Unleash The Truth: Understanding Vaccine Risks for Your Dog
Risks Associated with Vaccines For Dogs
Risk Of Overvaccination In Dogs
Since writing this blog post I have created a Video on this subject and now offer supportive consultations on preparing your dog’s immune system to receive necessary vaccines through a suggested protocol using essential oils, homeopathy and nutrition. Contact me!
Think your dog may have vaccinosis? Do you have unexplained or unresolved behavior or wellness concerns? Let’s talk about how nutrition, essential oils and homeopathy may be able to help you.
Side Effect Risks Associated with Over-Vaccination
This is highly controversial topic. But there are some simple things to consider, that are being driven by the top names in holistic veterinary medicine.
Give as few vaccines as possible! No one is anti-vaccine! Everyone should be against over-vaccinating when the dog does not need it and when the dog is unhealthy.
Overvaccination in dogs refers to administering more vaccines or more frequent vaccine doses than necessary or recommended. While vaccines are crucial for protecting dogs against various diseases, overvaccination can pose certain risks and concerns:
Vaccine Reactions: Some dogs may experience adverse reactions to vaccines, such as swelling at the injection site, fever, lethargy, and allergic reactions. Overvaccination increases the likelihood of these reactions. Even if these symptoms diminish quickly, they are a warning. Next time could be worse.
Vaccine-Associated Sarcomas (VAS): In rare cases, repeated vaccinations may trigger the development of a type of cancer called vaccine-associated sarcomas. These are aggressive tumors that can occur at the site of a previous vaccination.
Weakening of Immune Response: Overvaccination may lead to an ineffective or weakened immune response over time, reducing the dog's ability to mount a proper response to subsequent vaccines or infections.
Autoimmune Disorders: There is concern that excessive vaccination could potentially contribute to the development of autoimmune disorders in some dogs, where the immune system attacks the body's own cells.
Allergic Reactions: Overvaccination can increase the risk of allergic reactions to vaccine components or additives, causing skin irritation, itching, hives, or more severe allergic responses.
Stress and Discomfort: Repeated vaccinations can cause stress and discomfort in dogs, particularly if they have a fear of needles or negative experiences associated with vet visits.
Unnecessary Expense and Resources: Overvaccination can lead to unnecessary expenses for pet owners and may strain healthcare resources by utilizing vaccines that are not needed.
Unwanted Immune Responses: Overvaccination may elicit unnecessary or excessive immune responses, potentially leading to chronic inflammation or immune-mediated conditions.
Long-Term Health Effects: The long-term health effects of overvaccination, especially regarding multiple vaccinations in a short period, are not fully understood, and there could be unforeseen consequences.
To mitigate the risks of overvaccination, it's important for pet owners to understand the needs and risks, and be your pet’s advocate. Educate yourself to have better conversations with your veterinarians to develop an appropriate vaccination schedule based on their dog's individual needs, lifestyle, and risk factors. Tailoring the vaccination plan can help ensure that dogs receive necessary protection while minimizing potential risks associated with overvaccination.
And always follow any vaccine with an aftercare / detox protocol.
Understand the Risks of Vaccines for Your Dog
Diseases like Parvo and Distemper are preventable, and your dog does need to be vaccinated as a young puppy. But it’s possible they will NEVER need to be vaccinated again once the appropriate initial round(s) are given. A titer test will give you that answer.
Parvo Distemper Vaccine Risks:
Puppies should not be vaccinated for Distemper and Parvo at the same time as Rabies? You should separate out the Rabies shot at least 2 weeks after Distemper & Parvo.
Many combination shots for Parvo & Distemper also include a shot for Adenovirus. You may see it called DHpp. When Adenovirus is given at the same time as Parvo, Distemper it will suppress the immune system for about 10 days…. This can be especially troublesome for puppies in the 6-8-week range as they transitioning to new home.
All vaccines are modified live vaccines – there no longer killed vaccines being use. No puppy under 6 weeks of age should be given a modified live vaccine, including Parvo. Wait for a single dose at 9-10 weeks and a next dose at 14-16 weeks. (General guidance for healthy puppies from healthy mamas)
Giving modified live vaccines under 6 weeks of age can cause post vaccinal encephalitis and seizures. The drug was never intended for puppies under 6 weeks of age. Many communities are dosing as early as 4 weeks.
Titer your dogs in the future before revaccinating. Many will never need another booster. Your vet may argue with you – demand the titers.
Rabies Vaccine Risks:
You must specify that you want mercury-free Rabies (or other) vaccines. It is not required to be on the label that it contains Mercury / Thimerosal -- your vet would have needed to call to verify. Most will tell you this is not an option. It’s because they don’t carry it regularly.
Rabies should not be given with any other vaccines or procedures. Separate the out 2-3 weeks apart from others. Also, it's crucial not to administer the Rabies vaccine concurrently with any other vaccine, procedure, or flea, tick, and heartworm product. The key is to avoid overloading your pet all at once. Say no to combo vaccines!
Rabies should not be given before 16 weeks, but some recommendations are for 20-24 weeks. However, it's common for many veterinarians and rescues to start administering it at 4 months. I strongly recommend waiting as long as possible for this vaccination, even if it necessitates an additional office visit.
In most states, the law mandates Rabies vaccinations by 6 months of age. After the initial vaccination, many clients are typically advised to have a booster after 1 year. followed by a transition to a 3-year vaccine.
It's noteworthy that the Rabies vaccine dosage remains consistent whether it's for a small breed like a Yorkie or a large breed like a Great Dane. Both the 1-year and 3-year Rabies vaccines have the same dosage; the only difference lies in the frequency of administration.
Titer testing has demonstrated that a majority of dogs may not require an additional vaccine throughout their lives. Nevertheless, legal obligations necessitate compliance with Rabies vaccination. Several prominent veterinarians are actively advocating for a change in this legislation nationwide. If you're interested, you can join the "Protect the Pets" movement initiated by Dr. John Robb.
It's essential to be aware that the Rabies vaccine is approximately 88% effective, leaving about 12% of dogs potentially unprotected, even if they have received the vaccination. Only a titer test can confirm the effectiveness of the vaccine.
If your dog is genuinely unhealthy, don't hesitate to request a medical exemption for the Rabies vaccine from your vet. Being your dog's advocate is crucial in ensuring their well-being.
Be sure to ask me about coaching sessions to learn about Detox Protocols with homeopathy, herbs and/or essential oils that support the kidneys and liver when it is necessary to vaccinate your dog.
It may also be appropriate to do a "Cleansing" Diet or Detox Diet if we believe there may have been the possibility for over-vaccination or vaccine reaction. Do not delay if you believe your dog is at risk.
Ask me about my recommended protocol for preparing the immune system to receive vaccines & supporting the dog after they have been administered. There are options with nutrition, essential oils, and homeopathy that can help! If you just received a vaccine & think your dog has had a reaction to a vaccine (call your vet immediately) — I’d love to talk with you too. Even if it’s been over a year and your dog “hasn’t been the same since” receiving a vaccine or behavior or health changed — let’s talk about vaccinosis and detox support. We can’t “undo” vaccines — but we may be able to improve your dog’s health.
On my site you’ll find more information about other Vaccines to learn more about their risks and your options.