[CorkyMax]

The Truth About Pet Vaccinations


by Dr. Larry Siegler

Most guardians have never been told the truth about vaccinations. On the contrary, you are likely to get annual notices from your veterinarian that your companion is "due for their annual booster shots". The evidence against vaccinating, however, is overwhelming. Most veterinarians just choose to ignore the research because they don't want to lose the income from giving booster shots to all those animals each year.

Vaccinations represent a major stress to the immune system. They can not only cause side-effects and allergic reactions, they also contribute significantly to long term chronic disease. Chronic health problems frequently appear following vaccination including skin allergies, arthritis, leukemia, upper respiratory infections, irritable bowel syndromes, neurological conditions including aggressive behavior and epilepsy, auto-immune diseases and cancer.

I have been practicing veterinary medicine for over 20 years and I see sicker animals at a younger age now than when I began. It is more and more common to see cancer in dogs and cats under 5 years of age. Autoimmune diseases are on the rise as well. Our companions are suffering from generations of over-vaccination, which combined with inadequate nutrition, poor breeding practices and environmental stresses are leaving each generation more susceptible to congenital disorders and chronic disease.

Vaccinations do help prevent serious illnesses, but they should be used with restraint. Before vaccinating, consider the risk. If your cat is indoor only and will never be exposed to unvaccinated animals, the risk of infection is low.  The decision about vaccinations is very individual and should be guided by your own research on the subject before you go to the veterinarian.

Puppies and kittens should not be vaccinated until at least 12 weeks of age.  Their developing immune systems are especially vulnerable to the stress of vaccines. Request individual vaccines and vaccinate at least three weeks apart if possible. Until 12 weeks of age keep your companion safe by avoiding exposure to public areas such as parks and pet stores. Keep them close to home and only expose them to animals you know are healthy. For puppies consider parvovirus and distemper at 12-15 weeks, and not until after 6 months of age for rabies. For kittens - consider one Panleukopenia combination (FRCP). Again, if available, give the vaccine components separately spaced three to four weeks apart. Feline leukemia and FIP vaccines may not be necessary for your cat. Consider its lifestyle and environment. IF your cats go outside and you have rabies in your area, give a rabies vaccine at six months of age. (Legal requirements vary from state to state.)

Vaccinations do not need "boosting". Studies have shown that a single vaccination for parvovirus, distemper and panleukopenia results in long-term protection from disease. Simple blood tests can determine if your companion's antibody levels for parvovirus and distemper remain high enough to resist infection. Next time your veterinarian suggests a booster shot, request the blood test first. (Rabies may be required by law every three years. Check the regulations in your state.)

I do not recommend vaccinations for Bordetella, corona virus, leptospirosis or Lyme vaccines unless these diseases are endemic locally or at a specific kennel. The currently licensed leptospira bacterins do not contain the serovars causing the majority of clinical leptospirosis today, so it is generally not a useful vaccine.

Homeopathic Nosodes are an alternative some guardians are using when choosing not to vaccinate.  They can also be used before three months of age if an animal is at risk.  Many guardians use these homeopathic medicines to help protect their companions against Parvovirus, Distemper, Kennel Cough, Panleukopenia and FIP. Some nosodes seem to work more effectively than others.  Homeopathic nosodes are not vaccinations. They do not produce titers against these diseases like a vaccination.  They do seem to offer some protection by reducing the severity of illness if the animal is exposed, even if they don't prevent it.

Never vaccinate a sick or weakened animal. If your puppy or kitten is showing signs of allergies or skin problems, WAIT. Vaccinating an already compromised immune system is almost sure to compound the problem!

Educate yourself. Your veterinarian cannot make this decision for you, nor should they. You are your companion's guardian. It is your responsibility to give them the best care you can by researching and carefully weighing your decisions about their healthcare.

[Lara's mom]

I'm not even going to comment on this except to state the obvious which is that modern vaccines have saved the lives of countless companion animals.

