The Vaccination Question

Vaccinating your dog is one of the most effective ways to protect them from serious and sometimes fatal diseases — but do they really need a booster every year? Can immunity last longer? And what happens if you decide not to vaccinate?

This month, we’ve had a look the latest veterinary research and UK guidance but from the outset there isn’t a one answer fits all here.  Walk through this with us and see where it takes you.

Core vs Non-Core Vaccines

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) The BSAVA supports vaccination for dogs to protect against infectious diseases, they recommend to divide vaccines into core and non-core:

Core vaccines
protect against canine distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus (hepatitis) Leptospirosis (L) diseases that are still present in the UK and can be fatal.

Non-core vaccines (like kennel cough, Rabies: legal requirement for dogs travelling abroad / returning to the UK, Canine  Herpes Virus: for breeding bitches, are advised for dogs at high risk of exposure or recommended based on lifestyle.

Current UK guidance:

After a puppy’s primary course and the 12-month booster, most dogs only need core vaccine boosters every three years, not annually (WSAVA 2024).

Can Immunity Be Checked Instead of Boosted?

Yes — through a titre test.

A small blood sample can be tested to check whether your dog still has antibodies against diseases like parvovirus or distemper.

If immunity is strong, your vet may advise delaying a booster.

Titre testing is now recognised by the WSAVA and BSAVA as a reliable way to confirm protection — especially useful for dogs that react poorly to vaccines or have autoimmune conditions.

However: Titre tests can’t reliably assess protection for all diseases, such as leptospirosis. Not every kennel, dog walker or insurer accepts a titre certificate instead of a booster — so always check first.

What If You Choose Not to Vaccinate?

Without vaccination, your dog is at higher risk of catching serious infectious diseases, which are still seen in UK veterinary practices.

Insurance Implications:

Most UK pet insurers (including Petplan, ManyPets, and Admiral) state that dogs must be “up to date with recommended vaccinations”. Failure to vaccinate could invalidate claims for preventable diseases.

Kennels and home boarders:

Under DEFRA’s Animal Activities Licensing Guidance (England), operators must ensure dogs are protected against disease. Many kennels require proof of vaccination — some accept a recent titre certificate, but this is at the licence-holder’s discretion

Vaccines and Autoimmune Disease

Some owners worry that vaccines could trigger autoimmune conditions such as SLO (Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy).

Current veterinary research shows no strong evidence that vaccination causes autoimmune flare-ups in otherwise healthy dogs
However, dogs with existing immune-related illnesses may need a tailored plan —for example, checking antibody levels before vaccinating or spacing vaccines out.

(Day MJ, Vet
Immunology & Immunopathology, 2016).

Making the Right Choice for Your Dog

When it comes to vaccination, there’s no single answer that suits every dog.

As an owner, you know your dog best — their lifestyle, health, and any previous reactions. We all have different experiences with vaccinations, and it’s natural to have questions. The key is to stay informed, understand current guidance, and decide what’s right for your individual dog and your lifestyle together.

Whether you choose to continue routine boosters, use titre testing to check immunity, or discuss an adjusted schedule with your vet, the most important thing is that your dog remains protected in a way that suits you both.

Further Reading & References

• WSAVA GlobalVaccination Guidelines (2024): Download PDF
• Royal Veterinary College : Guidance
• DEFRA Dog Boarding Licensing Guidance (2024)
• Petplan Insurance Vaccination Policy: Petplan.co.uk

Why Postbiotics Can Help Support Your Dog’s Immunity

Keeping your dog’s immune system balanced is just as important as protecting them from infectious disease. As we explored in our recent vaccination bulletin, every dog is different — and supporting immunity from the inside out can make a real difference. That’s where postbiotics come in.

Postbiotics are the beneficial compounds produced by friendly gut bacteria. Unlike probiotics, they don’t need to stay alive to work — meaning they’re more stable, more consistent, and often faster acting. They help to:

• Support a calm, balanced immune response
• Strengthen the gut barrier, where over 70% of the immune system sits
• Reduce digestive upsets, gas, loose stools and sensitivities
• Promote overall resilience, especially during stress, diet changes, or after illness

Epimmune from Ace Canine is a gentle, canine-specific postbiotic designed to support both immune health and digestive comfort. By feeding the gut’s natural defence pathways, Epimmune helps your dog maintain strong, consistent immunity — without overstimulation.

Whether your dog follows a standard booster schedule, you use titre testing or don’t vaccinate at all, supporting gut health is one of the simplest ways to keep their whole system balanced and immunity boosted.

Epimmune  Superbiotic- Find out more here