When your dog was a puppy, you got them all their basic shots to boost their immunity and give them a healthy shot at life. Rabies, parvo, and de-worming vaccinations are all common shots puppies receive when they are young, and some of them are continued on a regular basis throughout adulthood. Spacing out your dog's shots over time can prove to be very beneficial in many ways even if you have been giving your canine regular yearly shots in the past. Here are benefits your dog can enjoy in spacing out their vaccines.

Greater immunity

As your dog ages, they gain a natural immunity to certain illnesses, such as kennel cough or the common parvovirus that afflicts puppies and older dogs. Unless your dog is around sickly dogs or dogs that are questionably vaccinated on a regular basis (such as boarding or foster dogs being brought in the home), giving your dog common vaccines for illnesses they aren't likely to get in your home may compromise their immunity against them should they be exposed outside the home. If you space out your dog's shots to every other year or so, your dog's body has a chance to form natural antibodies to illnesses they are exposed to. Talk to your vet about vaccines they can limit giving your dog to keep them healthy.

Less reaction 

Common reactions to vaccines in dogs include rash or itching at the application site, soreness in the muscles or joints, or even loss of appetite. The fewer shots you give your dog the less stress you place on their bodies as they absorb the toxins they receive to help boost their immune systems. If your dog is currently ill, pregnant, or taking steroids, talk to your vet about any shots your dog regularly receives to make sure they are safe for their current condition. Steroids in dogs can reduce their immunity drastically so make sure their shots have been spaced out properly before starting a steroid regimen with your vet.

Some shots are required to give your dog on a regular basis, such as rabies or bordatella (for kennel cough), so talk to your vet about the ones that are safe to spread out. If you are unsure about what vaccines you should give your dog, it's best to talk to your veterinarian about your concerns rather than forgo vaccinations entirely. Given properly, vaccines can be very beneficial in improving your dog's quality of life. For more information, see a website such as http://www.1stPetVet.com.