Hi Jill, In our area two years ago there were fourteen incidences of lepto and the one thing in common with these dogs were two frequently used off leash parks in the Ottawa area, Conroy Pit and Bruce Pit. I do not use either of these facilities but a retired brood bitch of mine was frequenting Conroy Pit with her caretaker and we elected to vaccinate her. I split her vaccines because she had her spleen removed following torsion some years ago. She had no side effects at all. My other dogs are not vaccinated for lepto (never used the old one either) and when they are walked off property they are always on leash. We have incidence of raccoon rabies in our area and coupled with risks of giardia if they were to drink brackish water we elect to keep our dogs leashed. Fortunately I have a very large fenced area at home for their free exercise. In recent times there has not been an incident of lepto in my area but I would reassess the risk accordingly if there were more outbreaks. I also do not leave water buckets out overnight when the dogs are in the house. If one is close to barns etc where rats and mice frequent again I would assess the risk factor.
I give combo shots now every three years and bordetella annually and rabies every three years at a time different from the combo. Puppies have their course and booster at one year then go on the three year regimen. My older dogs I try to calculate for their last three years and I never knowingly vaccinate a dog that is unwell or showing stress symptoms. Older dogs are subjected to a full blood panel and urinalysis commencing age five years and thereafter annually. Those values help me determine my vaccination protocols. When I have vaccinations done the dogs are rested and not overexercised for a couple of days following. Just part of my attempts to minimise stress overall in their lives:-)) Rose T.
