[poor Heidi]

I have a 4 year old Bichon Frise. She has environmental allergies, and had a severe anaphalactic reaction to her distemper shot. She never goes out due to her allergies and she is never kenneled or is around other animals. Is it wise to avoid her shots altogether?

[labman]

As you can see from the thread on the reaction, opinions vary. Having identified your dog as being susceptible to a reaction makes your decision very different. Even with occasional bad reactions, I think the average dog owner is still better sticking to the established schedules. However, there is good science to checking titer rather than mindlessly giving a shot that might not be needed. I expect to be seeing more of that. Either way, most dogs will do fine.

Part of the fee when I visit my vet is for his professional judgment. If I find his judgment wanting, it is time to find another vet.

You must remember the deadly parvo virus can spread through the air. I am not sure if it is so deadly to young puppies because they are young, or any 4 pound dog is in danger. Not having your dog vaccinated presents little danger to other dogs if they are.

In most states rabies is the only legally required vaccine.