Benefits of Titers Over Annual Vaccines

Titer Test for Dogs
Titer Test for Dogs

In recent years, titers have become a popular tool for veterinarians to measure antibodies when deciding whether a dog should be vaccinated.  

A titer, or antibody titer, is a test that measures the concentration of antibodies in the blood of the animal. This test repeatedly dilutes a blood sample and exposes the dilutions to an antigen.

This test is beneficial as it can determine if an animal has enough antibodies against certain viruses which in turn can help avoid the need for annual vaccinations.

Better yet, the technology for measuring has improved greatly in recent years and titer tests can show results in as little as 20 minutes.

Titers effectively monitor immunity

As mentioned above, an antibody titer test can effectively determine an animal’s immunity to certain viruses.

While there is some controversy surrounding antibody testing, veterinarians now commonly perform these tests and they have been proven to be useful for monitoring immunity to canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus type 2, canine adenovirus type 1 and rabies.

Furthermore, some dog owners are now having titers performed for CDV and CPV-2 instead of having annual vaccines administered.  

Most animals typically don’t require annual vaccines

While it has been a common belief for many years that animals should get annual vaccines to protect against seasonal viruses and more, it is being seen more and more through titer testing that core vaccines can properly protect dogs for about three years.

This will not only save money by avoiding unnecessary vaccines but will also keep your pet as healthy as possible.

Allows for treatment on a case-by-case basis

Another discovery that has been made from titer tests is that animals maintain antibodies at different rates.

Some dogs can maintain antibodies to canine distemper, canine parvovirus and canine adenovirus for their entire lives, while some studies have found that some dogs maintain immunity to CDV, CPV-2, and CAV seven to nine years after vaccination.

These tests help determine what is right for your specific pet and will allow your animal to potentially go years without needing certain vaccinations.

If you are in the process of adopting a puppy and are doing your research, we ask that you reach out to our breeders at Copper Canyon Labradoodles.

We raise healthy, non-shedding Australian Labradoodle puppies in Vancouver Island, BC, Canada, and promise to provide you with a pet that is not only loveable, but healthy as well.

To learn more about our current and upcoming litters, the adoption process, titer testing and more, we invite you to reach out to our friendly team today.