No matter how careful you are with your dog, accidents happen — and sometimes they’re costly ones. Just ask Les Kaciban of Ashburn, Virginia, whose Komondor puppy Charlie swallowed a corn cob and required emergency surgery to remove it.

The bill came to a whopping $3,600. It was a good thing that Kaciban had pet health insurance. His out-of-pocket expenses came to an easier-to-swallow $1,000, while his insurance policy covered the difference.

Pet owners today face higher veterinary costs than ever. The American Pet Product Association, a trade organization based in Greenwich, Connecticut, reports that because technological advances in procedures for pets, like hip replacements, physical rehabilitation, and chemotherapy, have become more available, spending for veterinary services for dogs have exploded to an average of $407 per year for surgical procedures and $248 per year in routine wellness visits.

A pet health insurance policy can help defray those costs, explains Kristen Lynch, executive director of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. This financial risk-management tool can make the difference between affording health care for your dog — and not.

Insurance Benefits and Drawbacks

Pet health insurance has its benefits, says Carol McConnell, DVM, vice president and chief veterinary officer at Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. in Brea, California. “It gives dog owners freedom,” she says. “It’s less restrictive for them. They don’t have to make a medical decision for their baby based on cost.”

Among its other benefits, notes Lynch:

• Pet insurance protects a dog’s family’s finances against unforeseen medical costs, offering them peace of mind knowing that they have resources should their pet become injured or ill;

• Pet insurance gives people the confidence to take their pet in for veterinary treatment without hesitating or waiting before a medical condition worsens;

• Pet insurance allows the veterinarian to provide pets with top-notch care and practice the most advanced medical treatments; and

• Pet insurance helps the dog live a longer, healthier life.

“Pet insurance is designed to be used,” Lynch says. “When people wait to take their dog in for medical care, it ends up costing more — especially with pets that are so good at hiding their illness.”

Of course, pet health insurance policies have their limitations, too. Depending on the type and its fine print, certain conditions may be excluded, such as pre-existing illnesses, anything related to pregnancy and/or birth, some routine treatments like parasite management and dental maintenance, and the purchase price of the dog if she passes away after a certain age.

At the time of underwriting, insurers may also look at factors like the dog’s age, whether she’s purebred or a mixed breed, and where she lives, Lynch says.

“And there are waiting periods, too,” she says. “Typically, there is a 48-hour wait for accident insurance, and a 14-day wait for policies that cover illnesses as it takes a longer time for illnesses to manifest.”

Demystifying Insurance

The pet health insurance process works similarly to human health insurance, says Emily Pointer, DVM, medical coordinator and staff internist at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City. After choosing a plan that works best for their pet, policyholders pay a monthly premium and are responsible for co-pays and deductibles when they take their pets to the vet, she says.

“One important difference between pet and human health insurance is that even if the pet owner has insurance, she is usually responsible for paying the cost of veterinary care at the time of service,” Dr. Pointer says. “The pet owner then submits a claim for reimbursement.”

The process usually looks like this:

• Visit your vet (providers usually allow you to take your dog to any licensed vet).
• Pay your vet bill.
• Submit a claim to your insurance provider.
• Your provider looks into your receipt, visit details, and vet records and pays out the claim according to your policy.
• You receive reimbursement from your insurance company.

Sounds pretty straightforward, right? Well, selecting a plan is where it can get complicated.

A dozen different companies provide health insurance plans for pets, and each one has its own range of policies and premiums. When comparing them, first think about the type of coverage that fits your situation the best.

Coverage Options

In general, policies cover three distinct categories, says Lynch: accident, illness and wellness. Accidents include unexpected injuries, like Charlie’s corn cob meal that required emergency surgery; illnesses include diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, like diabetes or urinary tract infections; and wellness (also termed routine or preventative care) includes vaccinations, laboratory work and dental work.

Insurers often combine the different types of coverage in their plans, Pointer says. “And then there is a price difference as well. The more a policy covers, the more expensive the premium,” she says.

Think of it like good-better-best policies, Lynch says.

