Does My Dog Really Need Another Distemper/Parvo Vaccine? How Titer Testing Answers the Question

By Dr. Caroline, DVM, CVA, Pet's Favorite Vet & Play Place, Spartanburg, SC

Does my dog really need a distemper/parvo vaccine every year?

I get a lot of people asking, "Do my pets really need these vaccines?" For distemper and parvovirus, a titer test can tell us. We know that if your dog has a certain result on their titer test, they are just as likely to be protected today and one year from today as they would be if they got a vaccine. So instead of guessing, we can check.

What is a titer test for dogs, and how does it work?

A titer test measures how much immune protection your dog has against a specific germ. Here's how it works:

1. We take a tiny amount of your dog's blood. It carries the immune factors (antibodies) that fight off whatever we're measuring the titer for, whether that's a virus or a bacteria. Let's just call it a germ.
2. The sample is diluted, split, and diluted again, over and over.
3. We look at how dilute your dog's blood can get and still have enough immune factors to neutralize the germ.

The more dilute the sample can be while still neutralizing the germ, the stronger your dog's protection. That's how we can see whether your dog actually needs another distemper/parvo vaccination.

What is Dr. Caroline's distemper/parvo vaccine and titer schedule?

Here's the protocol I recommend for every dog:

• Puppies: the regular puppy vaccine series.
• At 1 year old: a 3-year distemper/parvo vaccine, which lasts until they're 4.
• At 4 years old and beyond: an annual distemper/parvo titer instead of a vaccination. If the titer ever comes back inadequate, we vaccinate.

Real-life example: my dog Goose

My dog Goose is 7 and now gets an annual titer for distemper/parvo. He hasn't needed another shot since he got his 1-year-old vaccine.

But I have had several patients who did need a vaccine about 3 or 4 years out from their 3-year shot, and that's why we keep testing instead of assuming. This is the same protocol I'll be following for my new Golden Retriever puppy, Mabel.

Which dogs benefit most from titer testing?

Titers are great for all dogs, but they're especially helpful for:

• Breeds more susceptible to parvo, like black-and-tan breeds such as Rottweilers and Dobermans. A titer makes sure those puppies developed full immunity from their vaccine series. We wait until puppies are at least 20 weeks old to test.
• Immunocompromised dogs.
• Dogs with a disease that gets worse after vaccination.
• Dogs who get really sore and achy after vaccines.

Do I need an exam for my dog's titer test?

Not for this event. We're not making you get an exam to have the blood drawn and get the titer result. You'll get the manufacturer's statement of adequate or inadequate protection.

If you'd like anything beyond that, like having us look at an ear, giving a rabies vaccine, or prescribing heartworm prevention, your dog will need a doctor's exam.

Free distemper/parvo titer event: November 18, 2026

• What: a free distemper/parvo titer for your dog, funded by BioGal, the makers of the test
• When: Wednesday, November 18, 2026, by appointment only
• Where: Pet's Favorite Vet & Play Place, Spartanburg, SC
• Who: dogs (puppies must be at least 20 weeks old)
• Spots: only 24 kits, so book early
• Results: the next day

Dog titer test FAQ

What does a dog titer test check for?

This titer checks your dog's protective antibodies against canine distemper virus and canine parvovirus, two of the core diseases covered by the distemper/parvo vaccine.

How long do distemper/parvo titer results take?

For our November 18 event, results will be ready the next day.

Can a titer test replace my dog's rabies vaccine?

No. South Carolina law requires dogs to be vaccinated against rabies, and a titer does not replace that requirement. If your dog is due, we can give the rabies vaccine with a doctor's exam.

How old does a puppy need to be for a titer test?

At least 20 weeks old, so we're testing your puppy's own immune response to their vaccine series.

What happens if my dog's titer is inadequate?

It means your dog may not be fully protected, so we recommend a distemper/parvo vaccine.

How often should an adult dog get a titer?

Following my protocol, once a year starting at age 4, after the 3-year vaccine given at age 1 has run its course.

Wags & Boops,
Dr. Caroline