ARE YOU OVER VACCINATING YOUR DOG? Written by Susen Kennedy I have been a Maltese breeder for 20 years.I am a breeder who believes it is vital for a client to be fully educated about vaccine concerns in order to make healthy and safe decisions concerning their new pet.My clients are aware of the dangers of yearly vaccines and have chosen veterinarians that have updated their protocol or who are willing to listen to their clients requests. THE NATIONAL CANINE ASSOCIATION HAS ANNOUNCED NEW VACCINATION PROTOCOLS I would like to make you aware that all 27 veterinary schools in North America are in the process of changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats. Some of this information will present an ethical & economic challenge to Vets, and there will be skeptics.Some organizations have come up with a political compromise suggesting vaccinations every 3 years to appease those who fear loss of income vs. those concerned about potential side effects.Politics, traditions, or the doctor’s economic well-being should not be a factor in a medical decision. NEW PRINCIPLES OF IMMUNOLOGY Dogs and cats immune systems mature fully at 6 months.If a modified live virus vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces immunity, which is good for the life of the pet (I.e: canine distemper, parvo, feline distemper).If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and there is little or no effect.The titer is not “boosted” nor are more memory cells induced. Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.There is NO scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines. Puppies receive antibodies through their mothers milk.This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks.Puppies & kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8 weeks.Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0-38%) will be produced. Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, DELAY the timing of the first highly effective vaccine Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart SUPRESS rather than stimulate the immune system. Recommendation for minimal vaccination is vaccinate at 11 and 16 weeks of age. To be sure your pet is protected properly you may need to vaccinate again at 1 year after the last vaccine. A titer test is recommended to determine if there is any titer in the blood. If the test shows any titer no matter how small then your pet is protected for life and it is would not be necessary to give the additional vaccine. Blood antibody testing provides good evidence that the rabies vaccine persists seven years post vaccination.The French proved in the early 1990’s that the shot lasted at least five years.The three year shot is only guaranteed for three years because that’s how long the manufacturer chose to test it.TESTING IS EXPENSIVE.UNFORTUNATELY, most laws require vaccination every three years and some locales even require annual or bi annual vaccination. Everyone also needs to be aware that our small breeds of dogs receive the same dosage of vaccine as the larger breeds.There is mercury and aluminum in the vaccine that is very harmful and cause reaction.I administer a Dhpp no younger than 11-12 weeks of age. Waiting till that age and then another vaccine given at 16 weeks subjects the puppy to 2 vaccines and not 3. NEVER GIVE ANY OTHER SHOT WITH THE RABIES SHOT!!! Kirk's current Veterinary Therapy XI-the veterinarians' "bible"-says. It was written by Dr Ronald Schultz Ph.D. (Immunologist and Chairman of the Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine) and Dr. Tom Phillips D.V.M. Ph.D. ...that the immune system has a "memory." Indeed, the immune system contains memory cells. Once those memory cells have been shown what to do against a particular disease (by one successful vaccination at 11-16weeks old). those memory cells will produce antibodies against that disease whenever they encounter it-for years and years, probably for life. My Maltese live in my home and have a secured fenced yard.Understand that I have a better chance of winning the lottery then I do of my dogs contracting rabies.I have a much greater chance of adverse reactions caused by the vaccine.Reactions immediately or up to 3 days after the shot are vomiting, facial swelling, fever or lethargy, circulatory shock, loss of consciousness and death. Reaction days, weeks or months after the shot can cause Fibro sarcoma (cancer) at the injection site, seizures and Epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, including organ disease, allergies and skin problems, chronic digestive problems, muscle weakness and skin diseases like Ischemic. There is much to learn concerning the harm vaccines can cause. Just recently videos have been created to explain in more depth what every pet owner needs to know. I have added to my website www.susensmaltese.com from Dr Becker and top inmmunologist Ronald Schulz, Jan Rasmusen author of ‘What you must learn about the Rabies Vaccine for Dogs”Chris Day DVM and James Busby DVMThe oldcountry vet. SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW VIDEOS PLEASE GO TO www.shirleywellnesscafe.com/petvacc.htm for even more information concerning vaccine issues.
Please click on this link and any other links I have for you and the safety of your pet.
Only a few years ago, it was considered mandatory to bring your dog to the vet every year for his shots.
Times have changed.
Listen to what Dr. Christina Chambreau D.V.M. has to say about yearly vaccinations:
"Would you rebel if your doctor told you to get measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and hepatitis shots every year of your life until you died, instead of only a few doses as a child?"
People don't need yearly revaccinations. And veterinary immunological researchers now tell us: Neither do dogs and cats.
The most current veterinarian's "bible" says . . .
"A practice that was started many years ago that lacks scientific validity or verification is annual revaccinations.
Almost without exception there is no immunologic requirement for annual revaccination. Immunity to viruses persists for years or for the life of the animal.
Only the immune response to TOXINS requires boosters (e.g. tetanus toxin booster, in humans, is recommended once every 7-10 years). NO toxin vaccines are currently used for dogs and cats."
Please read that again. Because it's important.
It's what Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy XI – the veterinarians' "bible" – says. It was written by Dr. Ronald Schultz Ph.D. (immunologist and Chairman of the Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine) and Dr. Tom Phillips D.V.M. Ph.D.
In plain English, it means . . .
. . . that the immune system has a "memory." Indeed, the immune system contains memory cells. Once those memory cells have been shown what to do against a particular disease (by one successful vaccination at 11-16 weeks old), those memory cells will produce antibodies against that disease whenever they encounter it – for years and years, probably for life.
Annual reminders are not needed.
