Intervet makes Continuum DAP which is being marketed as the only 3 year USDA approved vaccine. It is pricey compared to the vaccines most vets are using. However, we know that the old standby vaccines (vaccine titers have proved this) can also provide a long duration of immunity—3 years or longer! So, in my opinion the only reason to pay more for this vaccine is if you are determined to use a 3 in 1 combo.

I try to only get non-cores, however, the DHPP is the closest I can find at ANY local vet I’ve called. Could you please share who makes this vaccine so we can tell our vets “YES, the DHP does exist – and here’s the manufacturer.” Because none of the offices I’m calling seem to believe me.

Thanks!

A reminder to all my readers: I offer a 15 min phone consultation to anyone who reads any of my books and still has questions. Just send me an email with the subject: I read your book!

In fact, Dr. Jean Dodds, (founder of Hemopet/Hemolife and vaccine researcher), argues that hepatitis is so rare that it simply does not pose a significant health threat to our domestic dogs. In fact, Dr. Dodds has taken a rather controversial and bold stand in that she no longer supports routine vaccination for hepatitis. Her opponents argue that this virus can still be found among wildlife (coyotes/wolves) which could infect the dog if exposed.

Hemolife, a division of Hemopet, is a diagnostic laboratory offering its services to veterinarians worldwide. Ask your vet to contact Hemolife for more information on titer testing:

http://www.hemopet.org/services.html

At Hemolife, the total cost of both a distemper and parvo titer is $36.50. This does not include the costs of transportation or blood collection by your vet. At your vet’s office, expect to pay anywhere from $65 to $75. This is still a bargain when you consider the money you will save once you prove that your dog has protective antibodies—making re-vaccination unnecessary. Not to mention that your dog can dodge another vaccine bullet!

And remember that Dr. Donald Schultz, an expert in veterinary immunology, has pointed out that dogs properly immunized (positive titer tests) maintain lifetime immunity to hepatitis, distemper, and parvovirus.

Reality check: reports of adequate titer levels proves there is no need to continue titer testing unless it makes you sleep better at night. Done deal!

When you do a titer test, is that a panel which tests titers of each of the diseases the animal was vaccinated against, or do you do titer tests separately for each disease?

It no doubt varies from vet to vet, but can you tell me what the approximate cost is to titer test? I wish I could say that money wasn’t an issue, but with rescue it often is.

Thanks again for the information.

For folks like you in rescue (picking up adult dogs and not knowing their history), I recommend that you vaccinate with a single DHP. There is no need to booster that vaccine—as we do with puppies that may have maternal antibodies that can interfere with the vaccine up until the age of 12-14 weeks.

Keep up your commendable rescue efforts I say: Please DON’T SHOP when you can ADOPT!