Vaccinating Dogs: 10 Steps to Eliminating Unnecessary Shots
Written by Jan on April 22, 2009 – 9:11 am
When vaccinating our dogs, most of us rely on our vets, trusting that their advice is up-to-date and not biased by economic or political concerns. Unfortunately, unless vets stay current on veterinary journal reading (no easy task) … and actually assimilate new findings … and decide to forgo significant vaccination income, their advice may lag well behind many years behind what experts now advocate.
Vaccination is a serious medical procedure with the potential for adversely affecting health, both in the short and long term. Experts now advise us to vaccinate each dog according to his or her individual needs. But how do you cut back without endangering your dog’s health? Here are 10 ways to eliminate unnecessary shots while actually improving pet health.
1. Always consider locale, lifestyle, risk and vaccine effectiveness. Bordetella (kennel cough) is for dogs in poorly-ventilated close quarters (like kennels), not for pets sometimes playing with others. Leptospirosis is a disease of wetlands and woodlands, and the vaccine may not protect against the actual disease in your area. Lyme is only for dogs in areas with Lyme disease. Furthermore, each of these vaccines has dangerous side effects and their efficacy is questionable. Don’t give them without proven need and benefit.
2. Eliminate vaccines on the “not recommended” list of the American Hospital Association’s Canine Vaccine Task Force as well as most veterinary organizations and schools. These include Giardia and Coronavirus (found in many combination shots).
3. Say no! to combination shots. Combo shots (called names like DHLPPC) assault your dog’s immune system with five or seven vaccines at once. Given for (false) economy and convenience rather than health or safety, combination shots are linked to autoimmune disease and other major health problems. Also, they invariably contain unnecessary and even dangerous vaccines.
4. Stop vaccinating against diseases for which your dog may already have immunity. Blood serological studies show that parvovirus vaccines given to dogs over 15-16 weeks of age generally give at least 7 years of immunity, as does the Rockborn distemper strain. (The Onderstepoort strain gives 5 years.) Ask your vet which vaccine your dog received.
5. Don’t allow your vet, kennel owner or groomer to intimidate you into giving unnecessary shots. Suggest titer testing for parvovirus or distemper — or go elsewhere. Require written proof from experts that your dog needs any shot. Your dog’s lifelong health is at stake.
6. Test immunity; don’t automatically re-vaccinate. Titer tests (pronounced TIGHT er) are blood tests measuring antibodies to disease. Renowned pet vaccination expert Dr. Ron Schultz believes that titer tests yielding strong titers for parvovirus and distemper means not vaccinating against these diseases for years and maybe life. (Note: Don’t expect everyone to accept test results in lieu of vaccination. This subject is complicated, and most people are programmed to think of vaccination as “the gold standard.” Also, the absence of strong titers does not necessarily mean that a dog needs a “booster.”) Read my article on titer testing here at Truth4Dogs.com for details.
7. Never vaccinate sick dogs. All vaccine labels state that they’re to be used in healthy animals. Unfortunately, vaccine labels don’t define “healthy” and most clients don’t know about this admonition. As a result, sick pets, immune-compromised pets, pets undergoing chemo and surgery, and even dying housebound pets are vaccinated. Any shots given to an unhealthy animal may well not provide immunity and will likely cause an adverse reaction, even death. Regarding the rabies vaccine: chronically ill or immune-compromised pets may be eligible for a rabies shot exemption for a specified period or even life. Click the preceding link for more information. And watch for our upcoming post on this subject.
8. Don’t vaccinate puppies too early. Vaccinating pups who still have maternal immunity is unnecessary and ineffective. Most vets suggest waiting until at least 8 weeks of age. Some experts suggest waiting until 3-4 months to vaccinate puppies, keeping pups away from public places and strange dogs until immunity is proven by strong titers.
9. Insist that your vet documents any adverse vaccine reactions in detail. Someday you may want to apply for rabies vaccine exemption.
10. Make copies of dog licenses and vet files and store them in a safe place. Clinics lose records, go out of business, leave town, etc. Without your dog’s records, you may have vaccinate sooner than necessary because of lost or missing records.
Ready to make a change? Best case, find a vet concerned about over-vaccinating to advise you. Educate yourself and go to the vet armed with information. Most important: actually advocate for your dog; don’t just intend to advocate. (If you have trouble keeping your resolve, watch my video Stand Up to Your Vet.) Learn more, and watch our video on vaccination, at my web page Vaccinating Dogs.
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dog, dogs, dog shots, dog vaccination, vaccines, pets, titer testing
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April 22nd, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Great job Jan! I hope your advice reaches the public so that they might spare themselves the heartache of vaccine induced disease. I have seen needless vaccines, dangerous vaccines administered to a much loved pet and end up causing death or disease in that companion.If only everyone could hear the evidence at one time. I am not the only veterinarian who has seen the disease and death dangerous vaccines can deliver, nor the only veterinarian who realizes that you can not depend on our profession to fulfill the terms of our Hippocratic Oath that we swore to keep up with the advancements of scientifc knowledge and to not add to the animal pain and suffering.I hope that the caretakers of all companion animals will hear this 10 step program and protect their pet from the vet who cares not to practice honorably. If they are interested in understanding more fully the minimal vaccination protocol advocated by our leading veterinary vaccine researcher, then please become proactive and ask about Dr. Ron Schultz minimum vaccine protocols.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Because of there being ZERO science behind the current Rabies Vaccination laws, my beloved Rat -Terrier, Peaches wis dealing everyday with a horrific Auto-Immune disease. It will never go away. She has bloody sores on her ears, and her feet. I must give her 2 baths a day to slough away the tissue debris and keep those little feet clean. I smell the blood left on her when I gently towel her dry with each bath. This disease was diagnosed by the University of Pennsylvania as Rabies Vaccine associated Ischemic Vasculitis. I have no idea how long I’ll have my little girl as she could throw a clot at any time or may just continue to be devasted by the disease. I am just so angry about this, as you would be if it were your pup.
it is my opinion that the lobbyists and the pharm companies they work for make these laws.