[cherylmartin]

I do know that The Veterinary College in Auburn AL do not recommend all of those boosters every year, and if they are not going to be exposed to a kennel, then why 'kennel cough' vaccine. I agree with you corky/max

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

I'm not even going to comment on this except to state the obvious which is that modern vaccines have saved the lives of countless companion animals.

Though I agree with your philosophy, I will point out that none of mine past age of 2 have had any boosters and for that matter Rabies unless called upon for kenneling or traveling. Mine have lived far beyond their breed years. I am not a proponent for over vaccinating as have also seen side effects that bother me.
Immune system of an adult dog is sufficient but the fact is rabies vaccinations do put a strain on the immune system leaving the dog subjected to other issues. Just food for thought. Oh, and my vet also is not a proponent for the proverbial yearly booster philosophy as he noted, it really does not do that much for them.

[pinsnpugs]

Yes, vaccines are a great tool to help protect our pets. However, the over vaccinating is an issue.
We vaccinate puppies for their entire round, one at 1 yr of age, then every 3 yrs until they are about 6/7 yrs.

We have never had a case of parvo, distemper, etc. and we are very active with ourdogs and are at shows regularly.

[cherylmartin]

I agree again. I would cringe every time I was 'required' to get Jasmine boosters. Here, they HAVE to have an uptodate rabies tag every year and while researching it I discovered what most Schools of Veterinary medicine in the south say about this practice. And yes they are good tools, for pups-but as your dog gets older-if they are not exposed-why vaccinate.

[lulusmom]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

I'm not even going to comment on this except to state the obvious which is that modern vaccines have saved the lives of countless companion animals.

I wholeheartedly agree; however, there is scientific evidence that proves that annual boosters are not necessary. I believe that all 27 teaching hospitals in North American have adopted the new three year vaccine guidelines based on published studies and recommendations made by AAFP/AFM, AAHA and the AVMA. The AAHA released new edition of guidelines 2006.

Canine Vaccine Guidelines Revised

I have senior dogs with immunosupressant diseases so all vaccines are out of the question for them. I parted ways with my gp vet because of their strict adherence to the outdated one year vaccine requirements and I walked away, despite the fact that they are excellent vets. This practice had the nerve to deny my dogs dental treatment if I refused the annual booster or alternatively a $150 titer test. This vet was also aware of the fact that my dogs were treating with an internal medicine specialist that provided me with a waiver and said absolutely no more vaccines. The only reason I can see for a vet to insist on annual boosters is to line their pockets because it sure isn't in their patients' best interest to over vaccinate.

In my opinion, any vet that isn't following the new vaccine guidelines should be challenged.

[Pet food store owner]

In the many, many years of being involved in the pet food biz one thing we have seen is the overusing of vaccines by Vets. IF you ever have time look up the word vacinosis on your search engine and you will see just how much we tend to overvaccinate(sp?)our pets and what it can do. There is a proceedure called Titer testing which takes blood to test the dogs immune system defence by measuring the presence and amounts of antibodies. This is far better than than giving boosters every year or two.

[Mr. Vega]

Originally Posted by cherylmartin

I do know that The Veterinary College in Auburn AL do not recommend all of those boosters every year, and if they are not going to be exposed to a kennel, then why 'kennel cough' vaccine. I agree with you corky/max

I am a student at AUCVM. The position that we tend to take at the small animal hospital is that which goes along with what you will commonly find in the AAHA and AVMA guidlines for vaccination. DHPP - Distemper, Hepatovirus/Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvo (which typically are given in one dose) are rec. every 3 years (after puppy boosters and 1 additional booster a year after that). This, however, is not true for Leptospirosis vaccine (and a few others)- it is indicated as an annual vaccine for dogs that may be at higher risk to exposure.

