Real Life Impact of Vaccine Injury

Harvey’s Story

Harvey came into my life already carrying a story I wish he didn’t have to tell.

vaccine injury small dachshund

He was found as a stray, picked up by animal control, neutered, tattooed, and placed in the shelter system. From the tattoo and his overall condition, it’s safe to assume he’d already had veterinary care, which almost certainly included vaccinations.

But here’s the heartbreaking part: when Harvey landed in rescue, he was given the entire vaccine lineup all over again — on the same day. Not one or two. Everything.

And as if that wasn’t enough, he was immediately given an oral flea/tick preventative… after a chemical burn on his back that looked suspiciously like a reaction to a topical flea/tick treatment.

That was the day his body began a downward spiral.

Today, Harvey suffers from recurring seizures — a battle we’re still fighting through detox work, liver and neuro support, and the long road of helping his system recover from the barrage of chemicals that were meant to “protect” him.

Why Overvaccination Matters

Vaccines can be lifesaving when used properly — but repeated, unnecessary, or excessive vaccination comes with risk and vaccine injury.

  • Cumulative Immune Stress: Each vaccine activates the immune system. Stacking them all in one day can overwhelm the body.

  • Heavy Metal Load: Many vaccines contain adjuvants (like aluminum) that linger in the body and contribute to inflammation.

  • Neurological Triggers: Dogs predisposed to seizures may be pushed over the edge after vaccination.

  • Liver Burden: Vaccines, flea/tick preventatives, and other chemical exposures all filter through the liver. That’s a heavy load for a detox organ already doing its best.

When we use vaccines without considering history, lifestyle, or titer testing, we may be creating problems rather than preventing them.

The Symptoms We See

In Harvey’s case, it’s seizures. But overvaccination can look like many things:

  • Allergies that “suddenly” appear

  • Chronic ear infections or skin issues

  • Gut inflammation and digestive upset

  • Autoimmune diseases

  • Neurological issues like tremors or seizures

Often, these don’t show up right away. It’s months — even years — down the road, when we’ve forgotten the day of “routine shots,” that the puzzle pieces begin to connect.

What Conventional Medicine Offers

In most veterinary settings, seizures are managed with anticonvulsant medications. Allergies are treated with Apoquel, Cytopoint, or steroids. Autoimmune issues often get immune-suppressing drugs.

While these may give short-term relief, they rarely address the root cause — the toxic load and immune dysregulation driving the symptoms.

Harvey’s Path Forward: An Integrative Approach

We don’t have a quick fix for Harvey. His seizures are a reminder that once the body tips into chronic disease, it takes patience, persistence, and compassion to rebuild.

Here’s what we’re focusing on:

  • Detoxing Heavy Metals: Supporting safe release of aluminum and other adjuvants.

  • Liver Support: Herbs, essential oils, and nutrition to help process the chemical overload.

  • Neuro Support: Natural therapies to calm the brain and reduce seizure triggers.

  • Immune Balance: Reducing unnecessary immune stimulation and strengthening defenses naturally.

This is not about throwing every supplement in the cabinet at him — it’s about working gently, consistently, and listening to his body.

What You Can Do for Your Dog

  • Ask for titer testing before vaccinating again.

  • Spread out vaccines if truly needed — don’t overload the system.

  • Reconsider routine flea/tick preventatives, especially after reactions.

  • Support detox pathways proactively (liver, kidneys, lymph, gut).

  • Learn the signs of vaccine reactions — both immediate and delayed.

A Gentle but Firm Reminder

Our dogs trust us to protect them. Sometimes, that means saying no to the default “just in case” vaccine schedule or the easy checkbox of flea/tick meds.

If Harvey’s story does anything, I hope it makes you pause and ask: Is this shot, this pill, this chemical truly necessary right now for my dog?

Because once the damage is done, you can’t un-give a vaccine.

Want to Go Deeper?

Overvaccination, detox, seizure support — these are layered, complex topics. Every dog is different, and what works for Harvey may not be right for yours.

FDA Disclaimer:
Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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