I have a question if anyone can help - My brother and his wife have recently moved into our house and have bought their four year old Westie with them, their dog is the brother my Westie Angus.   I am slightly concerned that their dog has not been vaccinated in about two years, whereas Angus has.  My friend has recently come across a dog owner whose pet has caught a virus from an unvaccinated dog, do you think I should be concerned?

I would be grateful for any of your comments?
Jackie

Jackie,
I wouldn't be concerned if the dog has been healthy.  There is much research now pointing towards vaccines lasting at least 3 years (if not more).  Not everyone vaccinates yearly.

I spoke to my vet the other week about vaccinations. My youngest is due her booster. He said that they only vaccinate every 3 years, except for leptospirosis. That is the one that is done yearly, though it only lasts for approximately 3 months So why bother? If it is only lasting 3 months then your dog is unvaccinated for 9 months until it is done again. :( I've also heard that it is not reccommended to give a bitch a vaccination just before a season, due to the hormones being completely haywire.

Check out this link:

http://www.doglogic.com/vaccineinfo.htm

I think it will put your mind at ease.

The only dog at risk would be the unvaccinated one, not yours.

There are so many ins and outs about vaccines, so many people believing different things, that the way I personally see it is that everyone has the right to do what they feel is right. Me, I vaccinate mine yearly and at least then I know mine are safe even if unvaccinated dogs are around and I'm happy with them having the vaccines. My dogs have three times been in contact with unvaccinated dogs that ended up dying, two of parvo, one of distemper. My own dogs were fine.

Many thanks for all your comments - it certainly has put my mind at rest!
Jackie