Vaccines For Dogs
What You Should Know About Vaccines For Dogs
We’re not anti-vaccine. But we don’t want you to over vaccinate and to make educated and well-informed decisions before you do!
Vaccines for dog are a very complicated and complex matter. They are also controversial and create a lot of angst for many of us. They can also be extremely emotional as you try to make decisions for your dog.
There are some who feel compelled to avoid all vaccines at all cost. Some follow a minimum approach to vaccines, and others follow traditional veterinary schedules by the book. There are choices only you can make, after you have done your own research.
Let’s take a look at what I share with my puppy parents. For some of you getting a dog from a rescue group, you will be too late to have this discussion. Some of you will experiences the effects of vaccine “injury” in the form of seizures, auto-immune issues, an actual reduction in their overall immunity, allergies, hot spots, digestive upsets, eye infections, ear infections, chronic ailments, aggression, anxiety, arousal. Some will have dogs that die young from cancer. There are many injuries that can be associated with vaccines — we just aren’t told that in most cases when get a new puppy.
If you are getting a puppy from a holistic, naturally reared breeder, you may have the option to NOT vaccine at all and instead use homeopathic nosodes. Look into this with your breeder & a good holistic vet.
For others who have an opportunity to manage the vaccine schedule, here’s what’s recommended by most holistic vets, including Dr. Jean Dodds of Hemopet.
We know that vaccines are important to help prevent diseases like Parvo, Distemper, and Rabies. We must protect our pets against these deadly, preventable diseases. But we want to help you understand some important considerations.
Top holistic veterinarians recommend NOT giving all 3 vaccines at the same time and NOT administering them with any other procedure (surgery, illness, etc)
Ideally, you will separate Parvo/Distemper from Rabies by at least 3 weeks. Don’t give them the same day. In fact, you can ask to separate the Parvo shot from the Distemper vaccine too.
As your dog matures, ask your veterinarian about titers testing. It is quite possible that your dog will produce lifetime antibodies of the vaccines after their first dose and never need another Parvo/Distemper Shot. This is also possible for Rabies, but until our laws change on the 3 year requirement, we have some challenges to face.
You should support your dog’s immune system prior to vaccination time. And you can support their liver at vaccine time and throughout the year with a periodic detox from all the environmental toxins we are exposed to. You can do it for yourself too. Just ask me about Essential Oils and Homeopathy for a vaccine aftercare protocol.
The Bordetella Vaccine is much like a flu shot for humans, except Kennel Cough much like contagious bronchitis. Like human vaccines, the kennel cough vaccine may not be 100% effective for all strains. If you are boarding your dog in a facility it will most likely be required. Many Pet Sitters and private borders, including me – will not require it if your dog is healthy.
Many vets will recommend Lepto Vaccine –
Only 4 of 200 strains of Lepto are covered by the vaccine. The vaccine is only effective for a portion of the year — it doesn’t last a full 12 months.
Lepto vaccine has some serious possible side effects that include: Lameness, anaphylaxis, kidney failure, cancer, death.
Lepto can be contracted by humans, but the vaccine is considered unsafe for humans due to the side effects and increased risk of auto-immune diseases.
Most vets will recommend Lyme Vaccine. Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics (some would argue essential oils and homeopathy (me too FYI)). If our flea and tick preventatives (natural of course) work, how much at risk are our dogs really?)
I cannot advise you to take or not take any vaccine – I can only advise you to do your research BEFORE you go in for your appointments and to be willing to SAY NO until you have done your research. Be your dog’s advocate.
It is important to understand the risks of receiving a vaccine and of not receiving them and opting for more natural wellness solutions.
At this time, my senior dogs will never have another vaccine if I have anything to do with it. Poppy, for now, will continue her 3 years Rabies shot with a supportive care protocol I have put together based on experience as a pet parent, dog trainer, foster home, certifications & research with holistic vets, holistic physicians, natural wellness practitioners, etc.
Schedule time with me to get access to my personal vaccine support protocol using essential oils, nutrition, and homeopathy options and see whether you think it would be beneficial to your own dog.
Check back soon on why I give Poppy the Rabies vaccine at this time. Mostly it has to do with her breed, state laws, and my job. I hate it, and it gives me tremendous angst.