Please support the Rabies Challenge Fund Studies by donating.
http://www.rabieschallengefund.org/ (a federally registered charity)
These studies (3rd year now)will make a difference so YOUR dog or your childrens dogs will not have to go thru what we and many others are going thru with thier own dogs. The RCF studies are being run according to USDA regulations and will enable change based on science. Yes, based on science:) Please help-and–spread the word…Thank you so much!
Judy and Peaches
April 28th, 2009 at 8:17 am
Hi Jan,
I really appreciate your persistent work on this issue. I dared to challenge our very tradtional vet by asking if he does titer testing, and he went ballistic! He told me I was spending too much time on the internet! Anyway, we have since found a vet who is much more in tune with the issue of over-vaccination.
I have a question for you, what experience have you had with kennels or doggie day care places who insist on up-to-date vaccination records before they will accept your dog? Have you found they are open to titer testing results?
Thanks for all you do,
Jean (and Roxie and Gypsy)
April 28th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Jean, I don’t have any personal experience with groomers and kennel owners. I do know that I hear from their clients a lot. Many of them do not understand immunity. I’ve written why kennel cough is dangerous and a waste of time. I’ll post it either on http://www.dogs4dogs.com/shots or in one of my blogs. I’ll announce where on Twitter. You can follow me at http://www.twitter.com/k9author Accounts are free and just take a moment to get.
For other shots, see the /shot page.
Thanks for writing.
April 29th, 2009 at 7:42 am
[...] ****** So what should you do if your dog is unhealthy but “due for shots”? Read my article Vaccinating Dogs: 10 Steps to Eliminating Unnecessary Shots Your pet may not even need the recommended shots. (For cat shot info, please visit LittleBigCat [...]
May 8th, 2009 at 10:12 am
This comment is posted with permission of Dr. Michael Dym http://www.canineworld.com/drdym/
There is not a topic closer to my heart in revealing the truth about the whole issue of vaccinations in our canine and feline companions. For the past several decades the typical conventional standard of practice is to give puppies and kittens multiple viral vaccinations every few weeks starting at sometimes as young as 3-4 weeks of age, up until 4 to 5 months old and then repeating that practice EVERY YEAR from puppy and kittenhood through the golden years. As veterinary immunologists and renowned vaccine experts Ron Schultz, DVM and his colleague Dr Phillips wrote many years back in Kirks Current Veterinary Therapy XI edition ( a text taught at all veterinary schools), yearly vaccination for viral diseases is medically unnecessary and is a practice that “lacks scientific validity.” In the same article, it says that immunity to most core viral vaccination persists for “years to the life of the animal.”
Schultz’ and Phillips’ article was written many years ago, and after the first International Veterinary Vaccines and Diagnostics Conference held at the College of Veterinary Medicine in Wisconsin held in 1997 (over 12 years ago) concluded that the duration of immunity is likely more than 5 years for the clinically important companion animal vaccines, many veterinarians still routinely overvaccinate both puppies and adult/senior dogs and cats.
Evidence has emerged in recent years, that along with the nutrient poor processed commercial pet foods, overvaccination has been a major factor in the development of both the epidemic increases in autoimmune diseases, seizures, hormonal disorders and cancer seen in younger and younger pets. There is even evidence that genetic changes have occurred in pets because of this overvaccination process over so many generations. Studies are now under way to document that even rabies vaccination has immunity that probably lasts for up to 5 to 10 years. See http://www.rabieschallengefund.org and http://www.truth4dogs.org
The vaccination of pets with chronic immune mediated illnesses or cancer, or even a history of cancer is contraindicated, as all vaccine inserts that come with the vaccinations say for “use in healthy animals only”. Every animal guardian should become informed about which vaccines are appropriate for their pets, and how often or if they should be given or repeated. The health of our canine and feline companions depends upon us learning the truth.
May 26th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
I currently have a papillon that is having problems and no vet can tell me what her problem is. I have spent so much money needlessly. I am going to GVS they specialize in all issues. I am almost afraid to go due to finding out she may have cancer. Vets are so much like our family docs of today. Keep them coming back to pay for their homes etc. I remember when you gave your pup a 5 in one and then came back for the booster. They would not give rabies until 6 mo. Now you see they give 1 set of shots followed 3 weeks later with a booster then 3 weeks later another then 3 weeks later another.How sad . I also see bordatella required 2 times a year. If you would also take note of the dogs with skin problems . People take them to the vet and the vet gives them a topical fix of some sort. When that does not work you go back a 2nd and on the 3rd time , the vet suggest their food and treats. They do not tell them if they would not give their dogs red food dye in any form than the pup will naturally get better. You are always going to the vet for the food they prescribe. Why money. A couple of years age we were killing our dogs with the love of feeding them great dog foods.I feel sure that no one was aware that the U.S. bought wheat from China and the U.S. did not U.S.D.A. does not inspect any products from over seas. However they do inspect our farmers here. China to my understanding had a bad rat problem . The problem was handled by putting rat poisoning around the crop. Commonsense shows that the poison grew into the crop . This caused us to slowly and painfully kill our dogs. Many people I have spoke to are still suffering from dogs dying of that curse . The poison attacks so many vital organs that even though the poison was stopped the damage that was done , was not fixable. Cook for your dogs . If you feel your vet is doing excessive and needless work on your pup. Go with your gut. See a holistic doc, or specialist.
