Glossary

Titer test

A blood test that measures antibodies to a disease, sometimes used to check a dog's immunity to distemper or parvovirus instead of re-vaccinating.

Also called: vaccine titer, antibody titer, titer, vaccine antibody test

A titer test measures how much of a specific antibody is in a dog's blood. A protective result for distemper, parvovirus or canine adenovirus shows the dog still has immunity from earlier vaccines, so some owners and vets use it to decide whether a booster is needed.

It has limits. A high result means a dog is probably protected, but a low result does not always mean it is unprotected, because part of immunity is held by memory cells that the test does not measure. Titers are not used for kennel cough or Lyme, where they do not predict protection.

For rabies, a titer may be requested for international travel, but local law usually still demands a rabies vaccination certificate, and a titer does not replace it. Ask your veterinarian whether it fits your dog.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Core vaccines The vaccines veterinary guidelines recommend for virtually every dog, protecting against distemper, parvovirus, canine adenovirus and rabies. Rabies A viral disease of the nervous system, spread through bites, that is nearly always fatal once signs appear but is preventable by vaccination. Blood panel A set of blood tests that counts blood cells and measures organ-related chemicals, used to screen healthy dogs and investigate illness.