Are you Over-Vaccinating your dog?

 

We have compiled the following information for the benefit of your animals. Vaccinations are a sign of the times, and even though evidence has been mounting as to the very real adverse reactions to these vaccinations, their use seems to be growing instead of lessening. However, among a more educated or knowledgeable section of our society the opposite is true, it certainly is with us. To make a decision on what is best for your animals you have to be educated, not with fear, but with facts. There is a very powerful influence in our society that pushes the use of vaccinations, and profits enormously from their use, and in addition, I might add, the resulting reactions. But because it is scary to “buck” the system, we can’t fault people for being afraid. But we can educate you and help you to make the right decision for your beloved pet.

 

Dr. Dee Blanco, D.V.M – “You take healthy animals and often very quickly after you vaccinate, you can see simple things like itching of the skin or excessive licking of the paws, sometimes even with no eruptions and licking of the air. We see a lot of epilepsy/seizure, often after a rabies vaccination. Or dogs or cats can become aggressive for several days. Frequently, you’ll see urinary tract infections in cats, often within three months after their [annual] vaccination. If you step back, open your mind and heart, you’ll start to see patterns of illness post-vaccination.”

Dr. Christina Chambreau, DVM – “Routine vaccinations are probably the worst thing that we do for our animals. They cause all types of illnesses but not directly to where we would relate them definitely to be caused by the vaccine. Repeating vaccinations on a yearly basis undermines the whole energetic well-being of our animals. Animals do not seem to be decimated by one or two vaccines when they are young and veterinary immunologists tell us that viral vaccines need only be given once or twice in an animal’s life. First, there is no need for annual vaccinations and, second, they definitely cause chronic disease. As a homeopath, it is almost impossible to cure an animal without first addressing the problems that vaccines have caused to the animal, no matter what the species.”

 

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association – Adverse events diagnosed within three days of vaccine administration in dogs - A study of more than 2,000 cats and dogs in the United Kingdom by Canine Health Concern showed a 1 in 10 risk of adverse reactions from vaccines. This contradicts what the vaccine manufacturers report for rates of adverse reactions, which is “less than 15 adverse reactions in 100,000 animals vaccinated” (0.015 percent). Additionally, adverse reactions of small breeds are 10 times higher than large breeds, suggesting standard vaccine doses are too high for smaller animals.

 

Every day more information is being published advising against the over-vaccination of our beloved animals. However, conventional vets across the country continue to advise their clients that vaccinations are absolutely necessary and safe; that not giving them is putting their animals in harms way. Some vets even go so far as to tell their clients their loving companions will die without them. So, what is a loving and responsible guardian supposed to do? Who do you believe? How much is too much? Which vaccines are really needed? Which ones are actually required by law?

 

The answers begin with guardians gathering information, learning how to find the truth in all the hype, not being intimidated by those thought to be in authority, and taking responsibility for an informed final decision. The intention of this handout is to give you truthful information and resources to be sure you are making the right decision for you and your animals.

 

Here are a few things to consider:

1. Most vets agree, even in the holistic community, that initial puppy shots are helpful, and do protect your animals against certain conditions. However, once the animal is a year old additional vaccines should not be necessary. Rabies is the only exception. In most states this is the only vaccine required by law. More information on this is provided later in this handout.

2. When reviewing suggested vaccines think about your pet’s potential for exposure to this condition. Is it life-threatening? Are there safe and natural treatments should your pet succumb to the condition? Overall, which is the greater risk…the vaccination?… Or the condition? If you decide to vaccinate is the vaccine known to be effective and safe?

3. A strong immune system goes a long way in protecting your pet against many illnesses. Begin early to support your pet’s immune system.

4. “Vaccines should NEVER be given to unhealthy animals. It goes against the recommendations in all vaccine inserts as well as those of virtually all immunologists.” Says Dr. Don Hamilton, DVM.

5.“Side effects from vaccines include everything from irritating skin allergies, epilepsy, upper respiratory infections, irritable bowl syndromes, auto-immune diseases, excessive licking of the paws, urinary infections, thyroid imbalances, and aggression, to life-threatening cancerous conditions. This can be seen as quickly as 24-48 hours following the injection. However, often times the symptoms might take months or years to present themselves making it harder for the guardian to connect the symptoms to an earlier vaccination.”

- Catherine O’Driscoll, founder of The Canine Health Concern in the UK, offers an educational program based upon ten years of research on canine healthcare, including the side effects of over-vaccination.

6. Single vaccines, given several weeks apart, are far safer than combined serums all given at the same time.

7. Geographic location plays a part in one’s decisions regarding vaccines. Someone living in a tropical climate such as Florida will have different considerations compared to someone living in the Rocky Mountains. For instance, heartworm and sand fleas would be a serious consideration in Florida, while not a problem in the rocky mountains. One protocol is not necessarily correct for everyone.

8. A strong immune system is your best defense. The holistic approach to caring for an animal is to give the body, mind, and spirit everything it needs to work on its own behalf. The purpose of the immune system is to protect the body against unwanted invaders. Vaccines suppress the immune system making it difficult to fight not only the toxicity of the vaccines, but other environmental toxins and illness invaders the animal may have been exposed to.

 

Suggested Vaccine Schedule for Dogs

W. Jean Dodds, DVM, is an internationally recognized authority on thyroid issues in dogs and blood diseases in animals. In the mid-1980′s she founded Hemopet, the first nonprofit blood bank for animals. Dr. Dodds is a grantee of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and author of over 150 research publications. Through Hemopet she provides canine blood components and blood-bank supplies throughout North America, consults in clinical pathology, and lectures worldwide. Hemopet provides blood testing to check for vaccine antibodies instead of automatically re-vaccinating companion animals unnecessarily. She has written excellent articles that everyone, especially our veterinarians, should read. The following is her suggested vaccine protocol for dogs:

AGE OF PUP:

9 – 10 weeks

Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy DPV)

14 weeks

Same as above

16 -18 weeks (optional)

Same as above

20 weeks or older (if allowable by law)

Rabies

1 year

1). Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV (Before going ahead with these vaccinations, titer test to confirm immunity present in the animal. The majority of dogs and cats will not need this booster.

2). Rabies, killed 3-year product (give 3-4 weeks apart from distemper/parvovirus booster).

Perform vaccine antibody titers for distemper and parvovirus annually thereafter. Vaccinate for rabies virus according to the law, except where circumstances indicate (ie., any illness or condition that could be worsened by administering a vaccine) that a written waiver may be obtained from the primary care veterinarian. In that case, a rabies antibody titer can also be performed to accompany the waiver request.