Vaccinating or titrating in dogs: a conscious choice
More and more dog owners and professionals are critically considering the standard vaccination policy, including us! While annual vaccination used to be the norm, attention is now growing for titering: measuring antibodies in the blood to determine whether a dog is still protected. In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of vaccination versus titering, and why titering is a valuable and responsible choice for many people, particularly when it comes to DHP (Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvo).
What is titering?
Titering is a blood test that measures the amount of antibodies against certain diseases. For dogs, this is mainly applied to the so-called core diseases distemper (Distemper), hepatitis (HCC) and parvovirus.
If the test shows that there are still sufficient antibodies present, vaccination is not necessary at that time. After all, the body has already built up protection.
Why choose titering?
The premise of titering is simple: only vaccinate when necessary. This has several advantages.
An important advantage is preventing overvaccination. Many vaccines provide protection that lasts longer than one year. By vaccinating annually as standard, there is a chance that a dog will be vaccinated more often than necessary. Titing prevents this.
In addition, titering provides insight into the dog's individual resistance. Every dog is different. While one dog is still sufficiently protected after years, another dog can lose antibodies more quickly. Titering makes customization possible.
The immune system is also less stressed. Vaccinations put the immune system to work. Although this usually goes well, it can lead to side effects in some dogs. Vaccinating only when necessary puts less strain on the body.
Finally, titering fits within a conscious and substantiated way of acting, in which decisions are based on measurements instead of standard protocols.
Are there also disadvantages to titering?
Although titering has many advantages, there are also points of interest.
A disadvantage can be the price. A titer determination is often more expensive than a vaccination. However, in the longer term it can actually save costs by preventing unnecessary vaccinations.
In addition, titering is not available for all diseases. It is mainly used for DHP. Other vaccinations, such as kennel cough or leptospirosis, usually do not titrate, so a different assessment remains necessary.
Acceptance can also play a role. Not all boarding houses, dog schools or events accept titer results as an alternative to vaccination certificates, which can sometimes be difficult in practice.
Why some vaccinations are deliberately not given
In addition to DHP, additional vaccinations are available. More and more owners are consciously choosing not to administer this as standard.
Reasons for this may be that the disease is rare in the immediate living environment, that protection is relatively short-term or that the effectiveness of the vaccine is considered limited. The risk of side effects can also be more important in the decision.
This choice always requires a careful assessment per dog and per situation. What is appropriate for one dog does not have to be appropriate for another.
Titering as part of customization
Titering is in line with a broader development within animal health, namely customization instead of standardization. By looking at the individual dog, such as age, health, living environment and vaccination history, a well-considered plan can be drawn up.
The goal always remains the same: a healthy dog with sufficient protection, without unnecessary strain.
Conclusion
Titing for DHP is a valuable instrument for those who want to consciously handle vaccinations. It provides insight, helps prevent overvaccination and contributes to an individual approach to health. At the same time, it requires knowledge, good guidance and sometimes practical considerations.
Vaccination and titration do not have to be opposites, but can go well together in a well-thought-out strategy that focuses on the well-being of the dog.
If you want to know whether titering is suitable for your dog, it is wise to be well informed and make a choice that suits your vision and the needs of your animal.
Below you will find the current results of our dogs that are titered:
| Name | Last titerdate | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Beer | Protected for 3 years | |
| Dax | Protected for 3 years | |
| Fina | Protected for 3 years | |
| Lumi | Untested |