Lepto is listed as "non-core." Unfortunately, by the time that phrase goes through 100 people on the internet, it gets translated into "always unnecessary." That vaccine is listed as non core because it is not needed in all parts of the country (like the core vaccines are). This SHOULD NOT be interpreted as "just some vaccine that you don't really gotta give that vets just use to make money." I know that A TON of people love to point their finger at Lepto for all sorts of problems, but, if you're doubting the existence of Leptospirosis you can talk to the all of the heart-broken people I've seen over the years whose dog died in renal/hepatic failure from infection via Leptospira bacteria.

For "kennel cough." This was a slang name given to Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis because it was more prevalent in boarding kennels. The causative agent, Bordatella bronchiseptica, is a bacteria that does not know the boundaries of a kennel. This is important for those individuals that frequent dog parks. Again, while this vaccine is certainly NOT indicated for every dog, there are PLENTY of cases of CIT that come through hospitals that never saw a kennel at all.

As for the reasons behind 1 year, 3 years, etc... I'm sure most of you aren't worried about undervaccinating, but, in case you're worried about the 3 year schedule... I've read countless studies, and personally seen/assisted in quite a few as well, that measured Antibody titers against the core vaccines and most of them do indicate that most dogs will in fact sustain immunity to those agents for 3 years. So, why not longer? Not every individual shows high enough titers for 6, 7, 8 years and so we're pretty much forced to take a utilitarian view and set everyone equal at 3.

[CorkyMax]

To Vaccinate or Not?
-----------------------

Here is an issue which keeps coming up- and
rightly so.

There are so many conflicting opinions- with a
tonne of scare tactics thrown in.

IF..your dog/cat/child does NOT get .......Vaccine, they
are at RISK of serious disease.

Really?

----------------------------------------------
Does your pet need vaccinations every year?
----------------------------------------------

Vaccinations work by stimulating the immune system.
The positive effect is to protect against infectious disease.

But there are risks, as well.

To understand vaccines, you first need a basic understanding
of the immune system.
When vaccines are given, they incite the immune system to
produce something called 'Humoral Immunity'. Humoral Immunity
is essentially disease protection that is mediated or
controlled by antibodies.
If the body has had a previous encounter with a pathogen,
the body makes 'Opposite Invaders' to circulate in body fluids.
The 'Opposite Invaders' are called antibodies. These molecules
attach to or otherwise disable invaders and prevent them
from doing harm to the body.

The conventional approach is to get annual 'booster shots',
in the belief that vaccines only provide immunity for
approximately one year, and that revaccination is required
in order to boost or maintain a pet's immunity. This has
been the advised protocol of Veterinary Associations for
decades, and most veterinarians still follow this protocol.

However, there is a growing body of evidence against
vaccinating yearly. It has been shown that many vaccines do
provide a much longer period of immunity, up to the lifetime
of the pet, and that revaccination is not required annually.

Most veterinarians still advise annual boosters. They choose
to ignore the new research because they still feel either the
benefits of vaccines outweigh the risks or that they do not
want to lose the income from giving booster shots to all
those animals each year.

A point to note is that many of the annual revaccination
recommendations for a particular vaccine come from the manufacturer
of the vaccine, not from the Veterinary Associations in
particular (although a revaccination recommendation must be
qualified by the association).
But the situation is changing, if slowly. From the AVMA (American
Veterinary Medical Association): "While there is evidence that
some vaccines provide immunity beyond one year, revaccination
of patients with sufficient immunity does not necessarily add
to their disease protection and may increase the potential risk
of post-vaccination adverse events."
Most Veterinary Schools (in North America) are in the process of
changing or have already changed their advised vaccine protocols
to a reduced regimen - so there is hope for the future.

----------------
Side Effects
----------------

The potential negative effect of vaccination can be one of a
host of immune related diseases, including immune mediated
hemolytic anemia, immune mediated skin disease, vaccine induced
skin cancer, skin allergies, arthritis, leukemia, inflammatory
bowel disease and neurological conditions, to name a few.

