topic Re: Do you or can you skip vaccinations for 13 yr old dog in Pet Lovers

Do you or can you skip vaccinations for 13 yr old dog

geegerbee — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:11:46 GMT

My vet won't let any clients in right now. They come out to your parked car and take your dog inside. I postponed doing this because I always want to be there to comfort my dog who gets overcome wth anxiety. One of my 13 yr old dogs is due for a 3yr rabies shot and a leptospirosis vaccine. She never leaves our yard. I really don't want to get her the vaccines, but she does need her toenails cut. I don't think they will do that unless I get her the vaccines. What to do?

Re: Do you or can you skip vaccinations for 13 yr old dog

SeaMaiden — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:19:05 GMT

@geegerbee wrote:
My vet won't let any clients in right now. They come out to your parked car and take your dog inside. I postponed doing this because I always want to be there to comfort my dog who gets overcome wth anxiety. One of my 13 yr old dogs is due for a 3yr rabies shot and a leptospirosis vaccine. She never leaves our yard. I really don't want to get her the vaccines, but she does need her toenails cut. I don't think they will do that unless I get her the vaccines. What to do?

@geegerbee No more vaccinations for your old pup!

http://yourpetsneedthis.com/no-vaccines-for-senior-pets/

Re: Do you or can you skip vaccinations for 13 yr old dog

kittyloo — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:18:58 GMT

why not just take her to the groomer for the toenails? usually cost $5 here. we actually have a woman who has a stand alone little kiosk (think coffee drive thru) and all she does is cut nails. always busy there.

Re: Do you or can you skip vaccinations for 13 yr old dog

Lilysmom — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:31:18 GMT

@geegerbee , thank you for posting this. My Lab is 13 next week and Still does walks and swims on our property. When the walks stop, we will atop the vaccines. LM

Re: Do you or can you skip vaccinations for 13 yr old dog

Icegoddess — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:31:22 GMT

I have had my vet write an "excuse" for my elderly cats with medical conditions since my city requires vaccinations. Not that they go around checking as long as you don't have an escape artist. But, my cats are indoor-only.

Some things to consider. Usually, the vaccination appointment is more than that. It is a chance for your vet to get a hands-on look and listen to your pet. Without that, your pet may be harboring some disease that could be easily treated.

Also, although your pet only goes in your back yard, how secure is your backyard from other animals including wildlife which may harbor rabies? Around here coyotes are an issue, and I live in a suburban neighborhood. They can easily jump a 6-foot fence. I have actually witnessed a fox do so with my fence. Also, there's bats. So, it's not just about your dog staying in the yard, but what he might come in contact with while in the yard.

Even for my cats, there's the chance that they might dart out the door, but luckily, I have not had a problem with my current crew. One loves to it at the screen door and look out and the other greets me when I come in the front door, but he's blind and not very fast.

Re: Do you or can you skip vaccinations for 13 yr old dog

NickNack — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:34:00 GMT

@geegerbee Your Vet will probably start letting clients come in soon if they're wearing a mask. My Vet started allowing that this month. None of my dogs have ever had the leptospirosis vaccine. It's a non-core vaccine and is only recommended for at-risk dogs. My Vet now and vets in the past have never suggested giving it to my dogs. Your dog may not need it. Here is an excerpt from the akc.org website:

In the United States, Leptospirosis is in the environment because it is carried in rats, wildlife, as well as domestic livestock. More cases are seen in late summer and fall and often after heavy rainfalls. Leptospira is known to exist in standing water, dampness, and mud. Winter conditions tend to lower the risk because Leptospira do not tolerate freezing temperatures.

Pets can become infected through contact with urine of infected animals such as raccoons, skunks, rats, feral cats, dogs, and other animals. Often, dogs contract the disease by swimming in stagnant water or drinking contaminated water in puddles.

Re: Do you or can you skip vaccinations for 13 yr old dog

tends2dogs — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:32:32 GMT

@geegerbee Skip the vaccinations. I would find another way to get your dogs nails clipped.