May 29th, 2009 at 7:37 am
Thank you so much for this eye opener.. I have a 4 yr old maltese, who last year for the 1st time had a really bad reaction to his yearly vaccines. Just yesterday i took him to a new vet and told him of the problem, he did give him benadrly before giving him his shots. Let me say that i had a terrible night. At 1am he was restless.. from one side of our bed to the other.. shaking his head and scratching.. i got up and noticed red and puffy around his eyes, i then gave him another benadryl tab… tried to confort him and scratch him… he felt hot and then an hr later gave him a baby asprin… he continued to be restless.. he was also very thristy which i knew he was going to throw up from so much water… in which he did and a lot of it, but after he was done his itching was gone and he was finally able to get some rest after 5 hrs of discomfert..
My dog NEVER goes outside to the grass, or play with any other dog, he is an indoor dog, and goes on wee wee pads. I say to myself does he really need all these shots and what can i do to protect him.
pls advise
May 29th, 2009 at 9:21 am
Laura, first of all, you need to find a vet familiar with homeopathy. Even after the crisis seems over, you still need to “clear” your dog’s body of the vaccine. Second, why would a 4-year old dog need shots (other than legally required rabies)? Wait a few weeks then do a titer test. (See my article at http://www.truth4dogs.com and click Titer Test.) Third, although Benadryl might help with symptoms of allergy (see my upcoming free newsletter about this–sign up at http://www.dogs4dogs.com), what it does is suppress the immune system. Shots stimulate the immune system. Will it interfere with the shot? Who knows. Another reason to do a titer test to test immunity. Fifth, why would a vet revaccinate a dog who’d had a prior reaction — especially with shots he didn’t need? This is against all manufacturer instructions. Finally, really shots are old fashioned medicine. If it were my vet, I’d fire him/her and find another. Find more info at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/shots and http://www.truth4dogs.org I’d be interested in knowing why shots your dog got. Oh, and try to get an exemption from the rabies shot. Your dog is likely to have a dangerous reaction. Find a good vet at http://www.holisticvetlist.com or go to Pitcairn.com.
June 2nd, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Our poor dog (9 mo) has not been feeling well for at least three weeks now. We have been working with our vet on this and we also have a dog nutritionist. It is just getting really frustrating to see him sad all the time. His symptoms are: lethargic, not eating well (we have to bring him the food and he will only eat certain things) and not firm stools (more like soft logs). No vomiting and he does still drink.
He received a Bordetella nasal spray about 30 days prior to becoming sick.
We did give him a heart worm pill (interceptor) and then a few days later he started not wanting to eat. His side effects sounded like they could be from the heart worm pill but they are still sticking around about 3 weeks later. Can the side effects last this long if they were from the pill?
Would something from the Bordetella show up this far after he got the spray?
His blood work shows:
The white blood cells are high indicating infection, the HBG indicates low b-12 and/or dehydrated, high PHOS is thyroid or kidney trouble (CA is .5 below the high level), and the GLU is probably due to stress.
MCV 74.5 (60-77) almost high
RDW 15.8 (14.7-17.9)
MCHC 37.5 (30-37.5) right on the high level
MCH 27.94 (18.5-30) almost high
PLT 474 (175-500) almost high
Any information or tips would be appreciated!
June 2nd, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Amy, I’m sorry your dog isn’t feeling well. The combination of Bordetella and heartworm meds on the same day could well cause a reaction. See the possible reactions at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/shots Shots don’t combine well with heartworm, worm, or flea and tick meds — or rabies shots. Please read my blog articles on vaccinating for more information.
Bordetella, according to the premier expert of pet vaccination, Dr. Ronald Schultz (Head of Pathobiology Dpt at U Wisconsin), is an unnecessary vaccine for most housedogs, although kennels and day care establishments often require it. He says: “Many animals receive “kennel cough” vaccines that include Bordetella and CPI and/or CAV-2 every 6 to 9 months without evidence that this frequency of vaccination is necessary or beneficial. In contrast, other dogs are never vaccinated for kennel cough and disease is not seen. CPI immunity lasts at least 3 years when given intranasally, and CAV -2 immunity lasts a minimum of 7 years parenterally for CAV-I. These two viruses in combination with Bordetella bronchiseptica are the agents most often associated with kennel cough, however, other factors play an important role in disease (e.g. stress, dust, humidity, molds, mycoplasma, etc.), thus kennel cough is not a vaccine preventable disease because of the complex factors associated with this disease. Furthermore, this is often a mild to moderate self limiting disease. I refer to it as the “Canine Cold.”
