While the Leptospirosis (Lepto) vaccine is highly recommended for prevention, alternatives include holistic nosodes, lifestyle management to avoid high-risk areas, and antibody titer tests to check immunity levels. Note: There is no 100% effective alternative to vaccination; it is the best method to reduce severity.

What dog vaccines are not necessary?

Non-Core Vaccines

• Bordetella – Administered every 6-12 months based on your dog's exposure risk to kennel cough.
• Borrelia Burgdorferi – An option for dogs eight weeks of age and older to protect against Lyme disease.

What is the holistic approach to dog vaccinations?

Instead of using the standard one-size-fits-all schedule, holistic vets adjust the timing and frequency of vaccines. Here's how: Only the core vaccines (like rabies and distemper) are given, unless specific risk factors call for more. Boosters are spaced out based on titer test results and risk assessment.

What dogs should not get the Lepto vaccine?

Even though the American Animal Hospital Association recommends vaccination against leptospirosis in some dogs depending on their lifestyle, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine believes all dogs should be vaccinated against leptospirosis, regardless of age, breed, or lifestyle.

Is the lepto vaccine being discontinued?

From February 2025 the Canigen Lepto 2 vaccination will be discontinued by the manufacturer. We will be transitioning dogs who currently receive the Lepto 2 vaccination over to the Lepto 4 vaccination at the anniversary of their annual booster.

Major Changes to Dog Vaccines in 2025: Dr. Jones' Take on NECESSARY Leptospirosis Vaccine

Do holistic vets recommend the Lepto vaccine?

In general, I do not recommend giving dogs non-core vaccines. Non-core vaccines include: para-influenza, Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough), Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme), and leptospirosis. It”s important to note that bordetella, lyme and lepto vaccines have a very short immunity duration (3-6 mos.)

What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The "7 7 7 rule" for dogs is a puppy socialization guideline, originally by Pat Hastings, suggesting exposing puppies to 7 different people, 7 different locations, and 7 different surfaces/objects/sounds/challenges (variations exist) by about 7 weeks old to build confidence, resilience, and prevent fear or anxiety as adults. Key experiences include meeting diverse individuals, visiting different places like a vet's office or friend's house, walking on various substrates (grass, tile, carpet), and encountering new objects and gentle challenges (like tunnels or boxes).
 

What is the 3 2 1 rule for vaccines?

The "3-2-1" rule is a guideline for monitoring lumps at feline vaccination sites, indicating a lump needs veterinary investigation if it's still present 3 months after vaccination, is larger than 2 cm, or is growing larger 1 month after appearing. This rule helps identify potentially dangerous injection-site sarcomas, rare tumors that can develop in cats, prompting biopsies for suspicious masses. 

What happens if I never vaccinate my dog?

If you don't vaccinate your dog, they become highly vulnerable to deadly and contagious diseases like Parvovirus, Distemper, and Rabies, risking severe illness, expensive emergency treatments, or even death, while also posing a zoonotic risk to humans and other pets and potentially leading to legal issues for mandatory vaccines like rabies.

What are the side effects of the leptospirosis vaccine for dogs?

Yes, it's true: the lepto vaccine can cause more reactions than other common vaccines — especially in small breed dogs. But it's important to understand the full picture. Most reactions are mild and short-lived: slight soreness, tiredness, or a low-grade fever.

Which dog vaccines are absolutely necessary?

Absolutely necessary dog vaccines (core vaccines) protect against deadly, common diseases and include Rabies, Canine Distemper (D), Adenovirus (Hepatitis - H), Parainfluenza (P), and Parvovirus (P), often combined as DHPP or DAPP, plus Leptospirosis, depending on location/risk. These are essential for all dogs due to the severity and prevalence of these illnesses, with Rabies often legally required.

Is Lepto a required dog vaccine now?

As of 2024, the leptospirosis vaccine is considered a core vaccine for dogs. This means it's now recommended for all dogs, regardless of lifestyle.

At what age is a dog not trainable?

This question is a common one, and the short answer is simple: a dog is never not trainable. While the popular saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" might make you think otherwise, the truth is that a dog's age has no bearing on its capacity to learn.

What are the 7 words dogs can understand?

For pet owners, here is my recommended list of words you should teach your dog: Come, Sit, Down, Heel, Out, and Quiet. You will be able to successfully live with your dog and manage most situations that pop up with those six skills. For the average pet, that is all you need. Really, that's it.

Why not give dogs lepto vaccine?

Leptospirosis Vaccine Side Effects

Bacterin vaccines like Leptospirosis (and Lyme) are very risky. One reason experts might be refusing to use them on their own dogs is because the risk of infection isn't that high. But it's more likely due to the great number and significance of adverse reactions.

What can I give my dog instead of vaccines?

An alternative to routine vaccination of every pet is the use of vaccine (antibody) titers. These simple, inexpensive blood tests can give us information about an individual pet's antibody status in relation to specific diseases. specific recommendation for each and every pet.

Is Lepto mandatory?

While the leptospirosis vaccine is not currently a required immunization for dogs, it is highly recommended for any dog that commonly goes outside, even just to go to the bathroom in the backyard.

Do dogs really need the Lepto vaccine every year?

Given that every dog is at risk, an expert panel has recommended that all dogs are vaccinated for leptospirosis annually rather than every three years.

Can dogs get Lepto from eating grass?

Yes, dogs can get Leptospirosis (Lepto) from eating or licking grass, dirt, or puddles contaminated with the urine of infected wild animals like rats, raccoons, or deer, as the bacteria live in moist environments and spread through urine. Contact with contaminated water, soil, or even licking contaminated paws after walking outside are common infection routes, making vaccination a key prevention strategy against this serious, potentially fatal bacterial disease.
 

Are vets stopping Lepto 2?

Transition to the Leptospirosis 4 Vaccine for Your Dog

We have seen several cases recently, so it is a very threat to our pets. We want to inform you that our vaccine manufacturer is discontinuing the Lepto 2 (L2) vaccine. All dogs will now start on or transition to the Lepto 4 (L4) vaccine.

---