“Should My Dog Get Vaccines Every Year?”

Understanding Core Vaccines, Legal Requirements & Lifestyle-Based Care

Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have to protect pets from serious — and often fatal — diseases. But it’s completely normal for pet owners to ask:

“Does my dog really need vaccines every year?”

At Three Rivers Animal Hospital, our answer is thoughtful, individualized, and based on science, safety, lifestyle, and the law. Let’s break it down.

🩺 What Are “Core” Vaccines for Dogs?

Core vaccines are those that protect against highly contagious or life-threatening diseases and are recommended for the majority of dogs.

We consider the following core canine vaccines:

💉 Rabies
🦠 DHPPL4 (Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis)
🗣️ Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

⚖️ Rabies: Required by Law

Rabies is the only vaccine required by law — but it’s a very important one.

📍 In St. Tammany Parish, rabies vaccination is required regardless of lifestyle.

Required for all dogs
No titer can replace the rabies vaccine
Protects pets, people, and the community

Rabies is fatal once symptoms appear, which is why this vaccine is non-negotiable.

🐕 Why We Recommend Annual Core Vaccines

Even if your dog seems “low risk,” many pets are exposed more than owners realize.

Vaccines are highly recommended if your dog:

Visits dog parks
Goes to grooming or boarding facilities
Attends daycare
Interacts with other dogs
Travels with you

We require core vaccines for any pet:
✔️ Boarding
✔️ Grooming
✔️ Drop-off appointments

This helps protect your pet and every other pet in our care.

🧪 What About Titers Instead of Vaccines?

We understand that some owners prefer to limit vaccines when possible.

At Three Rivers Animal Hospital:

✅ We can run titers for Distemper and Parvo
✅ We will accept a protective titer in place of revaccination for DHPPL (Distemper/Parvo components)
Just a quick blood pull and we can have your pet’s titers drawn and sent out to our reference lab.
❌ There is no titer option for Bordetella
❌ Rabies cannot be replaced by a titer due to legal requirements

Titers are a great option for some pets, and we’re happy to discuss whether they’re appropriate for yours.

🗓️ What About 3-Year Vaccines?

Yes — 3-year vaccines are an option for certain core vaccines.

If you’re interested:
✔️ We’re happy to discuss 1-year vs 3-year options
✔️ Decisions are based on age, health, lifestyle, and risk
✔️ The rabies vaccine schedule must still follow legal guidelines

Our goal is to tailor care — not take a one-size-fits-all approach.

🐱 What About Cats?

Vaccination recommendations vary by lifestyle — even for cats.

🐾 Core Vaccines for Indoor-Only Cats

💉 FVRCP (Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia)
💉 Rabies

Even indoor cats can be exposed through:

Open doors or windows
New pets
Humans bringing viruses into the home

🌿 Outdoor or Indoor/Outdoor Cats

For these cats, Feline Leukemia (FeLV) is considered core, in addition to:

FVRCP
Rabies

FeLV is spread through close contact and can be devastating.

🐾 What About Senior or Aging Pets?

As pets age, vaccine decisions become more nuanced — and that’s where medical judgment matters most.

At Three Rivers Animal Hospital:

We evaluate lifestyle, exposure risk, and overall health
We review medical history and past reactions
One of our doctors can make individualized recommendations or exceptions when appropriate

Preventive care should protect your pet — not overwhelm them.

🐾 What If My Pet Has Had a Vaccine Reaction?

Vaccine reactions can happen — and when they do, we take them seriously. At Three Rivers Animal Hospital, every pet’s vaccine plan is tailored to their individual history and how they’ve responded in the past.

Not all reactions are the same, and neither is our approach. to their individual history and how they’ve responded in the past.

💉 Mild Reactions (Soreness or Lethargy)

Some pets may experience:

Temporary soreness at the injection site
Mild fatigue or stiffness

For pets that tend to be very sore after vaccines, we often:
✔️ Provide a few days of pain medication
✔️ Adjust injection locations
✔️ Monitor closely after vaccination

These reactions are uncomfortable — but manageable with the right support.

🤢 Feeling “Off” After Vaccines

Some pets feel under the weather for a day or two, which may include:

Decreased appetite
Nausea
Mild vomiting or diarrhea

For pets with this history, we may:
✔️ Give anti-nausea medication
✔️ Space vaccines appropriately
✔️ Recommend supportive care at home

Keeping your pet comfortable during recovery is a priority.

🚨 Moderate to Severe Vaccine Reactions

More serious reactions can include:

Facial swelling
Hives
Vomiting
Intense itching
Lethargy

For pets with a history of significant reactions, we often recommend:
✔️ Splitting vaccines over multiple visits
✔️ Pre-medications, including injectable Benadryl and steroids
✔️ Extended monitoring after vaccination

These steps greatly reduce the risk of repeat reactions while still protecting your pet.

🩺 Individualized Vaccine Plans Matter

There is no “one-size-fits-all” vaccine schedule.

We:

Review past reactions carefully
Consider your pet’s lifestyle and exposure risk
Adjust timing, combinations, and protocols
Balance disease protection with safety

In some cases, one of our doctors may recommend exceptions or alternative strategies based on your pet’s health and risk profile.

📞 Always Tell Us About Past Reactions

If your pet has ever had a reaction to a vaccine — even years ago — please let us know.

This information helps us:
✔️ Choose the safest approach
✔️ Prepare medications in advance
✔️ Monitor appropriately
✔️ Keep your pet protected without unnecessary risk

Our goal is never to “push” vaccines — it’s to protect your pet safely and thoughtfully. 💜

💜 Our Philosophy at TRAH

Vaccines aren’t about “checking boxes.”
They’re about protecting health while respecting individual needs.

We believe in:
✔️ Science-based medicine
✔️ Legal responsibility
✔️ Lifestyle-based recommendations
✔️ Open conversations with pet owners

📅 Have Questions About Your Pet’s Vaccines?

We’re always happy to talk through:

Vaccine schedules
Titer testing
Legal requirements
Boarding or travel needs
Senior pet considerations

📞 Contact Three Rivers Animal Hospital
🐾 Schedule a wellness exam
💜 Let’s build a vaccine plan that makes sense for your pet