With all the health problems affecting our furry-little-loved-ones these days, most pet owners would do anything in their power to ensure Fido or Mittens live healthy, happy, long lives.
Here is one tip that could add years to their lives.
Our animals are over-vaccinated – plain and simple. We never seem to question why dogs and cats need so many needles every year.
With every annual check-up, Fido and Mittens receive their shots and are sent home – all the while, we could be doing more harm than good.
Click on this link for information and facts about the dangers of vaccinations:
A study of more than 1,000 cats and 1,000 dogs in the United Kingdom by Canine Health Concern in March 2001 showed a 1 in 10 risk of adverse reaction from vaccines!
Instead of immediately going for the needle, consider asking your Veterinarian about a titre test. This is a simple blood test that will test the antibodies in your pets blood. If the titres are good, then Fido doesn’t need the needle.
Always make sure you discuss these issues thoroughly with your Vet to ensure you are making the best informed decisions for your pets.
Feel free to comment and share your thoughts!
Twitter: Decor8CookSmile
This makes a lot of sense to me – people don’t get shots every year for things like Rabies, but dogs should? Also, I don’t feed my pets food with lots of different chemicals, so why would I give them all these shots??? Great Post!
I’m so glad to read someone else speaking up about this. While there are many wonderful veterinarians out there, it has become such a habit to give vaccinations without a thought, it breaks my heart.
When was the last time a veterinarian gave a list of possible side-effects to a pet owner and let him/her opt for the vaccination? And why are several given at the same time, bombarding the the body and increasing the risk vaccinosis?
The toxic effects that plague our dogs from over-vaccination is frightening.
At the very least, no vaccines should be given more than twice in a lifetime and they should never, ever be given when an animal is ill or at the time of surgery. Both put a double attack on the immune system.
Andrea & Angela, thank you for your comments!
I think part of the problem starts with the business side of vaccinations – (some) Vets are motivated by the financial benefit of vaccinating animals rather than focusing on the health ramifications.
From personal experience, my 7 year old Polish Mountain dog gets a titre test every year with his annual check up. Other than the mandatory rabies vaccine every 3 years, his titres have come back good every year since puppyhood.
I think of all the vaccinations I have saved him over the course of his life – and it frustrates me when (some) Vets do not present this option to their clients.
It just goes to show that having a progressive-minded Vet (who gives you these options) can actually help extend your pets life.
My kitty vet was pushing so hard for vaccines until I told her that even my kids are not vaccinated,why should my cat be? I wish I know what is really better for my pet,but common sense and the way nature mechanism function tells me that they do not need vaccines,it is all taken care of already.
While there are studies to support both sides of the coin, I would much rather have my Vet do a full spectrum blood test before making my final decision.
From personal experience, I had a Bernese Mountain Dog (Rudi), who recently passed away at 9 years of age. I had blood tests done every year of his life, and since receiving his puppy booster shots, he did not require any vaccinations other than rabies for his entire life – every year his titres came back in an acceptable range.
It just goes to show how long these vaccinations can protect your pet, and how profitable it can be for Vets.
In response to the comment about people not having to get rabies vaccines every year, so why should we give them to our dogs annually? Well the answer is two-fold on that one. Municipal by-laws actually state that cats and dogs are required by law to have this vaccine. Animals are far more likely to get rabies than humans are. If all of our animals were rabies vaccine free, the virus would be a lot more popular. With that being said… Do I think we need to give the DA2PP vaccines yearly- no probably not. I personally prefer the 3 year vaccine. Would I stop giving it completely? Definitely not. Another way to reduce the amount of vaccines given is to actually ask what your vet is injecting. A lot of vets will automatically vaccinate for Leptospirois – which is great if you do a lot of deep forest camping or hiking, but the vaccine only protects from 6 or so of the 14 strains. And is only effective at certain times of the year. Being aware is the most important thing.
I think holistic veterinary care has it’s place… but in my mind (and this isn’t because I work at a conventional care clinic haha) it should be used a long side conventional practices. I would take a holistic food over a “prescription diet” any day of the week, but when it comes to things like medication – especially pain meds- there’s really no comparing them!
Thanks for your comment, Vanessa!
You hit the nail on the head – being aware is the most important thing.
Pet owners need to ask their Vet questions about the vaccines used.
Ask questions. Get answers. Make informed decisions.
Twitter: DannyBrown
Hey there mate,
Ironically, we just had our little Chinese Crested in for their shots. I do chuckle – I recall watching horrible videos of rabies victims back in the UK in the 70′s.
But travel was less monitored then, and cases have dropped exponentially.
Like you say, let’s protect our pets but make sure we’re protecting them right.
Cheers, mate!
Danny Brown recently posted..Is Klout Using Our Family to Violate Our Privacy?
Thanks for commenting, Danny. I agree, those videos were pretty graphic – reminds me of the anti-AIDS campaign during the 80′s.