The Bordetella vaccine is also one that is linked to adverse reactions. Adverse reactions to Interceptor heartworm medication, according to their literature, include depression/ lethargy, vomiting, ataxia [lack of coordination], anorexia, diarrhea, convulsions, weakness and hypersalivation. I hope you’ll read our article on heartworm meds Heartworm Medication Part 1: Truths, Omissions and Profits at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/05/13/heartworm-medication-safety/ (or click the “Heartworm” at our Truth4Dogs.com blog. Sign up to our blog so you’ll get Part 2 which will offer recommendations.
I am not a vet, so can’t help you much with interpreting your dog’s blood results. If it were my dog, I’d see a vet trained in homeopathy as soon as possible. Vaccine reactions are, in my opinion, best treated with the proper homeopathy remedy. (Yes, homepathy is strange, but it is often very effective. You’ll need expert help.) Find a vet trained in homeopathy at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet
I hope this helps. Thanks for posting your story here.
June 3rd, 2009 at 8:47 am
Follow-up for Amy: Amy wrote me that the Bordetella vaccine was given separately. It is still a vaccine prone to adverse events. She also said that her day care required it. I hope all of you will join with me in educating day care operators, groomers and others about the ineffectiveness of the Bordetella vaccine. (Please see Dogs4Dogs.com/shots for more info.) According to top experts, vaccinating against a “canine cold” is habit and superstition, not science. And it is a habit with dangerous side effects. Sign up for http://www.Truth4Dogs.com to receive an upcoming article on the subject.
If you have trouble finding a vet trained in homeopathy, try a homeopath for people. Many of them have also been trained for animals or have colleagues who do.
One more thing, there are holistic vets and homepaths who do phone consults. If you need one, let me know.
June 8th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Puppy Vaccination:
I have a 5 month Mini Pin – Chi 5 lbs he is a small bundle of love and energy! No shots given as of yet! He has been kept home where I do have another dog, 13 yr old bichon with renal failure. I give him daily Sub-Q fluids. In researching I am sure the annual vaccines played a major role in his illness! I want to at least try and do better with this puppy!
Am I understanding this correct, as Dr. Charles Loops DVM states, for puppies, give ONE Distemper/Parvo vaccine, only one, right? The vet recommends going back several times for the same parvo/distemper shots. I located a vet that has the combo vaccine without any other vaccines mixed together (Ideally it would be best to give each one separately). Please let me know. I truly appreciate the excellent information you provide to pet lovers! Thank you!
warmly,
mayra in Miami, FL
June 8th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Thanks, Mayra. I’m glad you like my blog. Please tell your friends, and bookmark it if you will. My experts agree with Dr. Loops. Dr. Schultz says to give one shot after 4 months, then wait two weeks and do a blood titer test. Click this link to read about titer testing. Also see my web page Vaccinating Dogs: What Your Vet Won’t Tell You.
June 10th, 2009 at 5:26 am
Thank you so very much Jan for the clarification! I wasn’t totally sure I was understanding it correctly. Yes, I will most definitely pass on your site and look into your book as well. Thank you VERY much for your insight and dedication to our cherished pets!
warmly,
Mayra in Miami, FL
July 4th, 2009 at 9:03 am
This message was sent to us by Kat after viewing one of K9Author’s videos on YouTube. It’s about vaccinating and spaying a stray dog:
“We found a stray dog and so we have no idea what her vaccination history is or even if she has been spayed. She is probably about a year old at the most…looks like a small yellow lab.
I want to just have her vaccinated for parvo and distemper only and of course we have to have her vaccinated for rabies. But my question for you is how long to wait between the spaying and the vaccinations? And how long between before she gets her rabies shot? And which order do you recommend having all of this done? I know I have seen this information somewhere on the Internet before but it was a long time ago and I just can’t seem to find it now.
I would really appreciate any advice. At this point I don’t even know which thing should be done first, the spaying or the vaccinations.
Reply from Jan: Re posted this story and answer on our other blog, Blog4Dogs: Vaccinating A Stray Dog: Which Shots and When?
July 21st, 2009 at 12:42 pm
My 4 year old mini dachshund was vaccinated every year for the first 3 years. Our old vet gave him a 3-year rabies vaccine YEARLY along with the 5-in-one vaccines. I thought it seemed a bit too much, but the vet said she wanted to protect him, that these were terrible and fatal diseases, and made me feel like a terrible pet parent for even questioning her.
Several months after his annual vaccinations in the summer of 2008, he was found to have a low platelet count. The count came back up after a trip to the University of Pennsylvania Vet hospital (they are the BEST), but dipped fatally low again in the spring of 2009. After a week in the hospital (again at PennVets – there’s no place better, I assure you!), he was released and he’s been on steroids ever since. We’re tapering him off very slowly and his count seems to be pretty good and holding in the normal range.
When it came time for our annual check up this year, our NEW vet read my little guy’s file (I have copies of everything) and asked me only if I boarded my dog. When I said no, the vet said that he didn’t think it was a good idea to vaccinate anymore, except for rabies every 3 years. He said, “Some people believe that vaccinations can lead to low platelet counts. I’d rather treat him for kennel cough or distemper than risk him bleeding to death.” I was very concerned about not vaccinating, but this page has really made me feel better about taking care of my little guy.
Just remember, you’re the parent and you have to follow your gut. Find a vet who isn’t afraid of your internet research and will address all of your questions openly and honestly.
July 21st, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Alice, I’m glad you’ve found a vet who doesn’t believe in yearly vaccination. Not one vet school in North America, and not one veterinary organization, recommends annual revaccination. There has never been a study that said it was necessary and there are many saying they are not only unnecessary, but harmful.
