Vaccination, Titres & NoSodes

Understanding Dog Vaccinations: A Clear, Neutral Guide for Pet Owners

Vaccination plays an important role in preventative healthcare for dogs. As nutrition professionals, we don’t give veterinary advice or make medical recommendations — but we can help owners understand general terminology, common protocols, and the factors many people consider when discussing vaccination with their vet.

This guide offers a simple overview to support informed, vet‑led decision‑making.

Core Vaccinations Often Discussed With Vets

DHP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus)

• Many vets now follow guidance recommending DHP every three years.

• Research suggests some dogs may maintain immunity for longer.

  
  

Leptospirosis (Lepto)

• Commonly given annually.

• Considered important because leptospirosis is zoonotic (can pass between animals and humans).

• The L4 vaccine covers 4 strains, though multiple variants exist in the environment.

  
  

Kennel Cough (Canine Cough)

• Often offered annually, especially for dogs attending group environments.

• Like human cold viruses, multiple strains exist, so protection varies.

• Households with immunosuppressed individuals should discuss suitability with their vet.

  
  

Practical Considerations for Pet Owners

Boarding, Daycare & Field Hire Requirements

Many facilities require proof of certain vaccinations for licensing or insurance reasons. Common examples include:

• DHP for most licensed boarding facilities

• Leptospirosis in some council‑regulated settings

• Kennel cough may be requested, and some facilities ask for a short waiting period after vaccination

Always check individual facility policies.

Insurance Policies

Some insurers require dogs to be vaccinated, while others simply exclude conditions considered vaccine‑preventable. It’s best to confirm details directly with your provider.

Titre Testing & Vaccicheck

Some owners explore antibody testing before deciding on boosters. These tests assess whether a dog still has measurable antibodies to DHP.

• Laboratory titre tests can be more costly.

• Vaccicheck is a more affordable in‑practice option used every three years by some owners.

• Many boarding and daycare facilities accept Vaccicheck certificates as proof of immunity.

Only a vet can interpret test results and advise on next steps.

Avoiding Unnecessary Boosters

For owners who prefer to minimise vaccination frequency while still ensuring protection:

• Titre testing or Vaccicheck can help determine whether immunity is still present.

• This is especially useful after puppy vaccinations, as early vaccines don’t always result in full immunity.

  
  

Outdated Advice on Annual DHP Boosters

DHP is no longer routinely recommended annually in many modern protocols. If you receive conflicting advice, you can ask your vet about current BSAVA or WSAVA guidelines to ensure you’re working with the most up‑to‑date information.

Supportive Approaches Some Owners Explore

Some owners choose to use complementary approaches around vaccination, such as:

• Homeopathic remedies (see below)

• Botanical blends (such as River & Wren Botanical Detox Blend)

• General nutritional support (check out our supplements list for supplements to help a calm "Digestive Routine")

These should always be discussed with a vet, especially if your dog has underlying health concerns.

Veterinarian Dr. Lise Hansen, author of The Complete Book of Cat & Dog Health, discusses the use of homeopathic remedies such as Thuja in the context of supporting dogs around vaccination.

Owners interested in this approach should consult a homeopathic vet or refer directly to Hansen’s book for guidance on dosing protocols.

Nosodes: What to Know

Nosodes are homeopathic preparations sometimes discussed as an alternative to vaccination. It’s important to note:

• They are not supported by clinical evidence for disease prevention.

• They are not accepted as proof of immunity by boarding, daycare, or field hire facilities.

• Titre testing or Vaccicheck remains essential for confirming immunity.

  
  

Final Thoughts: Making Informed, Vet‑Led Decisions

• Understanding vaccination schedules and available alternatives helps you have confident conversations with your vet.

• Titre testing and Vaccicheck can help avoid unnecessary boosters while ensuring your dog remains protected.

• Complementary support can be explored with veterinary guidance.

• Every dog is different — your vet is the best person to help you decide what’s appropriate for your individual dog.