Vaccination, Titres & NoSodes

Vaccination is an essential part of preventative healthcare for dogs. Understanding timelines, risks & alternatives helps pet guardians make informed decisions about their dog's well-being.

📌 Core Vaccinations for Dogs

✔️ Distemper, Hepatitis & Parvo (DHP)

🐾 Previously annual, now recommended every 3 years (since ~2021).

🐾 Some dogs may retain immunity for a lifetime, reducing the need for frequent vaccination.

✔️ Leptospirosis (Lepto)

🐾 Still requires yearly vaccination—no known antibody-level test exists.

🐾 Zoonotic illness—can spread from animals to humans, but the vaccine reduces transmission rather than prevents infection

🐾 L4 vaccination covers the 4 main strains, though multiple variants exist.

✔️ Kennel Cough (Canine Cough)

🐾 Annual nasal vaccination, similar to human cold viruses with multiple strains.

🐾 Some dogs experience mild symptoms post-vaccine.

🚨 Immunosuppressed households should consult a vet before administering of this.

🧐 Should You Vaccinate?

⚠️ Considerations Before Vaccination:

✔️ Boarding & Daycare Regulations:

✅ Proof of DHP vaccination is required for most licensed facilities

.✅ Some councils mandate Lepto vaccination as a licensing condition.

✅ Kennel cough vaccination isn't mandatory but may be requested—some facilities require waiting 1–2 weeks post-vaccine.

✅ Some secure field hires also request vaccination proof.

✔️ Situations That May Require Vaccination:

✅ Higher-risk dogs (puppies, immunocompromised, senior pets).

✔️ Pet Insurance Considerations:

✅ Some insurers won’t cover non-vaccinated dogs, while others only exclude vaccine-preventable illnesses (e.g., Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Lepto, Kennel Cough).

📌 Check with your insurer for specific policy details.

🐾 Making an informed choice about vaccination ensures your dog's best health protection.

🚫 Avoiding Over-Vaccination

✔️ Titre Testing – Evaluates DHP immunity levels before vaccinating.

📌 Standard titre testing costs hundreds (lab sample required).

📌 Vaccicheck is a cheaper alternative (~£50) done every 3 years before vaccination to check if booster shots are necessary.

🐾 Many daycare, boarding & field hire facilities accept Vaccicheck certificates instead of proof of vaccination.

🐾 For pet guardians choosing NOT to vaccinate:

✅ Vaccicheck/titre testing ensures immunity levels are sufficient—especially after puppy vaccinations (as early vaccines don’t always succeed).

💉 Outdated Advice on DHP Annual Vaccination

📌 DHP vaccines are NOT required yearly—they are recommended every 3 years.

⚠️ Some vets & insurers still recommend outdated yearly boosters—always verify current protocols from BSAVA and WSAVA.

📌 Insurance should only exclude Distemper, Hepatitis & Parvo if your dog isn’t vaccinated—confirm coverage details with your provider.

🟢 Supporting Your Dog Through Vaccination

✔️ Homeopathic Support:

📌 Dr. Lise Hansen (The Complete Book of Cat & Dog Health) recommends Thuja to mitigate vaccine side effects.

📌 Ideally consult a homeopathic vet, though Thuja can be purchased independently (instructions found in Hansen's book).

📌 Consider River & Wren Botanical Detox Blend for post-vaccination support (6 weeks).

🧐 What About Nosodes Instead of Vaccination?

❌ Nosodes are homeopathic remedies covering DHP & Lepto, but lack clinical trial evidence supporting their efficacy.

📌 Titre testing or Vaccicheck remains essential to verify immune protection.

📌 Nosodes aren’t accepted as official vaccination proof at boarding, daycare, or field hire facilities.

🐾 For informed pet guardianship, regular Vaccicheck/titre testing ensures responsible vaccine decisions without unnecessary boosters.

🐶 Final Thoughts: Making the Best Vaccination Choices

✔️ Understanding vaccination frequency & alternatives helps balance health protection & safety.

✔️ Titre testing/Vaccicheck prevents unnecessary boosters while ensuring proper immunity.

✔️ Homeopathic & detox support can minimise side effects post-vaccination.

🐾 Every dog is unique—making informed decisions ensures their long-term health & well-being!

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