How do I shoot my dog?

[I am a giraffe]

It's time to find my 8 week old puppy a vet for him to get his shots, but I don't know if he's ever been vaccinated before. Is there any way for the vet to do a blood test or something to check?

I don't want him to catch a virus, but I don't want to stab him with a needle more than is necessary. What should I do? Would it be unhealthy to double up on shots by the way?

On a side note: I'm new to Houston and know no people so I don't have anyone to ask. Does anyone live in Houston, have a dog and know a good vet? I've researched a few places, but I would rather rely on a word of mouth recommendation than a magazine article.

[catdoc]

Even if he's been vaccinated before, at 8-weeks of age he still needs boosters (as in more than one). Our clinic usually starts the vaccine series at 8 weeks anyway. Yes, there are blood tests that can be done to check his titers but at 8 weeks old, I wouldn't waste the money. Get him his puppy series of vaccines and then ask your vet what they do regarding adult vaccines.

[hubris007]

We usually do boosters at 6,9,12, and 16 weeks. Titers are pretty much a waste of money, as there is no quantitative correlation with the titers and immunity (challenge studies would be more effective, but i don't think any sane person would do that). In addition, the cost of testing titers is more than the vaccinations.

I usually go with the tenet, "never trust the breeder." I generally pretend all puppies are unvaccinated at the first visit unless the animal came with records from another vet. Saves a lot of headaches.

[Pernelf]

Post on the Houston club board to ask the locals to see who they use for vet services.

[I am a giraffe]

Thanks guys. Helpful as always