It is more and more common to see cancer in dogs and cats
under 5 years of age. Autoimmune diseases are on the rise as well.
There are links to most of the common chronic health diseases
of dogs and cats due to over-vaccination.

The reasoning behind this is that when a vaccine is injected,
the immune system becomes 'over-taxed' and responds inappropriately.
It may turn and attack itself, as in the event of autoimmune diseases,
or even attack the site of the injection. We see the evidence
clearly in cats with the incidence of injection site sarcomas,
or with dogs, the worsening of inhalant allergies after vaccination.

The list of potential problems is exhaustive. With conventional
vaccines, while trying to strengthen a pet's immune system, we are
actually making them weaker.

Our companions are suffering from generations of over-vaccination,
which combined with inadequate nutrition, poor breeding practices
and environmental stresses are leaving each generation more
susceptible to congenital disorders and chronic disease.

In truth, vaccinations can help prevent serious illnesses, but
they should be used with caution. Before vaccinating your pet,
consider the risk. If your cat is indoor-only and will never be
exposed to unvaccinated animals, the risk of infection is low.

------------------------------
So what should you do?
------------------------------

Well keep your pet healthy in a variety of ways- NOT
banking on the vaccines.

Feed a NUTRITIOUS disease preventing diet.

Avoid toxic conventional medications.

Utilize safe and natural remedies when appropiate.

Ultimately make decisions for your pet's health and
well being- DON'T just let your 'Vet' make all the
decisions.


P.S. Here is may advised Vaccine regimen:

1.Puppies and kittens only need a series of two vaccine boosters,
one at 8 weeks then repeated at 12 weeks. I find the most critical
time to prevent infectious disease is at this young age. In small
kittens and puppies, I prefer to wait until 12 weeks. The traditional
third booster in puppies is not necessary. If possible, delay giving
the Rabies vaccine until 6 months.

2.Puppies should only be vaccinated for Parvovirus (MLV - Modified
Live Vaccines) and Distemper (MLV). Only give Bordetella vaccines
if going to a kennel or puppy class. Give Rabies vaccine (KILLED)
at 6 months.

3.Kittens should be vaccinated for the respiratory viruses and
Panleukopenia (FVRCP - Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus,
Panleukopenia) (MLV). Feline Leukemia (KILLED) vaccine should only
be given to 'high risk' cats - those in multi-cat households or
outdoor cats surrounded by a large cat population. Give Rabies
vaccine (KILLED) at 6 months. Ensure that the vaccines are given
in the subcutaneous tissue on the lateral sides of the right and
left legs.


P.S. Here is may advised Vaccine regimen:

1.Puppies and kittens only need a series of two vaccine boosters,
one at 8 weeks then repeated at 12 weeks. I find the most critical
time to prevent infectious disease is at this young age. In small
kittens and puppies, I prefer to wait until 12 weeks. The traditional
third booster in puppies is not necessary. If possible, delay giving
the Rabies vaccine until 6 months.

2.Puppies should only be vaccinated for Parvovirus (MLV - Modified
Live Vaccines) and Distemper (MLV). Only give Bordetella vaccines
if going to a kennel or puppy class. Give Rabies vaccine (KILLED)
at 6 months.

3.Kittens should be vaccinated for the respiratory viruses and
Panleukopenia (FVRCP - Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus,
Panleukopenia) (MLV). Feline Leukemia (KILLED) vaccine should only
be given to 'high risk' cats - those in multi-cat households or
outdoor cats surrounded by a large cat population. Give Rabies
vaccine (KILLED) at 6 months. Ensure that the vaccines are given
in the subcutaneous tissue on the lateral sides of the right and
left legs.

[Lara's mom]

A couple of weeks before Christmas a dog in my building contracted leptospirosis. I live in a major city in the downtown core. Since the dog in question had only been in her own neighbourhood, there is no doubt as to where she contracted it. She didn't survive. My girls weren't vaccinated either. It could just as easily have been one or both of mine. You can bet that they are vaccinated now as is the new puppy and will receive boosters as often as their Doctor suggests.