Selecting Insurance Plan Variables

On top of that, many insurers allow you to customize some or all of your plan variables. For example, with SPOT Pet Insurance, you select the deductible, annual limit, and reimbursement rate. Other providers may have a pre-packaged recommendation or requirement for the variables within their plans. Pet parents can think about how much involvement they want to have in building their policy and let that help them narrow down which provider to use.

The deductible in dog insurance works the same way as in human health insurance: you’ll need to meet your deductible before you can be reimbursed. Once the deductible is met, you’ll be reimbursed up to the percent defined in your policy. A low deductible could be $100, and a high deductible could be $1,000. The options available for deductibles depend on the insurance provider.

For annual limits, insurers typically offer lower-end coverage of less than $2,000, mid-range coverage in the $2,000 to $3,000 range, higher-end coverage in the $3,000 to $5,000 range, and unlimited coverage, “which is like the Cadillac of pet health insurance,” she says. “Sixty to 80 percent of policyholders have mid-range coverage. That’s because if a pet has to stay overnight for treatment, for example, it can cost about $2,000 or $3,000.”

For reimbursement rates, dog owners can expect to get 70, 80, or 90 percent back on eligible claims. Again, some providers will have a set reimbursement amount while others allow you to choose your deductible when you set up your policy. Premiums vary depending on the deductible, annual limit, and reimbursement rate.

Something else to consider when choosing a policy: Whether the provider has a cap on particular conditions, like $500 for kidney disease or $1,000 for foreign body surgery; a set percentage that it will pay of the overall cost, such as 70 percent of the bill for a foreign body surgery; any per-incident maximums; or specific policies regarding coverage of chronic conditions, Pointer says.

“There may also be restrictions for hereditary or genetic conditions if you have a purebred dog,” she says. “So be sure to read the fine print of each policy.”

Become Pet Insurance Savvy

Deciding whether to invest in pet health insurance and can be a painstaking process. But with some careful research and reading of various policies’ fine print, you can choose the one that’s right for you and your dog.

“It is very important for pet owners to be well informed about this complicated subject before picking a policy,” Pointer says.

Cesar Millan is the chairman of SPOT Pet Insurance, and that’s who ensures his pack. They share his mission of creating healthier pets, better humans, and a better planet.

What are your thoughts on health insurance for your dog?

Considering health insurance for your dog? We can help!

The post How Does Dog Insurance Work? appeared first on Cesar's Way.

But before you balk at the high price of a procedure or treatment, take a look at these cost-saving tips.

Consider Pet Insurance

Pet insurance helps pet parents pay for emergency vet visits using a model similar to human health insurance with deductible and reimbursement rates. So, for example, if your dog eats candy and needs a $400+ procedure to flush it out, you would get reimbursed $360 by a pet insurance plan with 90% reimbursement (if you’ve met our deductible). Unlike human health insurance, pet health insurance doesn’t have in-network boundaries, so anyone can sign up and keep going to their regular vet.

When you shop for a pet insurance plan, understand what the coverage you are buying includes (and what it excludes). Coverage inclusions vary by provider and by the plan you choose. For example, Accident-Only and Accident & Illness plans cover a different range of visits. Some pet insurance companies have options to add on Preventive Care coverage, too, which helps you pay for routine visits.

Pet insurance plans are often customizable, so you can influence your premium based on the variables you select for your pet’s coverage. You can also get a multi-pet discount with some companies like SPOT Pet Insurance.

Shop Around

If your dog requires a particularly high-cost treatment or procedure, don’t settle with the first quote you get. Different facilities may charge vastly different amounts. For example, you may be quoted anywhere from $300 – $600 for an abdominal ultrasound for your dog—for the exact same service and the exact same dog.

Remember, you can do your own research. Look up “dog ultrasound cost” in your area and see if you can get an idea of the average cost. Then call and talk to the vets that come up near you. If you find that your regular vet isn’t the best option, you can choose another facility for the procedure and then have the results forwarded back to your vet of choice.

Stay on Top of Preventative Care

By taking your dog in regularly for wellness checks, you can catch an issue early — before it develops into a more dangerous (and more expensive) problem. For most dogs, an annual check-up is enough, but for those with ongoing health issues and seniors, every 6 months is recommended. Although it varies by breed, a dog is generally considered a senior at 7 years old.

