TITRE TEST - WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS

When it comes to keeping our pets protected from disease, vaccinations play a critical role. But are annual boosters always necessary? In holistic veterinary care, we often take a more individualised approach, this is where titre testing comes in.

What Is Titre Testing?

A titre test is a simple blood test that measures the level of antibodies in your pet’s system for specific diseases. In dogs and cats, we most commonly test for core diseases:

Dogs: Canine parvovirus, distemper, and adenovirus (hepatitis)

Cats: Feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, and herpesvirus

If the titre (or antibody level) is high enough, it indicates that your pet still has immunity and doesn’t require a booster vaccination at that time.

Why We Recommend Titre Testing

Holistic veterinary care aims to reduce unnecessary interventions. Titre testing offers a science based method to assess your pet’s current immunity status and avoid over vaccination.

Here’s why we suggest it:

Personalised care: Not all pets require the same vaccination schedule, titre testing tailors to your pet’s needs.

Reduced stress on the immune system: Avoiding unnecessary boosters may lower the risk of vaccine reactions or immune related conditions.

Aligned with holistic philosophy: It supports a gentler, more balanced approach to pet health.

How Often Should It Be Done?

We recommend triennial testing (every 3 years) for core vaccines for dogs, after the initial puppy or kitten vaccination series and 12 month booster, although some pets maintain protective antibody levels even longer.

What About Non-Core Vaccines?

Titre testing is generally not available for non-core vaccines like leptospirosis, bordetella (kennel cough), or feline leukemia. These vaccinations are assessed based on lifestyle and risk exposure.

Is Titre Testing Accepted by Boarding Facilities?

Some kennels, daycare centres, and groomers may still require proof of recent vaccinations. However, many now accept titre test results as evidence of immunity, it’s worth checking their policies in advance.

In Summary:

Titre testing is a valuable tool for those wanting a tailored, thoughtful approach to their pet’s vaccination needs. By testing instead of automatically boosting, we ensure your pet stays protected without compromising their health with unnecessary interventions.

We perform titre testing at Vetcall, no need to send samples away, and you'll have the results the same day! Speak to your vet about whether titre testing is the right option for your pet.