Vaccinations

by Libby Marquardt

Over the past 10 years attitudes have changed regarding what is safe and normal for pet vaccinations. For example, the current protocol in veterinarian schools is a minimum of 2 years between your basic distemper/parvo combination vaccinations.

The only vaccination required by law is for rabies. It is a killed virus. The initial vaccination is for a 1-year period. Subsequent rabies vaccinations are for 3-year periods.

All other vaccinations are live viruses, and you need to investigate whether or not your dog needs to receive this. There are titers that can be done and this basically checks the blood's antibodies against the diseases of the vaccine.

Some vaccines, like Bordetella (kennel cough), only cover about 8 strains of kennel cough, while there are well over 28 strains out there. It is not uncommon that people will give their pet a bordetella vaccine just prior to entering a kennel or going to a groomer, because they were told they must have it. Then the dog gets kennel cough anyway, because the dog gets stressed in those environments, which compromises their immune system and it's a live vaccine. If you are going to give any of these live vaccines as preventatives, do so at least 2 weeks prior to any stressful situation or environment.

We provide a number of articles on vaccinations and encourage everyone to read them and make your own decision. Please remember it is YOUR pet, and while you do not vaccinate your children every year, why do you vaccinate your pet every year? Do not walk into your vet office and just tell the vet to give "whatever is due".

Read and make wise decisions regarding vaccinations. This is your pet and you want it to stay healthy throughout its life, well into its senior years.

There are three parts to having a healthy pet:

1) Genetics - We have no control over this, some breeds just have a propensity for certain maladies.

2) Food - Please read our information on foods. Better food makes for a healthier dog with a shinier coat, less shedding and decreased chances of long term medical issues.

3) Vaccinations - Get informed, less is better! Talk to your vet, talk to others in the animal field and make informed decisions.

Interesting articles:

"Analyzing New Vaccination Recommendations for Dogs", by Jan Rasmusen.

"Less is More: A New Perspective on Annual Vaccinations", by Janine Adams.

"Lifelong Immunity - Why Vets Are Pushing Back", by Dogs Naturally.

Vaccines for Cats: We Need to Stop Overvaccinating by Lisa A. Pierson, DVM