I have one problem with your current vet’s suggestion. Why in the world would he even consider giving a rabies shot — the most reactive vaccine? Most states allow exemptions for dogs with serious health issues, and your dog certainly qualifies. The rabies vaccine has been shown by challenge (that is, exposing dogs to the virus) to give immunity for 5 years in a 1992 French study. The Rabies Challenge Fund founders, world-renowned pet vaccination experts Drs. Ron Schultz and Jean Dodds, say that blood tests show 7 or more years of immunity and they are currently testing a 7-year shots for USDA approval. They believe that most dogs get lifetime immunity. I suggest you see what the laws are in your state. If they don’t allow exemptions for health problems, get the laws changed. They’re changing the laws in Massachusetts as I write. Also, note that all vaccines say to give only to healthy pets. Please see my article Vaccinating Unhealthy Pets for more details.
July 22nd, 2009 at 11:29 am
Thanks, Jan. My pup isn’t due for that rabies shot until next year and I got the impression my vet was only doing it because of state law. I’ll check about the laws in my state. Thanks again!
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:11 am
[...] all of my best vaccination articles in a group or read the two most important ones: Vaccinating Dogs: 10 Steps to Eliminating Unnecessary Shots Titer Test: Don’t Vaccinate Your Dog Unnecessarily Also see my website pages: Vaccinating Dogs: [...]
July 24th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Great post! This is definitely a topic that needs to be explored and pet owners need more education about. I have struggled with the repercussions of not vaccinating yearly and it can be a difficult road. We need to teach people the truth about vaccinations! Thanks so much for the good information.
July 25th, 2009 at 10:08 am
Michelle, thanks. I’m glad you liked my article Vaccinating Dogs: 10 Steps to Eliminating Unnecessary Shots. I hope you’ll share it with friends.
I hope you’ll also read my new article Is Your Dog’s Vet a Vaccination Expert? If your vet has been vaccinating your dog annually, your vet is no expert. Your vet is a businessperson.
Need proof? Go to my Vaccinating Dogs web page and check out the links at the bottom to the WASA report and the 2006 AAHA report. Experts have been warning about over-vaccination for many years. Not one vet organization or vet school in North America recommends annual re-vaccination. It is unnecessary and dangerous. Also, I hope you’ll subscribe to this blogand keep reading about vaccination.
I’d be interested to know more about why you “struggled with the repercussions of not vaccinating yearly and it can be a difficult road.” Was your vet argumentative? Many are. Why not just do a titer test for parvo and distemper and relax? It’s far safer to have proof of immunity than it is to merely give another shot.
BTW, there has never ever been a study showing that dogs needed annual re-vaccination for the core diseases. Please, find a vet who puts health first and stays up to date with veterinary journal reading. Your dog’s health depends on it.
August 5th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
I have a 2 yr old malti poo that is with us every second of the day and recently in the most bizarre incident found a door that was open while we were gone and was running around the neighborhood but eventually came back in the house.
During the time she was out, one of the neighbors called animal control which is now causing HUGE problems. Animal control said she needs to be licensed and in order to be licensed she needs to have her rabies shot. They’ll have to kill me first before they EVER come near my dog with that toxic poison, I really need someone’s help!!!
This entire situation is a complete nightmare and causing me huge distress. Our malti poo was donated to our beautiful 8 yr old daughter while she was fighting for her life in the hospital. Our daughter was vaccine injured and was diagnosed with cancer which was caused from the vaccines(lawsuit filed).
She was only 8 years old and fought for two years, we miss her so much. The owners were very generous and walked into her room and wanted to see some joy back in her life by donating a puppy to her. When they gave her the dog they told my husband and I that the puppy was still recovering from a vaccine injury and had a horrible reaction so whatever we do DO NOT get her vaccinated. Well, we have no idea who the couple was that donated her, we don’t have a way to contact them which means we have no records of her adverse reaction to her vaccines.
This whole situation is so disheartening, I am praying someone can help us. Is there an attorney that can help us? They are going to kill our dog the same way they killed our daughter. I’m so tired of big pharma killing our children and animals all in the name of profit and greed. They could care less as long as their pocket books are filled. It disgusts me.
Our maltipoo never leaves our sight and when outside she is always supervised. The chances of her coming in contact with a raccon or some wild animal is ZERO. They should be charged with assault with a deadly weapon for making rabies shots a law. I will die for the right to protect my dog, so I’m hoping it doesnt come to that. I am hoping that someone out there has an idea, resources, experience, contacts for us.
Thank you so much for listening and thank you for this amazing encouraging supportive awesome website. I will make sure to tell everyone I know to come here and definitely donate to the rabies fund.
God Bless
Rachel
August 5th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
I have found that no vet will work on your dog/cat without proof of a yearly rabies shot. This is another way they get you!
They have made it a damned if you do, damned if you don’t situation for many family pets! My vet didn’t want to even run a CBC on my dog until I provided her rabies tag from last year, then she guilted me into it on a return trip for another reason! This has opened my eyes, you know, channels like animal planet run shows about poor neglected animals all the time, but they never run shows about things like vet complaints, problems, arrests, adverse reactions, etc. Seems to me, we should petetion them to do so!!!!!
