"My dog is needing her annual shots." Yep; many race off to the veterinarians or hit the pet shops that offer canine vaccines when that "vaccination reminder" comes in the mail. Have you ever considered the fact that we humans got our shots when we were little; and then never get another? Tetanus is one that we apparently need every 10 years or so but unless you are going off to another continent then you probably will not need another shot. So why then do our dogs need the same repetitive shots every year? They don't.
Rabies is the only shot that you must get for your dog; it's the law. But there have been great advancements with even these. Many vets are now giving the three year Rabies shot. But as for all the other shots; what do you really need? There are titer tests that you can get for your dog letting you know how immune they are to certain diseases. This information gives you the peace of mind in knowing that they are covered and do not need another shot.
When a dog is given a vaccination; it enters the body and stimulates the immune system into action. The immune system attacks the foreign substance and antibodies are produced to destroy it. These antibodies remember the specific agent and are stored away for later use if needed. Many vaccines protect a dog for life and there is no need to revaccinate.
These links offer a wealth of information on the subject. It's for the animals.
Shirley's Wellness cafe
Vaccination Liberation
Truth for dogs
Neither Luke nor Jessie have received any shots in years. Luke has epilepsy and Jessie has severe autoimmune disorder. Giving a dog that is not extremely healthy a shot can kill them. Many vets will recommend the whole cocktail of vaccines at once; add to that a heartworm medication and perhaps a topical for fleas and ticks. This is a recipe for disaster; your dog's immune system goes into full fight mode trying to fight all of the different substances it has been subjected to. Sadly many dogs die at this point; as their body cannot handle the stress.
If you are going to give vaccines; get the individual doses. Do not give your dog a multitude of substances and hope that their body can handle it. One at a time so that they can deal with each agent individually. And consider what you are putting on or in your dog before you do so. The same goes for any medication that the vet offers; research first, always research.