Having your dog spayed or neutered and keeping your dog up-to-date on vaccinations are important parts of effective preventative care. If you anticipate your dog will need a lot of routine care (teeth cleanings, spaying, vaccinations), you might want to revisit the idea of getting a pet insurance plan with preventive coverage added on.

Try a Veterinary College

The students need training, so they often offer basic services at a discount for those in financial need. Services may include check-ups, vaccinations, and basic procedures, such as spaying and neutering.

Contact Your Local Rescue Group, ASPCA, or Humane Society

They may offer discounted services as well, or they may be able to direct you to resources in your area.

Reach Out to Animal Welfare Charities

There are many organizations, particularly breed-specific groups, that may help pay for emergency veterinary treatments. There are also other organizations that assist with general vet bills, as well as fund treatment for specific diseases.

Sign up for a Plan with Your Vet

Some veterinarians offer payment plans to help you cover high-cost procedures slowly over time. Others may offer preventative plans that include a number of services, such as office visits, vaccines, diagnostic tests, and even dental cleaning, for a set monthly fee, as well as discounts on all other procedures required. Also find out if your vet accepts a medical-care specific credit card, like CareCredit — which can be used for human medical bills as well. In many cases, your vet can process your application on the spot.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle for Your Pup

One of the best ways to save money at the vet: create healthy practices at home so you don’t need to visit the vet as often!

Dogs that are obese or overweight are at a higher risk for many medical issues. You can help prevent these by feeding your dog a healthy diet, avoiding high-fat treats, and providing regular exercise. At the ideal weight, you should be able to see your dog’s waistline from above, but not be able to see her ribs from the side. As a bonus, those regular walks can help you stay fit, potentially reducing your medical costs as well!

Tell us some of the ways you save money on dog care.

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Here Are Some Things to Consider When Choosing a Veterinarian

Ask for Personal Recommendations

One of the best ways to find the right veterinarian is to ask your friends and family members for recommendations. Other families with pets in your area may know some good veterinarians to check out, so that should be the first place you look for advice.

Find a Veterinarian with an Expertise in Treating Dogs

Veterinarians are not all created equal. There are different types of veterinarians that specialize in working with different types of animals, and some of them may have more experience treating cats, rabbits, or other types of non-canine animals. You will definitely want to work with a veterinarian who has an expertise in treating dogs specifically, so ask about how much experience they have with dogs before you get started.

Look for Licensed Personnel

Although most people would assume this would be a given, that is not always the case. Make sure that veterinarian really is licensed in your state and also see if some of the other workers are licensed, because there are also registered veterinary technicians. You can ask to see their licenses or contact your state board of veterinary medicine for more information.

Inquire About Their Approach to Pets and Medicine

A veterinarian is not just there to administer medication, but to provide care for the entire being. Vets tend to have different approaches when it comes to pets and medication. Have a brief discussion with your potential vet and see what they think about wellness and prevention issues when it comes to dogs. If they are not on the same page with you, then you should keep looking.

Consider the Cost and Location

If an emergency situation occurs, then you will need to be able to get to the vet’s office quickly. Try to find a veterinarian that is less than an hour away from you at the most. Costs can also vary depending on the vet, so see if their prices fit into your budget before you commit to them.

Both You and Your Pet Should Be Comfortable

Being comfortable around your veterinarian is important because you should be able to tell them everything about your dog. The same thing applies to your dog because they should also feel at ease around the vet. Some initial discomfort around a vet can be normal for some dogs, but signs of anger, fear, or distress toward a vet is certainly a red flag that you should move on.

Look for a Clean Facility

Have a look around the facility and notice the level of cleanliness. If the place seems a little dingy or dirty, then that is also a sign to move on. Since it is a medical facility, it should be just as clean as a hospital for humans.

Personal referrals are a great way to start the search, but you should still spend some time to get know the vet and staff first. Ask about their background and experience, and then see if they hold views similar to yours on medical treatments for pets. Make sure that both you and your pet are comfortable with the vet and facility. The veterinarian will play a significant role in your pet’s life, so keep looking until you find the right one.

