Dr Dodds is excellent for vaccine advice. There are also the American Animal Hospital Association Guidelines, which recommend vaccinating every 3 years for "core" vaccines. So far I've been using them because I've found a boarding kennel that will accept that schedule and I don't believe vaccinating yearly is necessary or healthy, but also don't have anyone to look after my dog if I go on vacation, kwim. You can find those recommendations here-
http://www.aahanet.org/PublicDocumen...s06Revised.pdf
One thing I do with my dog is to look at each vaccination separately, and determine our risk. I do vaccinate for Lepto, for instance, because I believe our risk is high do to location and activities, and the disease is fatal and often not diagnosed properly until its too late. However, for the vast majority of folks, Lepto is NOT a necessary vaccine. I do not vaccinate for Lyme because even though our risk is moderate, I keep my dog on good tick control, and its treatable. The vaccine may actually prevent diagnosis of disease in vaccinated pets who later contract it as well. We actually did have a tick bite and engorge despite the tick control early this year, and we simply put her on prophylaxis for a month ($4 prescription from Walmart, no big deal) This will be different for everyone and depend on your comfort levels and your geographic location and environment.
Two vaccines must be given yearly or every 6 months, depending on circumstance. They are Lepto and Bordatella (kennel cough) Both are optional and not necessary for most dogs. But if you choose to give them, you need to be aware that they do need to be given more often. Viral vaccines last for years and can be given far less frequently.
In most areas Rabies is required by law, and its a good idea to comply with the law. If your dog nips or even scratches someone, they need to be vaccinated for their legal protection. Even the nicest dog in the world is at risk. For instance, say another dog attacks yours, someone tries to break up the fight and ends up with a bite or scratch. Its hard to know which dog it came from, so both will be quarantined. Most areas accept a 3 year Rabies vaccine, so get it if you can. There is no difference between the one year and the three except price, but a one year will not cover you legally for three years.
As far as heartworm, preventative is a must. I've looked into natural alternatives, but every source I trust, such as the Whole Dog Journal, conclude that conventional preventative is the best choice, and natural methods are not worth the risk. I do use an alternate dosing schedule though- I give a dose every 45 days. The medication has been proven to work at that interval, but the companies sell more recommending a 30 day interval (plus they don't think most people can remember 45 days- 30 is easy- once a month). I also only give preventative during the season my dog is at risk for. In our area, thats June-October. This site tells you how to figure out when heartworm is transmittable in your area
http://www.tibetanmastiff.net/Heartworm.html
And this is the Whole Dog Journal article on Heartworm prevention
http://www.dogaware.com/articles/wdj...revention.html
