Vaccinating or Titer Testing, what’s Best for Your Dog?
For decades, routine vaccinations have been the foundation of preventive healthcare in dogs. But in recent years, an alternative has gained more attention. titer testing. Both approaches aim to protect your dog from serious infectious diseases — but they do so in different ways. So what exactly is titer testing, and how does it compare to traditional vaccinations?

What Is Vaccination?
Vaccination involves giving your dog a weakened or inactivated form of a virus to stimulate the immune system. This teaches the body how to fight off real infections in the future.There are core vaccines, such as those for distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis, and non-core vaccines, like those for leptospirosis or kennel cough, which are based on lifestyle and exposure risk.

 Benefits of Vaccinating:

• Proven protection against life-threatening diseases
• Contributes to herd immunity, keeping the wider dog community safe
• Often a requirement for boarding, training, or traveling abroad

What Is Titer Testing?
Titer testing is a blood test that measures the level of antibodies in your dog’s system. These antibodies show how well your dog is protected against certain diseases. If your dog’s antibody levels (titers) are high enough, there's no need for a booster. If they're too low, your vet may recommend re-vaccination.

When Is Titer Testing a Good Option?

For Adult Dogs:
Titer testing is often used as an alternative to routine booster vaccinations, especially for core diseases like distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis.

For Puppies:
Less common, but still useful — titer testing can help determine:

• If maternal antibodies are still present
• When a first vaccine will be most effective. This is important, as vaccinating too early can be ineffective, and too late can leave your pup vulnerable.

Why Consider Titer Testing?
Many dog owners are becoming more intentional about what their dogs receive and when. Here’s why:

• Fewer Vaccinations: Titer testing may reduce unnecessary boosters
• Tailored Approach: Measures your dog’s actual immunity
• Responsible Practice: Supports evidence-based vaccination schedules
• Veterinary Insight: Not all vets recommend titer testing for puppies — some worry it may delay protection
• Not Suitable for All Diseases: Leptospirosis and kennel cough, for example, cannot be reliably tested via titers.

What Can Titer Testing Measure?
Titer tests can reliably check immunity for:

• ✅ Canine Distemper (CDV)
• ✅ Canine Parvovirus (CPV-2)
• ✅ Canine Hepatitis (CAV-1)

📌 Note: Titer testing is not effective for diseases like leptospirosis or kennel cough — in those cases, vaccination is still the only effective protection.

Vaccines That Offer Long-Term (or Lifelong) Immunity
Some vaccines are so effective that after the initial series, dogs may be protected for years — sometimes for life.

 





Vaccines That Require More Frequent Boosters

So, Which Vaccines Don’t Need Yearly Boosters?

Tip for Puppy Owners and Trainers
After your puppy completes their basic vaccination series (typically around 6, 9, and 12 weeks), consider a titer test around 20–26 weeks. This helps confirm whether immunity has developed — and might mean your pup is protected for years without needing further boosters.

Final Thoughts
Titer testing offers a smart, personalized way to monitor your dog’s immunity — especially for core diseases. While it doesn't replace all vaccines, it can help you make better, more informed choices for your dog’s health. Whether you choose traditional vaccination, titer testing, or a mix of both — the key is to work with a vet who understands your dog’s needs, lifestyle, and history.