The post How To Choose The Right Veterinarian For Your Pet appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Corinna Waters

Standish, Wigan UK

Read Dr. Kristy Conn’s Advice

Canine atopy is a common disease of dogs where they become sensitized to environmental allergens by producing an excess immune response to the allergen. It is a frustrating disease because there is no real cure but it can be managed. The main clinical signs associated with atopy are those which you have described including pruritus, alopecia, thickening of the skin, licking the top of their paws and chronic ear infections. Since he is allergic to house dust and you have been taking pains to minimize exposure with no improvement then perhaps other allergies are coming into play here. It is common for multiple allergies to be present.

Food allergies cause the same clinical syndrome and if you have not done so already I would recommend a food trial for three months. Select a food with one protein source and one carbohydrate source that your dog has never been exposed to such as lamb and rice and duck and potato. Be sure not to give any treats or rawhide during the food trial. If a food allergy is present you may see improvement in clinical signs after the first four weeks. If clinical signs improve, continue to feed this particular diet however if there is no improvement it is safe to go back to feeding him his regular food.

Another common allergy is flea bite hypersensitivity. A single flea can cause these allergic reactions so treat your dog and his environment for fleas. Monthly spot-on treatments available at your veterinarian are very effective at keeping fleas off your dog but do not neglect the environment as well. Only 10 percent of the total flea population in an infected household will actually be on the dog. The other 90 percent exist as eggs and nymphs in the environment. So treat the environment by washing his bedding, vacuuming and consider use of an indoor treatments such as foggers if you suspect a flea population may be contributing to your dog’s problems.

Supplementation with fish oils can help decrease the amount of immune response to an allergen and may help his coat grow back. A wide variety of supplements containing omega fatty acids are available for dogs promoting skin health. Ask your veterinarian which brands are recommended. Consider using frequent cool baths and hypoallergenic shampoos such as oatmeal shampoos to help remove offending allergens and quiet the skin. If you do not already have one adding an air purifier can help decrease the level of dust in the house and during cleaning keep him away from rooms being cleaned for at least one hour to minimize dust exposure.

Due to the severity of his allergies I believe your best bet would be to find a veterinary dermatologist. They can perform serologic allergy test and intradermal skin testing to see if your dog has other allergies that need to be addressed. Medications such as antihistamines and corticosteroids may be prescribed to break the itch-scratch cycle. He may also benefit from immunotherapy which works by using gradually increasing doses of the offending allergens in order to induce hyposensitization. It doesn’t work in all cases but does provide improvement in 60 to 80 percent of cases so it is something worth checking into.

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Vet visits are an essential part of every dog’s life, if only for routine check-ups and yearly vaccinations. With a little careful preparation they needn’t be traumatic — for your dog or you! If you can make your puppy’s first vet visit relaxed, she won’t develop anxiety about future appointments.

Your puppy should be comfortable with being touched. Dogs aren’t naturally comfortable with having their tail lifted or their belly, feet, and nails touched. Find a time when your puppy is relaxed and calm and get him used to these actions. If it’s something that he becomes accustomed to with you, he’ll feel more at ease at the vet’s office. Here are some steps you can take to make it easier for both of you.

1. Check Your Own Anxiety

On the day of the visit, it’s really important that you remain calm because your dog will pick up on any tension. Even if you have to fake it, put on a happy face and try to keep everything cheerful. As much as possible stick to your regular routine.

2. Calming Scents

Remember: dogs think through their noses. Lavender and some other natural scents are known to have a calming effect. Spray some in the back of the car or on a cushion or towel to take with you. It doesn’t hurt to have some on your hands too.

3. Take Some Car Rides

Don’t use a carrier that you only bring out for trips to the vet! Instead, leave it out somewhere in the house so your dog will become familiar with it and won’t hide the moment he sees it. If your dog isn’t used to being in the car, take several short trips beforehand — preferably ones that end with a fun event, like a walk in the park.

4. Use Treats

Have your pet’s favorite treats on hand to encourage him. These will be more effective still if your pup is a little hungry. If possible, hold off on his regular feeding before you go.

