Relaxing start to the week end! Have been starting to re read the course material I covered for the Canine Health Concern Foundation In Canine Health Care course and reading some of the information available about vaccination and over vaccination on The World Small Animal Veterinary Association web site pages, and generally thinking over why I decided to stop vaccinating my dogs. Modified Live vaccines should not be given to those with B and T cell immunodeficiency illnesses such as inhalant allergies, food allergies, skin diseases such as dermatitis, eczema, heart disease, and neurological problems..... according to the Merck manual under childhood illnesses section. Vaccines can cause a variety of reactions such as encephalitis, epilepsy, inflammatory skin conditions, inflammation within any organ in the body to name but a few. Environmental factors such as inadequate diet, if the dog was unhealthy when vaccinated, if the immune system was not functioning well at the time of vaccination etc can all increase the risk of adverse reactions. Some vaccinations have limited effectiveness and an increased risk of adverse reactions. That is not to say that a vaccine will cause problems, merely that it can and these are serious implications for the health and longevity of your dog. Core vaccines such as Parvo virus and Distemper are recommended for puppies and at 1 year old, although there can be no guarantee that the dog will not have a reaction as mentioned previously. Anyone who knows how much I love and care for my dogs will know I take their welfare and health very seriously. About six years ago I switched to a raw feeding, natural health care approach( herbal treatments for worming, flea and tick treatments) for my dogs, after reading, researching and training on canine health care. I seek veterinary attention as appropriate, and have an excellent relationship with the veterinary practice I attend ( infrequently!) with the dogs. Many vets are themselves coming round to the idea of titre testing as an alternative to routine boosters.... why vaccinate with the risks that entails if the dog is already immune? Surely all pet owners deserve to know the potential risks of vaccination.... so they can give truly informed consent?
Posted on: Sat, 31 Aug 2013 11:23:43 +0000