06/07/2025
SUMMER TITRE CLINICS 2025
On Saturday we had a great day titre testing 26 dogs in Weston Super Mare. So now I can tell you about the other titre testing clinics I have planned for the rest of the year. As usual bookings are taken by the hosting location. So coming up we have:
- Saturday 5th July at Nellies Nibbles Dog Larder, near Barnstaple, North Devon
https://www.nelliesnibblesdoglarder.co.uk/contact-us/
- Saturday 23rd August at Rheas Raw in Wellington, Somerset
https://rheasraw.co.uk/pages/contact
- Saturday 6th September at Prodog Raw in Highbridge, Somerset
Email caroline@prodograw.com for bookings
Clinics run between 10am and 4pm. Titre testing is £60 per dog. Payment is in advance by BACS, or by cash on the day by prior agreement. See below for more info on titre testing and whether it can help you and your dog.
Test then Treat.
Stay Healthy, Stay Happy.
Vx
What is a Titre Test?
A titre test is a blood test which measures the antibody levels to various disease in your dogs' blood. If they have adequate antibody levels present, then this is proof of immunity and shows that they do not need a booster vaccination. In fact, they are better proof of immunity than vaccinating, as some dogs do not respond to vaccinations. If you have a non-responder (more common in black & tan breeds) then you could give a vaccine every year and they may never produce antibodies or mount an adequate immune response, and so not be protected at all.
What Diseases are Tested?
The titre tests we use measure antibody levels to Parvovirus, Distemper and Hepatits - the 3 core diseases dogs are vaccinated against.
What will Happen on the Day?
All that will happen on the clinic day is we will take a blood sample from your dog, and make note of their previous vaccine history (so please bring this with you). That's it!
When Should I do a Titre Test?
Titre tests can be done at any time. However, the best time to do one is shortly before your dog is due their booster vaccination, so you know whether they need it or not. They are especially important in young dogs, as if a puppy finishes their vaccine course before 16 weeks then the vaccines may not have been effective, due to maternal antibodies still being present, which can block the action of the vaccine. A titre test can be performed any time from 1 month after a vaccine.
How Often Shoud I do a Titre Test?
Titre tests should be performed as often as needed. If you have a strong positive result then it is best to repeat the test every 3 years. If they have any borderline or low results, then it may be worthwhile repeating the test the following year, especially if it is the Parvovirus result that is low, as this is the most prevelant of these diseases. Your results will be sent out to you shortly after the clinic day, with recommendations for when it will next be due.
Why Should I Titre Test?
Titre tests allow you to avoid over-vaccination of your pet. At each vaccination, there is always a risk of a vaccine reaction, either immediately, or delayed. There are also various immune mediated diseases that have been linked with vaccination, with evidence suggesting the vaccine can act as a trigger for the disease process. These include immune mediated haemolytic anaemia, immune mediated thrombocytopaenia & immune mediated skin diseases.