5. Resist Petting

If your dog gets nervous during any part of the vet visit, resist the urge to pet him and tell him everything is okay. This will only reinforce his nervousness because he’ll think you’re rewarding his behavior.

6. Have An Early Visit

If possible it’s a good idea to take your pup to the vet’s office before the day of the appointment to let him become familiar with the waiting room. Remember, a veterinarian’s office is full of strange scents. An early visit will give him a chance to get used to them without any negative association.

7. Stay Aware of Symptoms

Do your part. Remember, dogs can’t talk to the doctor. Make a list of any symptoms you may have noticed — from loss of appetite to difficulty walking, a change in his bark, or anything else that seems out of the ordinary.

8. Ask Questions!

Think of any questions you have for the vet before you go to the appointment — and be sure to ask them. Keep your own record of vaccinations so you can be sure they’re all up to date.

Lastly, don’t be shy! If your vet prescribes medication or a course of treatment, ask her to demonstrate the correct way to administer it.

Have tips of your own? Tell us your secrets for a peaceful vet visit.

The post 8 Secrets To Stress-Free Vet Visits appeared first on Cesar's Way.

But even in times of economic uncertainty, you can find ways to care for your loyal companion without breaking the bank! Let these 11 tips serve as a checklist for ways to save.

Medical Expenses

If money becomes scarce, unexpected medical issues can present quite a problem. But just as you might take out an insurance plan for yourself or other family members, pet health insurance can help you carefully budget ahead of time the money that will go toward day-to-day healthcare, as well as any unforeseen problems that might arise in the future.

Grooming

If you don’t already have a groomer you trust, consider checking local shelters or youth programs that may hold “Pet Washes” as fundraisers. And when push comes to shove, a bath at home followed by a towel dry and gentle brushing can be a wonderful way to show your dog affection after a long walk!

Low-Income Dog Licenses

Some areas offer low-income families a leg-up on the fees involved in licensing their family pet in order to encourage them to register with the city. By filling out a few simple forms, you could be eligible to receive a discounted license for as little as $6!

Vaccinations

For vaccines that need to be administered annually, such as those for rabies, see if any of your local animal shelters offer clinics where those vaccines might be offered for less than they would otherwise.

Spay/Neuter Services

In an effort to curb the overpopulation of pets, many organizations offer professional spay/neuter services absolutely free for families that cannot afford the procedure. For more information on these programs, visit SpayUSA.org.

Food

Be consistent in the portions you give to your dog and never give in to begging for extra meals or dinner table scraps. Overfeeding will burn through your stores of food faster, and a dog that’s overeating is at a greater health risk than one on a

balanced diet.

Dental Care

You don’t have to spend much to keep your dog’s choppers pearly and white! Prevention is key. Consult your vet to determine the method of DIY teeth cleaning that best suits your dog.

Clip Coupons!

Coupons are available in your local Sunday supplements for just about everything you could want, including dog food and even toys. And newsletters for dog lovers (ours included!) occasionally run promotions for products in the form of exclusive coupons.

Join the Club!

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has a list of the National Clubs for many pure breeds of dog. Many of those clubs offer financial assistance programs to owners of those dogs.

Get ID

According to MSNBC, recent recessions have spurred a rise in pet theft. Purebred and designer dogs are at higher risk, but no matter what kind of dog you have, make sure he doesn’t go missing by always keeping ID tags on, and microchipping.

Have a Heart-to-Heart with Your Vet

Ask the staff in your vet’s office about what financial aid programs, discounts, or deals are available in your area for people with your specific needs. It’s a safe bet that they will have some ideas for you – they’ve been down this road many, many times!

The post How To Care For Your Dog On A Budget appeared first on Cesar's Way.

When you bring a dog into your life, you are responsible from that day forward for his dog nutrition, dog safety, dog health and dog care. But finding a stellar veterinarian doesn’t just happen by accident.

Here are some helpful tips for choosing the right vet for you and your dog:

Communication

Get the family together for a conference. Share your thoughts about what qualities in a veterinarian are important to all of you. Make a list of questions and concerns to ask every vet you interview. Also get references from breeders, shelter and dog rescues or other dog owners.

