Dealing Intelligently With Vaccinations
Vaccinations
are suspected of being a leading trigger of cancer (as well as other
problems) in dogs and cats. Those annual booster shots lower the immune
system, and in the case of young puppies, over-vaccinating can do
permanent damage. Based on all our research, writings of immunologists
and leading veterinary sources, we've boiled the information down to
some simple "DO's
and DONT's..."
DO
educate yourself about the risks of vaccinating, as compared to the
benefits, so that you can make intelligent decisions. Our August
2005 issue is a good place to start, if you're just beginning to
inform yourself.
DO
make your veterinarian aware of your concerns
about the dangers of vaccinations. For each inoculation, ask exactly
what it is for and if it is really necessary. If your vet is aware of
your concerns, he/she is less likely to over-vaccinate. Remember that
50% of the practices of most veterinarians is in giving shots. A
veterinarian may well be ethical, but is not financially motivated to
limit vaccinations.
DO
(if you choose to vaccinate) restrict vaccinations to diseases endemic
in your area and your dog's activities. For example, if your dog won't
be in a
region where Lyme disease is a risk, omit Lyme disease
vaccinations. If your dog won't be kenneled with other dogs, you may
omit kennel cough shots, etc.
DO
keep records of each vaccination, what was given and on what date. When
acquiring a new dog make sure to get records from previous caretakers.
DO
know your local laws about canine vaccinations. Most areas require only
rabies shots. Some localities mandate other shots as well.
DO
ask for a "titers" test if there is any question about the
necessity for a booster shot.. Most shots last much longer than one
year. Automatic "annual" boosters" should be avoided! A
titers counts antibodies present in the blood. Remember that titers
tests never prove that a re-vaccination is needed, no matter how low the
titers score. These tests can only show when a vaccination is NOT
needed. If ANY anti-bodies are detected, no vaccination is necessary. If
NONE are detected, this alone does not prove the necessity for a
re-vaccination (although some might suggest that re-vaccination is
indicated).
DO
prepare your dog for shots by boosting the immune system before and
after inoculations. Ask your vet about giving your dog daily Vitamin B
Complex supplements for several days before and a few weeks after
receiving vaccines. (Vitamin C helps the B to work better.)
DO
be aware that "modified live virus" (MLV) vaccines are usually
far more dangerous than "killed" virus vaccines. To our
knowledge, distemper is the only vaccine that doesn't exist in a
"killed" version. Ask your vet if the vaccines to be given are
live or killed. If "live" vaccines are intended to be given,
ask why.
DO
(if you choose NOT to vaccinate) compensate by boosting the immune
system-by nutritional, herbal and holistic means.
DON'T
over-vaccinate a newly acquired puppy. Oftentimes the breeder
or shelter has already vaccinated the puppy, and the new owner repeats
the same vaccinations. Remember that vaccinations lower the immune
system, inviting cancer and other diseases to take hold. Some
immunologists contend that a single vaccination induces permanent
immunity, and that re-vaccinating doesn't add to the immunity. The worst
effects of over-vaccinating may not show up right away; it may be
years-but they will show up!
DON'T
give vaccinations close to periods when your dog will undergo
stress. If you are going on vacation and plan on kenneling your dog
while you're away, give kennel-cough shots (or whatever) several weeks
in advance. Stress and vaccinations each lower the immune system. Asking
a dog to handle
them both at the same time is never a good idea. With
new adoptions, wait until they have overcome the stress of dealing with
their new environment before giving shots.
DON'T
give more than one vaccination at a time! This is especially
true in the case of puppies. Allow at least three weeks between
vaccinations. And for rabies shots, separate from other vaccines by at
least a full month before and after. When possible, avoid
"combination" vaccines (typically three or more diseases mixed
up in one "cocktail.")
DON'T
give a rabies shot to a puppy until he/she is six months old.
Laws sometimes mandate giving rabies shots at three months-try to
prolong this if you can. Puppies' immune systems aren't well enough
developed at three months.
DON'T
give shots for diseases that are easily curable (with
antibiotics or other means). Many find that it's easier, for example, to
deal with curing corona (a viral intestinal infection of dogs) than the
side effects of the vaccine.
DON'T
expose other dogs to a dog that has received "live"
virus shots for 10-21 days after receiving the shots. Live vaccines
"shed" through the skin and feces, and could be dangerous to
other dogs.
DON'T
vaccinate adult females during seasons, when hormonal changes
are taking place.
This
information is based on many sources (see our August
2005 edition) and particularly
the work of Wendy Volhard and Kerry Brown, DVM.
|