Pet Vaccinations

[mantheymw@hotmail.comStudent]

I am not opposed to safe and effective vaccinations, but it seems like we live in a world gone crazy over vaccines. When I was a kid I got all 2 of my vaccinations. My kids were vaccinated with the 8-10 on the vaccine schedule of their childhood. Today there are dozens and dozens of recommended vaccines, many of which are for illnesses to which I would rather I, my kids, and grandkids have natural immunity (think chicken pox).

 

My question is this, are pet vaccines also formulated for things that might better be handled by a healthy immune system? I have inherited two kitties who are not up to date on their vaccines and have a veterinary appointment in three weeks. Should I get any and all vaccines the vet may suggest, or are there some that are highly advisable, while others can be dismissed? I am opposed to using unnecessary pharmaceuticals, but I am not opposed to the ones for which the benefits outweigh the risks.

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Brooke Sarazyn

[Tania KanavasStudent]

I don’t vaccinate my animals (dogs) or myself and I advise my family to avoid them at all costs.  There are studies that vaccines compromise and many times weaken one’s natural immune system.

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Wanda Breighner, Annabelle Konyu

[PaigeStudent]

I believe you might find some good information at the Weston A Price/Wise Traditions website. It is geared towards humans, but the rational can be applied anywhere.

PMR

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Tania Kanavas

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Short answer: Everything we do to our bodies should go through a risk/benefit analysis. For some human diseases, the chance of exposure is very low due to herd immunity. So the risk of vaccine side effects may arguably be worse than the risk of being exposed to the disease.

Pets are different. Their world doesn’t have soap and water and toilets and potable water as the only drinking source. So their risk of exposure to disease is much higher. Also, some of the diseases that still run rampant in the doggy world are very deadly. So, I think pet vaccination is skewed differently than human vaccination on the risk/benefit scale. I’ll write a lesson about it.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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Joretta Windham, Diana Kennedy, Brooke Sarazyn, Sabrina Brown, Tania Kanavas, Renee Peterson, Paige, Cheryl Bresin, Toni

[mantheymw@hotmail.comStudentTopic Author]

Thank you for the input, Doc. I had heard you make comments in the past that pet vaccines are more necessary in most cases, but I wondered if- like with humans- vaccines are being added for non-life-threatening diseases, in which case I would like to selectively pass on those.

I supposes I can just consult with the vet when I see him or her.

🙂

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

They are sometimes pushing vaccines for which there is a low risk of exposure. They’re also vaccinating too frequently.

For a kitty, I’d definitely get the FeLV/FVRCP shot and a booster in about 3 weeks. In some areas rabies is a significant risk. In others it’s not at all. That said, in most paces it’s legally required for licensure. But in some places cats don’t need a license….and so it goes.

I’ll do a lesson on pet vaccines when I get back to Idaho.

 

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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A Perreault

[Jodie HummelStudent]

Doc, while we are on the topic, can you please explain why some vets (all I’ve met) give the same dosage of vaccines to a chihuahua as they do a great dane?  I asked my vet once (he was pushing waaaaaay too many, and I found out he was required by the practice to “sell” them), and he admitted vets don’t titrate (is that the right term?) for cats and dogs, so little fellas have more reactions, and big fellas get less protection.  Is there a good reason for this?  It turned me off, first, because of the constant up-selling (it’s like ordering a steak and then they try to add all the extras when you just want a nice, plain steak!), and then, because they know the one size fits all dosing is harming, yet they continue.  Is it that much of a hassle to measure dosage for size, or does it truly not matter whether the dog is 5 pounds or 150?  I appreciate your risk/reward approach…it’s how I did for years, with my kiddo, my pets, and even with my own mom when she got older.  Sure appreciate you!

 

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Vaccines aren’t dose-dependent like drugs are. We’re  injecting a little bit of antigen in so that the immune system can be exposed to it and respond. That amount is the same for a chihuahua or a St. Bernard.  If a 50 lb calf or a 2000 lb bull gets sneezed on, it’s the same effect. The little germ makes them sick. Same principle with vaccines.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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Andy1RN

[Tania KanavasStudent]

Juliette de Baircali Levy (I have not checked the spelling of her name here) – I have some of her books.  She strongly espouses a natural life for animals without vaccinations – the latter she states are detrimental to the animals.   Authorities in Australia, make compulsory vaccination for dogs at birth… and advise annual vaccinations.   Vaccinations have bizarre and deeply disturbing ingredients which do not belong in any body, whether animal or human.  Look at the covid19 injections – doctors far and wide want them banned but debate is being censored by the mainstream media.  I am aware that covid19 injections are not normal vaccines but mRNA experimental injections.  I hope you have heard of Juliette’s books. Regards,

 

• This reply was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by Tania Kanavas.

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Sydney Alix

[Michelle KochStudent]

Tania Kanavas wrote:

I don’t vaccinate my animals (dogs) or myself and I advise my family to avoid them at all costs.  There are studies that vaccines compromise and many times weaken one’s natural immune system.

If you live in the United States, rabies vaccine is required by law, and for good reason.  If you live in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, it is a bit scary to not vaccinate – at least for rabies – because rabid raccoons have been captured in neighborhood yards.  Just this week, a rabid raccoon was captured in a Virginia Beach neighborhood.  Unless your dog is treated like an indoor only cat and never goes outdoors ever, at least vaccinate for rabies.

[Michelle KochStudent]

Since we’re on the topic of “new” vaccines, did you know – they have come out with a vaccine for Lyme disease (only for dogs)!  I live in an area where those kinds of ticks are prevalent, and I am about to embark on a several months long camping adventure, so my dog is at particular risk.  Sure, there are those dog “treats” that help to kill fleas and ticks, but the ticks still have to bite my dog before they die – and disease is transmitted through the bite.  I would rather prevent them biting her in the first place, but even that isn’t 100% effective, and Lyme disease is devastating, so I’ve opted in for the vaccine.  This is definitely one of those controversial vaccines for which one must weigh out the risk vs benefit.  Greater risk = greater need.

[Carol PrattStudent]

Considering vaccination for tetanus. Is it necessary and safe in case of deep wound?

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Tetanus vaccination is a really good idea. I’ve seen cases of animals dying of tetanus and wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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