In fact, annual reminders are mostly useless because . . .
The same article in Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy XI goes on to say:
"Furthermore, revaccination fails to stimulate a secondary response as a result of interference by existing antibodies."
Again, in plain English, that means . . .
. . . booster shots don't work when your dog's system ALREADY has antibodies from previous vaccinations. Those existing antibodies neutralize the booster shot.
So repeating vaccinations doesn't "boost" your dog's immunity. Indeed, re-vaccinating an already-immune dog offers virtually no benefit because the previous immunity inactivates the vaccine.
So why are vets vaccinating every year?
Dr. Phillips and Dr. Schultz end their article in Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy XI with this bombshell – the real reason why so many vets continue to insist that dogs require annual vaccinations:
"The practice of annual vaccination in our opinion should be considered of questionable efficacy unless it is used as a mechanism to provide an annual physical examination."
In other words, your vet gets dogs into his office by declaring that they need yearly shots. Vaccinations account for a good-sized chunk of a veterinarian's income. Vets charge $15 to $50 for vaccines that cost them less than two dollars apiece. Plus you pay $25 to $35 for the office visit. It is in your vet's best financial interest that you bring your dog in every year.
Now don't get me wrong – regular physical exams can be a good thing, especially for older dogs.
But ethical vets must stop using the false pretext that "yearly shots are necessary" just to lure us into their offices.
In fact, annual booster shots are harmful
"Well, even if yearly shots aren't necessary, they don't do any harm, right?"
Unfortunately, that's not true.
Listen to what Dr. Charles Loops D.V.M. has to say about the power of vaccines:
"The first thing that must change is the myth that vaccines are harmless. Veterinarians and animal guardians have to realise that they are not protecting animals from disease by annual vaccinations, but in fact, are destroying the health and immune systems of these same animals they love and care for."
Dr. Christina Chambreau D.V.M. agrees:
"Routine vaccinations are probably the worst thing that we do for our animals. They cause all types of illnesses. Repeating vaccinations on a yearly basis undermines the whole energetic well-being of our animals. Veterinary immunologists tell us that vaccines need only be given once or twice in an animal's life. First, there is no need for annual vaccinations and, second, they definitely cause chronic disease."
Dr. Roger DeHaan D.V.M. has this to say:
"We have been destroying the immune system. Over the years it has become increasingly clear that some vaccines are ineffectual or unnecessary, and some vaccines are dangerous, even causing symptoms of the disease they are supposed to prevent."
You might breathe a sigh of relief that your dog has "breezed through" his vaccinations with no immediate reactions. But in reality, you have no idea what is going inside him. The real problems may surface next month or next year.
Listen to what Dr. Pedro Rivera D.V.M. says about vaccines causing chronic disease:
"Vaccinosis is the reaction from common innoculations. Reactions might take months or years to show up. In our practice, we've seen hypothyroidism, ear infections, immune-system diseases, joint maladies, and behavioral problems as reactions to over-vaccination."
Dr. Charles Loops D.V.M. says:
"Vaccinations represent a major assault on the immune system, [which] causes irregularities and abnormalities in the immune system, which then manifests as chronic diseases [ranging from] life-threatening conditions such as auto-immune crises to conditions destroying the quality of life of an animal, as in chronic skin allergies. What we are now seeing are generations of over-vaccinated animals."
Dr. Pat Bradley D.V.M. observes:
"The most common problems I see that are directly related to vaccines on a day to day basis are ear or skin conditions, such as chronic discharges and itching. I also see behavior problems such as fearfulness or aggression. Often guardians will report that these begin shortly after vaccination, and are exacerbated with every vaccine. In a more general and frightening context, I see the overall health and longevity of animals deteriorating."
Let's let the AVMA Journal sum this up
The AVMA Journal (#208, 1996) says: "There is no scientific data to support a recommendation for annual administration of vaccines. Furthermore, repeated administration of vaccines may be associated with a higher risk of anaphylaxis and autoimmune diseases."
In the same issue:
"There is little scientific documentation that backs up label claims for annual administration of most vaccines. In the past, it was believed that annual vaccination would not hurt and would probably help most animals. However concerns about side effects have begun to change this attitude. The client is paying for something with no effect or with the potential for an adverse reaction."
Annual vaccination schedules have always been based on – you're going to love this – the suggestions of the vaccine manufacturers – NOT on independent research. Is it any surprise that they want annual vaccinations?
Don't be intimidated by your vet
Dr. Don Hamilton D.V.M. warns you NOT to fall for the guilt trip pushed on you by many vets:
"Another trend of the past few years is coercion of guardians into procedures such as vaccination. This coercion may be blatant, such as refusal to provide services, even emergency care, unless the animal is 'current' on vaccines.
Sometimes even critically ill animals are vaccinated upon admission for treatment. More subtle means include induction of fear and/or guilt by asserting (as an authority figure) that companion animals are at risk if not vaccinated yearly, and that failure to comply is evidence of lack of caring. Tactics such as this can create feelings of guilt in the guardian, leading to a fear-based decision to vaccinate an animal that is not at risk. This is unethical, if not outright malpractice, and refusal is an acceptable response."
The conclusion is clear:
YOU must take charge of your dog's vaccination schedule.
Below is a 4 part video with Dr Becker and Top immuologist Ronald Schulz. Please pay very close attention to video #4.
These are two very informative and up to date websites that is a must read for all dog owners. There are many subjects at your fingertips to click on and read and there are also very informative videos to watch. Please visit these websites and make yourself a knowledgable dog owner. Jan Rasmusen author of "Scared Poopless" www.dogs4dogs.com www.truth4dogs.com