

This approach can be particularly useful for:

• Dogs with a history of adverse vaccine reactions
• Dogs with chronic illness or weakened immune systems
• Owners who prefer a more individualised vaccination plan

For many healthy dogs, titre testing can provide reassurance that immunity is still present without the need for unnecessary boosters.

Titre testing is recommended every three years as per manufacturers guidance of duration of immunity. 

It’s important to note that leptospirosis is different from core viral diseases. Immunity tends to be shorter lived, and titre testing is not considered a reliable method for assessing protection against leptospirosis. 

Because leptospirosis is spread through the urine of infected animals such as rodents and livestock and is present in the UK - annual vaccination is often still recommended, particularly for dogs at higher risk.