August 6th, 2009 at 8:14 am
Eva, there are few places — no states, only localities — that require a yearly rabies shot. Read the newly-posted article TREATING ADVERSE VACCINE REACTIONS by JEAN DODDS, DVM at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/08/06/treating-adverse-vaccine-reactions-by-jean-dodds-dvm/ Then change the law! It can happen relatively quickly. Write me and I’ll give you the e-mail address of Kris Christine, Founder of the Rabies Challenge Fund, and the person who has gotten laws changed all over the country. There is no science anywhere showing a need for yearly rabies shots.
August 6th, 2009 at 8:57 am
Rachel, what a dilemma. I completely emphasize. My dog Jiggy would die if he got a shot of any kind. Fortunately, we have years of blood tests and ultrasounds showing autoimmune disease to back up his exemptions.
What you need is a holistic vet who can evaluate your dog’s health and see if she qualifies for an exemption in your area. There are referral lists for holistic vets on this link. If you can’t find someone suitable, write me (find contact info here) and I’ll see if I know any knowledgeable vets in your area.
If a dog who has previously reacted badly to shots has to get a shot, a holistic vet skilled in homeopathy can give a homeopathic remedy with the shot to lessen any reaction. Stay in the doctor’s office for several hours afterwards and get the shot in the morning so you can stand watch all day. Dr. Dodd’s article: Treating Adverse Vaccine Reactions discusses these remedies.
It would help if you knew what kind of reaction the dog had had previously, and to what shot. This is why I harp endlessly about making sure all reactions are recorded in a dog’s file. I know this doesn’t apply to you, but may help others reading this.
Animal Control won’t look the other way unless a vet applies for, and grants, an exemption to rabies vaccination. Try your best to get one. I’d suggest going to the media but they’re likely to be uneducated in immunology and will probably, out of fear of contracting rabies, be on Animal Control’s side.
One more thing. It’s possible that the previous owners were exaggerating, or hated all vaccines, or that the dog was allergic to an ingredient in a shot other than rabies. Try to proceed without stressing yourself, and also your dog, until you have more facts. I hope this helps.
August 20th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
My husband and I were given an 8 month old standard dachshund as a gift last weekend. We have an exam appointment scheduled for Monday. All I know from the prior owner is that they gave him his first 2 sets of vaccinations by themselves and they never brought him in to the vet. The vet that I called is recomended by family and friends but they want to start him over on vaccinations since they don’t know what he’s received and when. After reading your blog I’m concerned that it’s too much. I know he needs his rabies vaccination but I’m not sure what else I should give him since I don’t really have an answer for the vet’s questions. Any suggestions for our little boy Max?
August 20th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Kayla, I’m so glad you wrote before going to the vet’s. I usually hear from people after the damage is done.
Okay, I’m not a vet, but here’s what I’d do if it were my dog. First of all, most people don’t have a clue what makes a vet good or bad. Usually it just means that they haven’t killed their pet and they’re pleasant. Maybe they talk baby talk to their dogs. That doesn’t mean they know what they’re doing or that they put care before profits. I hope you’ll ask lots of questions and go with your gut. I have two videos I recommend you watch: Avoiding Dangerous Vets and Stand Up to Your Vet. They’re both at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet They’re about 7 minutes long. You might also watch my video at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/shots
Next, I wouldn’t give any shots at all if you think your dog is ill or stressed in any way, which he may well be because he’s moving to a new home. If you feel you have to give a rabies shot, give it alone. No other shots! No worming! No other meds including flea meds. If you’re lucky, your vet knows to give the homeopathic remedy Lyssin with the shot. If not, and if you still go to the vet, I’d try to find a homeopath or let me know and I’ll give you a referral. If you watched my video about the rabies vaccine, you’ll know why this is important. http://www.truth4dogs.org
I don’t know where you live, but if the vet pushes heartworm meds, read my heartworm articles first. Especially, read Part 1. In any event, don’t give the meds for at least a few days after a rabies shot. Longer would be better. Don’t get a heartworm shot ever! http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/pet-meds/heartworms/
If it were my dog, I’d get a titer test for parvovirus and distemper before the rabies shot. It’s a simple blood test and should cost about $80 total for the two tests. If the dog has “strong” titers according to the test, then don’t give any shots for anything other than rabies. If the titers are weak, which they probably won’t be, have the vet order a shot (if he doesn’t carry it) that contains only those two shots. Give it once and retest 2 or more weeks later (or just presume immunity). Read about titer testing if you like at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/titertesting/
Do not let him give a “combo” shot, a shot containing multiple vaccines. They’re called things like DHLPP or 5-way. They are dangerous and unnecessary. You might want to read my vaccine page at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/shots There’s a lot of good info there. I wouldn’t give Bordetella (kennel cough) either. It seldom works. Besides, it’s for a canine cold. Treat the cold if he gets one. If the vet wants to give a combo, he’s not the vet you want. Try the referral list at http://www.holisticvetlist.com In fact, if I were you, I’ll call the vet’s office and ask them what shots they recommend and how often. If they give annual shots for parvo or distemper, or a combo shot, go elsewhere.