American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Accredited

Investigate the veterinarian’s education and experience. Does the clinic or hospital have AAHA approval? Although many excellent clinics are not AAHA members, such membership does ensure a certain level of medical care.

Community Involvement

Does the veterinarian get involved with the community? Do they invite dogs and owners to visit the clinic and staff socially, during times of wellness as we as need?

Philosophies

Ask the veterinarian about their philosophies. Do they mesh with yours? How does the veterinarian respond to your own question and concerns about canine care? Does this seem like someone with whom you’ll be able to communicate?

Access to Medical Information

Whether from a doctor or a technician, see if you can get timely answers to your medical questions. If your pet is hospitalized, can you call as often as you want for updates?

Medical Equipment/Services

A good hospital should have access to x-ray, ultrasound, dentistry, in-house lab tests, IV pumps, blood pressure, and eye pressure monitoring, as well as the ability to send out labs and refer to specialists. And also inquire about any areas of health care that are specific to your pet. Does the doctor offer those special dog care services?

Open Access to All Areas

Ask for a tour of the hospital. A good hospital is going to be proud of their facility and want to show you everything. There is one exception: a medical procedure being performed that requires privacy.

Interaction

Observe how the veterinarian interacts with the animals in the clinic. Do they project calm-assertive energy? If possible, introduce the veterinarian to your dog in a casual, friendly manner—long before you go for a visit. Be sure to sense the energy of your dog around the veterinarian to see if he is comfortable around them.

Vet Techs and Assistants

Do they seem knowledgeable about and sensitive to animals? Ask about the longevity of the medical and nursing staff. Staff members who feel empowered to do good medicine and nursing care tend to stay with a practice longer.

Hours

You need to be sure that the clinic is open hours that are convenient for you. However, long hours are not as important as good communication and dog care.

Got your own tips? Share them with us in the comments below!

The post 10 Tips For Choosing The Right Vet appeared first on Cesar's Way.

My name is Mark Baldwin, I live in the beautifully scenic province of Newfoundland, Canada, home to the beloved Newfoundland breed! I have owned several Rottweilers over the last ten years and have a delightful young male who is a year old.

Last week we visited our vet on a gastrointestinal problem, and she mentioned hearing a slight murmur. It was barely audible on several attempts with the dog panting, etc. She said it was a ‘one’ on a scale of six and not much to worry about at this time…however, we are worried!

I’m wondering about the consequences and what we should have done in the way of costly tests, ultrasound, etc.? I don’t want to overreact, but at the same time, I don’t want to under-treat our pup.

I’d really appreciate any advice on this.

Sincerely,

Mark

Dear Mark,

I agree with your vet. Most murmurs in young, healthy, active dogs are nothing to worry about. In my patients, I usually begin by checking for anemia and then re-listening in a few weeks to be sure the murmur is consistently there. If there is anemia present, it is usually easily treated, and even with a murmur present on several visits, the only reason to worry would be if there were changes in the heart muscles. An echocardiogram is a painless way to tell you if any muscle changes are present. The most common abnormality found is a mild valve abnormality requiring no treatment. If the murmur is consistently present, this test is well worth running simply for the peace of mind, knowing that there are no problems. In the rare case of a serious abnormality, there are many things that can be done to prevent heart failure for a long time.

-Dr. Weaver

The post Slight Heart Murmur Cause For Worry? appeared first on Cesar's Way.

“I was wondering why you did not mention the Bordetella vaccine. If she brings her dogs to a groomer, dog day care, dog park or boarding facility, they should have this vaccine, especially if they are older because they would be more at risk.” – A. Gros

When I wrote that you need to discuss the “non-core” vaccines with your vet, I did fail to mention the Bordetella vaccine. Bordetella is a vaccine that your vet should help you evaluate, considering the specific risks and benefits based on your dog’s lifestyle. Many grooming salons and kennels do require this vaccine, so you should also be sure that you know when it is required. Thank you for mentioning my omission.

“I just wanted to share this with them if I may thru you. I got pet insurance for my pets. They have different plans, and some of the plans cover some or all of the annual/vaccines. It’s like a well dog check, so to speak. That might be beneficial to this couple. I hope you can forward this e-mail to them.” – D. Day

Thank you for sharing this information!