Living in a major metropolitan area is no guarantee that there isn't wildlife around that could potentially be infected. The owner is grieving terribly and blaming herself. Perhaps, the saddest part of this is that Taffy's death could have been prevented if she'd only been vaccinated.

[Mr. Vega]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

A couple of weeks before Christmas a dog in my building contracted leptospirosis. I live in a major city in the downtown core. Since the dog in question had only been in her own neighbourhood, there is no doubt as to where she contracted it. She didn't survive. My girls weren't vaccinated either. It could just as easily have been one or both of mine. You can bet that they are vaccinated now as is the new puppy and will receive boosters as often as their Doctor suggests.

Living in a major metropolitan area is no guarantee that there isn't wildlife around that could potentially be infected. The owner is grieving terribly and blaming herself. Perhaps, the saddest part of this is that Taffy's death could have been prevented if she'd only been vaccinated.

Unknown to most clients I talk to, rats serve as a major reservoir for lepto. Urban = rats.

[Lara's mom]

That makes perfect sense to me. In any large city, you will find an abundance of rats.

I feel as if I "dodged a bullet" this time through my own stupidity. Believe me when I tell you that I've learned my lesson and learned it well. Never again will my kids EVER be unprotected against ANYTHING that there is a vaccination for!!!

[Woolsy]

As I and my fiance are planning to get a puppy this summer, I would like to inquire more about vaccination. This thread help me understand why dogs need vaccination.

My question is, do breeds have different kinds of immunization? Or are all dogs the same when it comes to vaccinations?

[Todd]

Here's my philosophy on vaccinations...

By NO MEANS do dogs need to be revaccinated every year. This seems to be a shallow attempt at making some extra dinero on the part of the pet-care industry. Think about this for a moment. Do you yourself get vaccine boosters every year??? I don't think so!

I agree that all dogs immunities are different, but here's what I recommend...

Have your dog completely vaccinated as a pup and then have titer blood test done every 3 years thereafter to see if their immunity needs another vaccination or not. If so, get the vaccination. If not, obviously DO NOT. Over-vaccination can be very harmful to dog's immune systems if used unnecessarily. Also, because of rabies laws, always get the 3 year shot is your vet carries it. Many say it's NO DIFFERENT than the 1 year vaccine. Just marketing.

Some even say don't vaccinate puppies because the get their immunity from the mother's milk, so you may even want to do a titer on your puppy to see if he or she needs a vaccination.

[CorkyMax]

Great reply Todd! Glad you did it---I was not going to reply at all ---I get so worked up over this subject that it makes me 'tired' just thinking about it. Thank you!

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Corky/Max

Great reply Todd! Glad you did it---I was not going to reply at all ---I get so worked up over this subject that it makes me 'tired' just thinking about it. Thank you!

No problem. I know what you mean about getting worked up over it. LOL.

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by Todd

Here's my philosophy on vaccinations...

By NO MEANS do dogs need to be revaccinated every year. This seems to be a shallow attempt at making some extra dinero on the part of the pet-care industry. Think about this for a moment. Do you yourself get vaccine boosters every year??? I don't think so!

I agree that all dogs immunities are different, but here's what I recommend...

Have your dog completely vaccinated as a pup and then have titer blood test done every 3 years thereafter to see if their immunity needs another vaccination or not. If so, get the vaccination. If not, obviously DO NOT. Over-vaccination can be very harmful to dog's immune systems if used unnecessarily. Also, because of rabies laws, always get the 3 year shot is your vet carries it. Many say it's NO DIFFERENT than the 1 year vaccine. Just marketing.

Some even say don't vaccinate puppies because the get their immunity from the mother's milk, so you may even want to do a titer on your puppy to see if he or she needs a vaccination.

