Annual pet shots not necessary

Michael Wynne took his dogs Oscar and Chilli for their annual vaccination yesterday.

Allan Reinikka

WHEN it comes to Oscar and Chilli, owners Michael and Amanda Wynne never miss a health check.

And that includes regular vaccinations.

But recently the practice of yearly dog vaccinations have come under scrutiny with experts saying it may be causing health issues and unnecessary costs.

Mrs Wynne said she takes her Chihuahua cross dogs to Alma Street Veterinary Hospital every year and yesterday’s visit was no different.

“They are very spoilt,” she said.

“They get cooked chicken for dinner – they are like our babies.”

But Oscar and Chilli, who weren’t very impressed with their needles yesterday, will have to make room for one more family member when Mr and Mrs Wynne welcome a baby boy at the end of the month.

Yesterday Alma Street Veterinary Hospital owner Greg Muir said yearly vaccinations were not necessary in all instances.

He said the traditional standard practice now depended on a number of factors and frequency varied between animals.

Mount Morgan professional dog trainer and boarding kennel proprietor Ross Allan agreed, stating the yearly vaccinations were excessive and could be detrimental to a dog’s health.

He said about seven years ago he embraced a new protocol that suggested vaccinations were needed only once every three years.

Mr Allan said this in turn would also cut down on vet costs.

Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, with 63% of households owning a pet.

It’s estimated Queensland pet owners will fork out $19.5 million each year on their furry friends, with a third on veterinary care.

The policy of the Australian Veterinary Association states vaccination should be done as frequently as necessary.

Mr Muir said the frequency of vaccinations should be discussed with your vet and would depend on your dog’s activities, such as if it regularly stayed at boarding kennels or how often it interacted with other animals.

He said at his practice a three-yearly vaccine was available, but some owners still opted for a yearly dose.

He said the idea behind the three-yearly vaccines was to reduce associated side effects.

“But the side effects are extremely rare anyway – I can count reactions on one hand. More dogs die from not being vaccinated than being over-vaccinated.”

However, Mr Muir said the initial two puppy vaccines and first yearly vaccine for a new pet were vital.

He said after that owners had more of a choice now.

Owners also have the option of getting their pet’s titre levels checked through a blood test which determines their immunity levels.

Yearly general check-ups are still recommended, however.