“I read your column first!  I always enjoy it.  I was surprised and delighted when Cesar brought you into the monthly newsletter. What do you have to say about Bordetella?  I run a boarding kennel  (dogs, no cats) and we have found it difficult to explain this one to  people, because veterinarians often skim past this one when they are  talking about vaccines, even though they talk about seemingly everything else.

I get a lot of calls from people on this subject, and I would like to always refer their questions to their veterinarian, but conflicting information causes such confusion in people. I tell them that you might get different opinions from two different  veterinarians in the same clinic, so they should do their homework, consult the AVMA and AAHA sites for their current protocols, and discuss with their veterinarians the reasons behind their recommendations, but that ultimately, it is YOUR dog,  and the ultimate responsibility falls on the human companion.” – S. Sabatini

In a boarding kennel, kennel cough is one of the most common contagious diseases you face, so vaccination is important to the dogs in your care. For dogs visiting a groomer, it is more debatable as the risk is slightly less. The vaccine is a live virus and can cause a mild form of the disease, so there are reasons to discuss the pros and cons of the vaccine for your dog with your vet. Yes, the vaccine recommendations have gotten complex in recent years, and the only answer is to find a vet that you trust and follow their recommendations. As you said, just as we must choose which vaccines to give our human children, the dog parent must gather information to make the best decision they can for their canine child.

“There has been quite a bit of talk that dogs do not need to be vaccinated annually.  Once they reach two years old and have had all the puppy/adult shots for that time period, I have read they can be vaccinated two to three years apart.  What is your take on this?” – J. Marcus

I am still a believer in following the protocols laid out by the vaccine companies. Three year recommendations are becoming more popular, but I have seen individuals who possibly did not have protection that long with older vaccines. There are now vaccines for distemper and parvo (and even rabies in some states) that are tested and labeled for three year use. These are the vaccines I give to my own healthy dog and most of my patients.

“It seems you really skirted the issue of the need for annual vaccines, since many vets are now saying vaccines may be needed only every three years and annual vaccines may even be toxic to small pets.” – J. Rambo

Regardless of the dog’s size, there is a huge controversy around the frequency of vaccines. Studies disagree whether vaccines do induce many of these illnesses, but I believe I have seen immune mediated problems initiated by vaccines in my patients, and any of my patients who have immune mediated diseases get titers done for the rest of their lives. As I said in the article, every owner should discuss their individual risk factors with their vet. Vaccines have saved many more lives than they have ended, but as in all things, there is a balance to be established. Before the introduction of three-year vaccines, I recommended titers to most of my patients. Unfortunately they are much more expensive than the vaccines, so many people choose vaccines despite the risk. I have to say that distemper is more likely to kill a dog than immune problems, so if a client refuses titers, I do feel the need to protect them. The three-year vaccine has helped some with that, but I still do recommend titers to many individuals. (As I said in the article, rabies titers are a little more controversial, because they provide little to no legal protection). I truly don’t intend to skirt the issue, but the truth is that nobody knows with absolute certainty what the truth is. If money is not a concern, I believe that titers are still the way to go after the initial puppy series and possibly a one-year booster. This is what I do for my fifteen-year-old dog. However, to show you all sides of the issue, there are specialists who feel that titers are not truly indicative of protection and should not be trusted.

“…If you deny that there is a financial incentive to pretend annual vaccinations are necessary, you need to get out in the real world. I can’t tell you how disappointed I am in your response to the question asked about annual vaccinations in Cesar’s monthly newsletter.  You are devastatingly wrong. I have lost respect for Cesar and certainly you for these antiquated and profit-driven opinions you profess.” – D. Stricker

As far as the financial incentive to vets to continue yearly vaccines: if you feel that your vet’s preventative health protocol is motivated by money, then you should find a vet with whom you feel more confident. My intent in the article was to share my belief that vaccines are only a small part of a lifetime preventative health program. In my practice, vaccines are so inexpensive that there is no financial advantage to me in giving them. We are more interested in care for the whole dog, and there are no cookie cutter answers.

Thank you for encouraging me to delve more into the controversy that is vaccines!

-Dr. Weaver

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