At Metro Dog we require:
• Core vaccines Distemper and Parvo. This is often given as a multiple shot DHPP, DHLP or DHLPP.
• If you choose to have Blood Titer tests instead of revacciating we will accept the positive results as proof of immunity.
• Bortadella is for kennel cough. The vaccine only covers a few of the strains of Canine Cough so it is not a guarantee of protection. The vaccine has minimal side effects and cannot be detected in a Titer Test.
• Rabies is a legal requirement and is good for 3 years.
• External Parasites: Metro Dog requires that you treat your dog for fleas and ticks. Dogs are checked on arrival and will be treated or sent home if fleas and ticks are detected.

Some Information About Vaccines:
Currently there is a great deal of variation between one vet's recommendations and the next as to how vaccination and what vaccines are essential. The controversy about vaccines is seen in both the human and pet worlds as the public and medical communities question and review the traditional practices.

After over 40 years of research two important pieces of information became clear:
1) over 70% of dogs retained immunity more than 3 years after being vaccinated, and
2) they began to see a pattern of diseases linked to vaccinations.

In 2002, The American Veterinary Medical Association's Council on cat and dog vaccines published seven "principals of vaccination" which discussed both the risks and benefits of vaccination and established core and non-core vaccines. This report captures the important concepts surrounding the controversy about vaccination. Here are some key excerpts:

" vaccinations are an important part of preventative medical practices, which are in turn an important part of providing animals with optimal health care..."

"vaccination is a potent medical procedure associated with benefits and risks for animals..."

"individual animals will require different vaccines and vaccination programs..."

"The practice of revaccination of (pets) annually is largely based on historic precedent supported by minimal scientific data. Unnecessary stimulation of the immune system does not result in enhanced disease resistance and may expose (pets) to unnecessary risks."

In 2004 at the American Holistic Veterinary Association Conference vaccine researcher Ron Schultz presented his recommendations based on 30+ years of study. Using a modified live vaccine, he recommends revaccinating  no more than every 3 years and only for the the core diseases - Parvo and Distemper.

He states, "the minimum duration of immunity for the core vaccines except for Rabies is at least 7 years based on titers, thus revaccinating annually will not improve protection."

A blood Titer test can determine if your pet still has antibodies to the disease vaccinated for. In the late 1960's the use of blood Titer tests instead of revaccinating fell out of favor with vets because it is more costly for the pet owner. More recently concerns about possible risks with vaccine use has prompted some vets to use Titer tests to create the best possible program for an individual pet.