Annual shots

Question
Hi,

I have a 1 1/2 year old pomeranian weighting 7.5 pounds. She is due for her first annual rabies shot (it will be her second, she laready had her first one), and first annual 5-in-1 booster shot (she already had 3 of them one year ago at puppy age).

Question: Can these two shots be given together at the same time/visit or they should be given in intervals (how long of interval)? Also, does it matter which shot is given first if they should be given separately?

Thank You!
-Michael

Answer
Hi Mike,

There have been changes in vaccine protocols, the once yearly "boosters" should now be given every three years.
You should discuss the new protocol with your vet, so that you don't over vaccinate your dog.

When possible, give individual vaccines, not combinations (some vaccines only come as combinations, and there is no option to give separately.

Vaccination schedules are most effective when based on your dog's age, breed, and lifestyle as well as your geographic location and your veterinarian's advice, than opting for the most antigens in one injection.

If you select a combination vaccine, it's recommend to use the one with the least number of diseases in the vaccine; that would include: Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Hepatitis (Adenovirus).

Because the first vaccine will create a blocking effect and not allow the body to respond to a second or third shot if given a few days later, it is actually better to administer several injections together than to divide the vaccines over time. If you'd like to rotate the vaccines so that they are not all given at once, do it a few weeks after the first vaccine is administered.
Your vet shouldn't charge you for the second office visit, but only charge the cost of the vaccine!

Rabies shots are given separately, but at the same time as the other vaccines.

If you'd like to read more about the new vaccine protocols, go here: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/vacci01.html

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti