How should core vaccines be approached for senior dogs?

• A. Titers can be used to assess immunity and guide risk-based boosters
• B. Titers are required annually for all dogs
• C. Titers are unreliable in seniors
• D. Titers should replace vaccines entirely

Answer: (A)

In senior dogs, the approach to core vaccines focuses on confirming actual immune protection rather than automatically giving boosters on a fixed schedule. Titers measure the level of circulating antibodies to vaccine antigens, which helps indicate whether a dog remains protected against diseases like those covered by core vaccines. If the titers are at protective levels, a booster can be delayed or avoided, reducing unnecessary vaccinations and potential adverse effects in an older dog. If the titers are low or undetectable, a booster is indicated to restore protection.

This strategy supports a risk-based plan: it tailors vaccination to the individual dog’s immune status, health, and exposure risk, which is especially important in senior pets who may have comorbidities or a heightened risk of vaccine reactions. For core vaccines, titers can guide decisions for most antigens, though rabies vaccination is often regulated by law and may not be replaceable by titer testing in many jurisdictions. Still, titer testing can inform when a subsequent non-rabies booster might be needed when allowed.

In short, titers are useful for assessing immunity and guiding risk-based booster decisions in senior dogs.