Vets make their money off shots and meds. Some are wonderful. Some are not. Be careful, and let me know if you have any more questions. Thanks for advocating for your dog’s health. Oh, here’s another article you might read about vets and their vaccination expertise. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/veterinarians/
My quarterly newsletter just went out. You can view it and subscribe (at no cost) at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/JR_Articles/LateSummer2009
August 21st, 2009 at 7:38 am
I just read your article about the dangers of rabies vacine. I have for the last 8 months takiing my precious Lhaso Apso to the vets for skin rash/hot spots. They seem to get progressively worse, even with the allergies shots and spray. Then, after reading your article about the dangers of rabies vacine and its side affects, it dawn on me. Bobby’s allergies and hot spots began about 1 month after having his 3 year shot and boosters. He is 8 years old and never had this condition before. I feel so very bad for him, he is not the happy go lucky Pup I once had, he is constantly licking . I have given him baths with very gentle soap and also his groomer has made sure he has very gently soap for bathing. I seems that all the medicine prescribe for him, which is extremeiy expensive does nothing to stop this horrible hot spots. After reading your article it has to be the vacine and boosters he received. I am going to make an appointment with my Vet today, Do you have any suggestions as to what I should be pointing out to him. Thank you so much for all the tremendous articles
August 21st, 2009 at 10:17 am
Carole, I do have a suggestion. Go to a different vet. Your vet has had 8 months to get it right and never even mentioned vaccination. You know what dogs say: the definition of insanity is continuing to go to the same vet and expect different results. Your vet should have suggested this by now himself. If he/she didn’t have the answer, someone else will. Don’t worry about hurt feelings. Your dog will hurt more than your vet if something doesn’t change. One last thought on switching: if you can’t bring yourself to switch, bring in a consultant. Dr. Kruesi at http://www.crvetcenter.com is brilliant. He will work with you or work with your vet and consults by phone. He has treated my Jiggy for years. But I’d go ahead and switch if I were you.
You need a vet who understands vaccinosis and homeopathy. See the referral list on my Find a Good Vet page: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet Only homeopathy can help reverse the effects of vaccine induced disease. You should also take a look at my rabies vaccine page: http://truth4dogs.org. There are links to skin diseases there, both brought on by the rabies vaccine. But these aren’t the only ones.
Hot spots can also be caused by diet. I presume you have switched to a pure, natural food. A raw diet could make all the difference. Learn about it, then make a very gradual switch.
I hope you’ll take a look at my newsletter. I talk about the rabies vaccine some more there. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/JR_Articles/LateSummer2009 Good luck!
August 30th, 2009 at 11:09 am
I have received 3 compliant orders to license my dog.I have not complied because my dog was sick after his first rabbies shot,and it left a lump on his side where they shot him.They charged me $45.00 to tell me it would cost $1,000 to remove it. This was before I learned the lump could be from the shot.Anyway,the animal control people harass me regulary,and I seek more facts and support so these pricks don’t intimidate me. thank you and reply if you have any suggestions.
August 30th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Terence, many states allow exemptions for dogs who are ill or have had previous adverse reactions to the rabies shot. This is your only legal way to avoid problems with animal control. Where you live has a lot to do with how easy or impossible exemptions are to get.
If your area allows exemptions, you need to get together all documentation about the lump, where it was, when it developed, photos if any. You’ll need the written estimate for removing the lump. If the vet said, or is willing to say, that the lump likely developed from the shot, this would help a lot. Tell the vet you’re not blaming him/her, but are just trying to help your dog. I always suggest people get documentation the minute they see a problem. This is why.
Have you asked the vet in question to apply for an exemption? If that vet refused, then find a sympathetic holistic vet. Perhaps that vet will know more about immunology and will have enough information to make the leap and help you. Or perhaps your dog’s current blood work will show problems that preclude vaccination. If you have to get the shot, you definitely want a holistic vet there. You’ll need to give a homeopathic remedy with the shot. Find vet referral lists at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet
You can ask the Animal Control board if a strong rabies titer test, along with documentation, will buy you some time. Here’s an article about titer testing: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/titertesting/ The rabies titer test is expensive, about $150, so determine in advance whether or not it is likely to help. Again, a holistic vet can help you there.
If your state doesn’t allow exemptions for health reasons, get the law changed. They’re changing the law in Massachusetts as we speak.
Persevere. And good luck.
September 15th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Just wanted to say thank you. Have been getting the DHLPPC and Bord Nasal for several years now but just felt like I should finally do some research. Glad to know I don’t need to keep pumping my Lab with something she doesn’t need. Kind of like the flu shot my family never gets and guess what, we have never gotten the flu. Go figure.
September 15th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Hi JJ. I’m delighted you liked my article on eliminating unnecessary dog shots. I hope you saw my new article on DHLPPC and other combination shots, too. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/09/combination-shot-for-dogs/
I don’t get flu shots, either. And I, too, never get the flu.
October 17th, 2009 at 10:07 am
Everytime I go to the vet they want all of this money for ALL of these vaccines. Needless to say I am in the doggie poor house and was looking/searching to see if all of this was necessary.
I know everyone has their own opinions, which I respect, but I just want the truth. It seems that I cannot get another opinion as all of the vets keep saying vaccinate, heartworm prev. meds, blah blah blah.
What do you suggest, if anything?
I have an almost 6 yr old Pem Welch Corgi and a 4 month old Shih-poo.
