Let's say I do get the giardia vaccine for Aspen, is it a potent vaccine...? I mean, does it have any negative effect on his immune system...? And how long does the vaccine last...?
Don't get it. We have offered it at work for a while now and have been weeding it out and discontinuing it because it is ineffective in preventing the disease symptoms in some animals.
Technically the vaccine lasts a year, but read below:
I personally think it is totally bogus. WHY?
Because it doesn't keep your dog from getting the disease (virtually impossible because Giardia are protozoa that are very prevalent in the environment and have to just be ingested to infect a dog). It just makes the symptoms less severe, and your dog still has to be "treated" because he will continue to carry the parasite.
Most dogs will build up a natural immunity to the effect of the parasite, and basically just become vectors of the parasite. They wont show any signs of carrying it, but are able to infect other dogs, people, cats, etc.
Just make sure that you wash your hands and don't let your dog french kiss you, if at all possible LOL :biggrin:
If I were you, just have an updated Rabies vaccination and a current health certificate. It is also a very good idea that you carry all other records of vaccinations with you as well as contact information for your dog's veterinarian just in case you get stopped.