Dr. Colleen Lewis / December 9, 2016
A dog's immune system is usually fully operational by four months of age. Through their adult years, a dog's ability to fight off common ailments is at its peak. However, as our canine companions grow into their senior years, the immune system is not as good at fighting off the common invaders of the body, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungal elements. Similar to humans, as dogs start to age, they lose the ability to produce some of the protective cells needed to keep them healthy. Elderly people are commonly advised to get flu shots, for instance, as their immune system ages with them. So too, as our pets age, vaccinations for protection generally become even more critical.
Pet vaccines generally contain bits and pieces of actual disease causing viruses or bacteria, but just that…bits, called antigens. But do not be alarmed, these particles are typically little surface proteins or other cell wall fractions that do not have the actual workings to create the disease. For instance, the presence of new antigens from a vaccine, will prompt a reaction against those pieces of the bacteria’s surface; the immune system will make protective antibodies. If and when the real bacteria show up, the immune system is already pre-charged and ready to deliver these protective antibodies to decrease the chances of getting the disease. The antibody actually attaches to the antigen, rendering it useless. This is called immunity.
The kidneys are an important filter in your pet’s body for getting rid of the resulting antibody-antigencomplexes. So, If the kidneys are not working properly, like with renal disease, a vaccine could add strain to an already stressed system. In the unfortunate case of diagnosed renal or a few other diseases that may reduce your pet’s lifespan, your veterinarian will likely discuss temporarily or permanently discontinuing further vaccines.
About the Author
Dr. Colleen Lewis is a 1996 graduate of Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Her career has taken her to many places as a practice owner, consultant, embryologist, and mentor. She enjoys mixed animal practice, teaching, traveling, farming and high school sports with her husband, Andrew and their three boys.
