Thanks for all the opinions and replies! I live in Texas and not having a dog on heartworm preventative pretty much all year around is like sticking 5 bullets in a 6 shooter and hoping that you get the empty. Its very risky all year around because the weather is so crazy here. It will be 30's and 40's for a few days and then back into the 80's so mosquitoes are likely to come out, if only briefly.

I will always do rabies as per the law even though the chance of my dog getting it is slight because of his very limited contact with unvaccinated or wild animals.

Also I cannot image not vaccinating against Parvo as a puppy I've seen poor babies die from this because they were not vaccinated and were exposed somewhere and believe it that their owners regretted not vaccinating. And sure you can isolate pups for a while when they are young but you never know since Parvo is SO contagious and deadly. I wouldn't risk it.

As far as annual boosters for adults. What do you limited vaccine people think about that? And what usually do those boosters include? I might be good with not doing that every year.

As far as heart worm prevention and fleas as well as worms I use Trifexis with Yukon monthly and its great! I hate heart worms and I hate fleas and it prevents both and it has worked great so I continue to use it.

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Like someone else said, heartworm preventative is a forever thing its not a vaccine. Any time a mosquito bites a dog that is not on preventative there is a chance for them to get heartworms.

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We did heartguard monthly for the entire life of our last golden - year round. We camp regularly in the summer so mosquitos are definately an issue. We have a friend that did not and their dog was diagnosed with heartworm at 11 years old
As far as vaccines go - I'm on the fence about what we'll do in the future. Charlie reacted to even the most basic of puppy vaccines. Our new vet has mentioned the bloodwork to check for immunity to see what vaccines need done and that may be the route we go. Luckily we don't have to make any decisions on that until Sept/October of this year. We will get the rabies as it is required by law and I don't want to take the chance on that.

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Proud mommy to Charlie (born 6/6/12)
and my Bristol (10/15/00 - 3/21/12)- gone but never forgotten.

There is no evidence to support this statement. There is one kind of cancer that is sometimes found in cats and very rarely in dogs that is related to vaccine site reactions, but there is no evidence to support such a broad statement as "over vaccination leads to cancer."

In fact, if it prevents a disease that causes long term inflammation, a vaccine might actually reduce the risk of many other kinds of cancer.

The verifiable fact is that vaccines, overall, save many, many more lives than they endanger. Yes, they have risks, and yes, it makes sense to be prudent and not to give them unnecessarily. But because there are some dangers in addition to the benefits, it behooves us to not to exaggerate those dangers.

There have been several recent cases outbreaks of serious childhood diseases in areas in the US where vaccination for those diseases has become less popular. Children's—and dog's—health is put at risk when the dangers of vaccines are exaggerated and people oversimplify the risks.

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I am on the fence about this myself as well..... Personally I think vaccines are pushed and over used by phamacutical companies...$$$$. Vets push them also like Dentists push XRays. It is mostly about the all mighty dollar and they put the FEAR in us ( both Dentists AND Vets) that IF WE DO NOT DO AS THEY SAY the sky will fall..... I think as consumers we need to be EDUCATED.... Both for ourselves and for our loved ones. Do your research... there are vaccines pushed on customers for their pets that may not be specific to THAT pet and the life style it lives. You do not have to have them given all at the same time!! Space them out. If your pet is older... and or... not well... you may not want to give them vaccines at that time. Again become educated.. there is much good info out there both pro and con. This website has a terrific search engine that I use all the time for past threads and just information on any subject you need.

That is an incredibly unfair accusation to throw at vets. First of all, they'd make a lot more money treating dogs for distemper and parvo than they do with a $15 vaccination. Secondly, while I'm sure there's the occasional vet who's in it for the money, the vast majority are in it for the animals.

It is inaccurate, unfair, and downright rude to accuse vets of profiteering with vaccines. If a vet suggests a vaccine, it's because he or she believes it is in the dog's best interest.

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Like with many other things, there is no shortage of varying opinions both here and around the Internet. I trust my vet, and just do what they suggest. I decided to to the Lymes vaccine, because I have two family members who have Lymes, and we spend time out on their land, which is where they likely got it. I can't claim to be an expert, but if the risk of contracting that disease is greater than the risks associated with the vaccine, I'll take the vaccine every time - whether it's for my kids or dogs.

Please don't bring your unvaccinated dogs or kids anywhere near me, my family, or my dog. Thank you.


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Grasslands Liberty Belle "Bella" CGC (5-7-2012)

It wasn't withdrawn for safety reasons, it was for financial reasons:
Why Your Dog Can Get Vaccinated Against Lyme Disease And You Can’t | WBUR

The clinical data do not reflect any of the harmful side effects that became urban legend.

Sorry- I do not think this statement is unfair at all. BE EDUCATED. Not all vets are ethical just like not all doctors or dentists are ethical. A consumer must be on their game these days and go in knowing what is what and what they need AND TO ASK MANY QUESTIONS. Yes there are many good vets out there. There are also many who work for profit first.

She had an actual sarcoma??? That's a big scary thing with a BIG surgery to remove all the "fingers" of cancer and most likely chemo. Maybe it was just an inflammatory nodule? Those are very common and go away on their own.

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Sarah

Ruby: Topbrass Ravishing Ruby CDX, RAE, JH, AX, OAJ, XF, WCX, CCA, VC, CGC, TT (8/1/04)
Piper: Topbrass Pipe Dream CD, JH, RA, OAP, NJP, WC, CCA (7/19/09)
Sage: Prime Time Sage RN, CGC (10/27/97-12/2/12)