We are taking our guy in next week for a check up and blood work. I asked right off if we could come in with him. (I wouldn't have gone if we couldn't) Anyway, she said absolutely we could come in and wear a mask. She said it is too traumatic for the pet to not be with the pet parent. Of course, this is a holistic vet that we go to. We are having a rabies titer done on him at this time. He is exempt from vaccinations because he had a bad reaction from the last one. He has reactions from every chemical he has ever been given such as heartworm. It says right on the package of the vaccines that they should only be given to a healthy animal. I wonder how many unhealthy animals have been vaccinated, not to mention several at one time........TOO MANY!

Re: Do you or can you skip vaccinations for 13 yr old dog

beach-mom — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:38:26 GMT

@geegerbee wrote:
My vet won't let any clients in right now. They come out to your parked car and take your dog inside. I postponed doing this because I always want to be there to comfort my dog who gets overcome wth anxiety. One of my 13 yr old dogs is due for a 3yr rabies shot and a leptospirosis vaccine. She never leaves our yard. I really don't want to get her the vaccines, but she does need her toenails cut. I don't think they will do that unless I get her the vaccines. What to do?

@geegerbee - I just asked DH (a veterinarian). He said don't skip the vaccinations. They can get sick easily and you don't want that to happen. FWIW.

Re: Do you or can you skip vaccinations for 13 yr old dog

on the bay — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:52:32 GMT

@geegerbee -

If it was me, I wouldn't. I think your instincts are right.

And for toenails have you tried the battery operated dog nail trimmer?

You can get from Bell and howell or Chewy.com and other sites as well.

We used it on our dogs.

Re: Do you or can you skip vaccinations for 13 yr old dog

MoonieBaby — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 22:07:59 GMT

Hi @geegerbee

My indoor only cat Shadow is fully vaccinated...I only do so as a precaution, he never goes out, I have to literally step over him if I go out the back patio sliding glass doors...

but that said, if I happen upon a feral or stray in distress, I know me & it will be in my home & thus exposing him (at least until I can get it help).

However - I'm going to agree with the other folks - get the nails done in a groomer and forego the vaxxes for now, your ol poochie has you watching over her closely...I am more than sure she will be just fine.

Re: Do you or can you skip vaccinations for 13 yr old dog

tends2dogs — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 01:21:54 GMT

@geegerbee There are vets out there that don't push shots on their clients and will still see them for a check up, etc. I have and have had other vets that know how I feel about over vaccinating and have never pushed it and still cared for my pet.

I have been to two different vet hospitals for different reasons, non emergency. I was never asked if my dog's shots were up to date.

It isn't about the health or safety of the pet. It is about money. If it is about the health, either they didn't pay attention that day in class or they aren't teaching the responsible thing to do. But then again, vet schools are funded by the pet food companies and the pet med companies.

I know you will do the right thing for your dog. All the best.

Re: Do you or can you skip vaccinations for 13 yr old dog

meem120 — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 01:39:01 GMT

My groomer will not groom dogs that don't have a rabies shot. I have to bring in the certificate when she gets vaccinated

Re: Do you or can you skip vaccinations for 13 yr old dog

GoneButNotForgotten — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 04:34:33 GMT

@meem120 wrote:
My groomer will not groom dogs that don't have a rabies shot. I have to bring in the certificate when she gets vaccinated

Mine too, and I'm glad she insists on it. Who know what previous animals have brought in with them?

Re: Do you or can you skip vaccinations for 13 yr old dog

candys mine — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 09:21:31 GMT

Groomer. But they may not do it without proof of Rabies vaccination.

Re: Do you or can you skip vaccinations for 13 yr old dog

Still Raining — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 17:26:49 GMT

I learned the hard way with a toddler and a neighbor's elder dog who didn't have rabies vaccines any more.

No doubt the dog didn't appreciate a two year old, but it was not a pleasant story. Doctors may report bites.

Dont put your dog through this.

Re: Do you or can you skip vaccinations for 13 yr old dog

Dazlin — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 15:30:25 GMT

We stopped vaccines at age 12. She does continue to take heartguard.

Re: Do you or can you skip vaccinations for 13 yr old dog

furbabylover — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 23:36:00 GMT

At your pup's age I would avoid vaccines. As far as nails go, Chewy.com has a great pair of clippers for faint-of-heart owners that are really easy to use. I thought I could never cut my fussy baby's toenails, but took the plunge with this inexpensive clipper and it was way easier than I thought. The clippers are by a company named Frisco, they have Japanese blades and green rubber handles. They cost about $11.