One thing to note, it does not all fall on the pet industry. Each state mandates laws also with regards to vaccinations as well as licensing.
Kris Kristine has been pushing for sometime to get pet owners involved to solicit changes in states where over vaccinating is an issue and is state law.
Not all required vaccinations are Rabies. Currently many states are looking at Lepto vaccinations also. I know that recently we have had issues in my area with regards to lepto breakouts and my vet who is not a proponent for over vaccinating has now started recommending the booster. He does the first one free and charges only for the second one. Which in my area is the recommendation. We went through this a few years back when I was still breeding Manx cats. I would go in for the kitten boosters which at that time there were 2, given couple weeks apart. When I went in with my last litter he told me they had changed to 3 boosters. I was a little confused but he explained that as far as he was concerned the original 2 were all that the kitten needed. Needless to say, my litter received just the 2 and of those I kept, they are healthy and typical athletic Manx cats. The onus is on the consumer. We cannot be quick to blame the pet industry or vets for everything especially when it may not all be their fault. Just like your own physician, we need to ask questions and force answers before we assume that anyone is instructing these vaccines be given. I generally give my pups their initial boosters. It obviously makes more sense when one breeds and I only comply with the 3. Lepto, I go to the vet for. As for rabies, those who purchase them have that done along with second Lepto. But the Lepto should really only be considered dependent on where the dog will reside. This is due to rat and raccoon feces. So if not in an area where they will be subjected to this, the pup or dog may not need to be vaccinated for Lepto.

[Lara's mom]

Since I last posted about the outbreak of leptospirosis in my building, two more dogs have become very ill and at this time it is not known whether or not they will live. These people were among the VERY few who didn't rush to their vet to get their dogs vaccinated. They are now paying a terrible price. These people are among the "anti-everything veterinary" crowd. It really frightens me that there are so many people being duped by anecdotal evidence and not protecting their dogs from diseases for which there are vaccinations.

I just hope that those of you who are advising members not to get their pets vaccinated for those diseases for which their are preventative shots are prepared to take on the guilt when someones dog dies from a disease that a vaccine could have prevented. Just because it hasn't happened to you doesn't mean that it won't happen to someone else!!!

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Yogi

One thing to note, it does not all fall on the pet industry. Each state mandates laws also with regards to vaccinations as well as licensing.
Kris Kristine has been pushing for sometime to get pet owners involved to solicit changes in states where over vaccinating is an issue and is state law.
Not all required vaccinations are Rabies. Currently many states are looking at Lepto vaccinations also. I know that recently we have had issues in my area with regards to lepto breakouts and my vet who is not a proponent for over vaccinating has now started recommending the booster. He does the first one free and charges only for the second one. Which in my area is the recommendation. We went through this a few years back when I was still breeding Manx cats. I would go in for the kitten boosters which at that time there were 2, given couple weeks apart. When I went in with my last litter he told me they had changed to 3 boosters. I was a little confused but he explained that as far as he was concerned the original 2 were all that the kitten needed. Needless to say, my litter received just the 2 and of those I kept, they are healthy and typical athletic Manx cats. The onus is on the consumer. We cannot be quick to blame the pet industry or vets for everything especially when it may not all be their fault. Just like your own physician, we need to ask questions and force answers before we assume that anyone is instructing these vaccines be given. I generally give my pups their initial boosters. It obviously makes more sense when one breeds and I only comply with the 3. Lepto, I go to the vet for. As for rabies, those who purchase them have that done along with second Lepto. But the Lepto should really only be considered dependent on where the dog will reside. This is due to rat and raccoon feces. So if not in an area where they will be subjected to this, the pup or dog may not need to be vaccinated for Lepto.

you're right. we cannot completely blame the pet industry, but I believe that they are defiantly a contributing factor. I think it also comes down to flat ignorance or lack of pet knowledge on the part of whomever' coming up with these state laws.