Should I Titer My Dog?

Titer testing is a good idea for some cats and dogs, Dr. Gershwin believes. These include animals that have a history of or genetic predisposition to poor responsiveness to a vaccine, that have an allergic reaction to or other adverse effect from a vaccine, or that have immunosuppression.

How often should you titer your dog?

A three-year interval is appropriate for the majority of adult dogs and cats when quantitative tests are used. The manufacturers of in-clinic (“yes/no”) screening tests recommend they be used annually. A titer test within the first 6 months of life and again at one year is appropriate for puppies.

Does my dog need a titer test?

Some vets say yearly just to be safe. Others say tests every three years are all that are necessary, while others recommend every five to seven years. Many titer tests suggest that dogs vaccinated against parvovirus and distemper have immunity for five to seven years, or they can have immunity for life.