October 17th, 2009 at 10:49 am
Maggie, first, I’m not a vet. Second, about heartworm. Unless you live in an area that’s warm all winter, you can probably hold off on heartworm meds. Make sure you read my article about how temperature affects heartworm development. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/05/13/heartworm-medication-safety/ When it warms up again, or if it stays warm during the winter, read the second part of the article about heartworm prevention. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/06/16/heartworm-preventative-options/
Third, about vaccinating your adult Corgi, other than rabies which is required by law, your dog may be through with shots. Ask for a titer test (pronounced TIGHTer) for parvo and distemper. The combination test should cost around $80-90 including blood draw. If possible, ask your vet to draw the blood then send it to Hemopet.org for interpretation by Dr. Jean Dodds; her prices are usually better than anyone else’s and her reading of the results is reliable and clear. At Hemopet, click Diagnostic Tests and go to the bottom of the page for instructions. If your test shows immunity, Dr. Ron Schultz says to presume immunity for life. Read more about titer testing: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/titertesting/ If the test shows no immunity, your dog may still be immune, especially to parvo which is everywhere in the environment. The titer test article explains more about this. If you decide to vaccinate, follow the instructions for your Shih-Poo.
Fourth, re vaccinating your puppy, it depends on what shots your dog has already had. It’s likely he/she will need a parvovirus and distemper shot. DO NOT allow the vet to give a combination shot. Then, no sooner than two weeks after vaccination, do a titer test. If the test shows immunity, that pup is finished with shots, too. Some vets suggest titer testing again in 3-5 years. Others say that’s it.
Before vaccinating, read my article on protecting dogs from vaccine reactions: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/10/08/protecting-dogs-from-vaccine-reactions/
Learn more about vaccinating small and medium sized dogs at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/30/vaccinating-small-dogs-risks-vets-arent-revealing/ This is one of the most important articles I’ve written.
I hope you read all the articles. They’re important to understanding what’s happening with your dog’s health. Also, know that my suggestions are what I’d do if I were you, but I’m not. You have to make your own decision.
I hope you sign up for my blog http://www.truth4dogs.com and free newsletter for more information on holistic health. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/signup
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:36 pm
My retired guide dog Hansel (age 8 1/2 at the time) a yellow labrador- became a victim of the “annual booster shot” when after the vacination within 30 days became very lethargic and showed signs of his immune system breaking-down. The local vet clinic did not suspect (or at least did not reveal to me) that this could be some problem never before manifested – This vet clinic was seeing Hansel every year for a “checK up” and his last check Up was only 5 months prior to the “annual booster scheduled when he was declared “fit”.
Several test were performed an twice given blood transfusions but our Hansel did not survive more than 60 days from the day of the “booster”. The Vet clinic came up with the diagnosis of “lukemia” for lack of any other explanation. Never the issue of the possible reaction to the “booster’ was acknowledged even after I brought it up to two different Vets associated with the same clinic.
I changed Vet for my other dog and brought up Hansel sudden death after the “booster”. He said he have heard similar stories before and is of the opinion that house-pets that do not “roam out” and are kept under adult supervision for meals and other open fields “companions” do not need a booster unless local municipal codes requires it and even then , just alike humans about pneumonia not more frequent than 5-6 years should the prcautionary “booster” be considered.
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Most adult dogs don’t need most shots. I wish more vets would test titers (looking for blood antibodies) rather than vaccinating unnecessarily. If you’re speaking of the rabies booster, yearly boosters are unnecessary no matter the circumstances. The manufacturers guarantee their vaccines for 3 years and studies show immunity much longer.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:01 am
Jan, I received your book, it is wonderful! I’m only in the vaccine chapter and I had a question. I’m reading the vaccine schedules by Dr Dodds, Dr. Schultz and your vet. I am puzzled by your vet’s schedule.
She is administering parvo at 10 wks, and then distemper at 11 weeks. Another parvo at 13-14 weeks and another distemper at 14-15 weeks. That means some of the vaccines are one week apart. From my research this is too close together. The vaccine recommendations I’ve seen say it’s ideal to space 3-4 weeks apart, with the 4 weeks preferred to avoid adverse reactions and to prevent interference from the first vaccine.
Why so close? Isn’t more time between vaccines better? I’m surprised by this schedule, considering your stance on vaccines. Personally, I would not be comfortable with this. Is there a reason for this? Thank you for any clarification on this issue…..B.J.
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Hi B.J. When I read your question, I panicked. Had I misquoted her? Then I figured out why she said what she said about how long you should wait between shots in a puppy vaccination schedule.
On pages 30 and 31 of Scared Poopless, Jean Dodds recommends spacing vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart. WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Assoc.) guidelines recommend the same thing. Jean, and most vets, give parvo and distemper vaccines together, wait 3-4 weeks for the immune system to respond, then give the next in the series. You’re right; you should never give shots two or fewer weeks apart.
My vet, on the other hand, prefers to vaccinate, when she can, with just one vaccine at a time to lessen the stress on the dog. Parvo this week; distemper, two weeks later. If she waited 3-4 weeks after the parvo shot for the first distemper shot, the dog would be unprotected too long. After the both shots, she waits 3-4 weeks then gives a parvo, then a week later gives the distemper.
Dr. Schultz, by the way, now recommends giving distemper, parvo and adenovirus-2, all together, at 15 -16 weeks, not 12. Then he tests titers. That increases the chance that maternal immunity won’t interfere. That change happened recently. Continued research changes things, which is why I have a blog. All the latest vaccination info is at Truth4Dogs.com and Blog4Dogs.com.
I hope this explains it. And appreciate your reading my book so carefully! Keep it up! — Jan
November 9th, 2009 at 10:53 am
[...] Stop giving unnecessary vaccines. Parvovirus, distemper and adenovirus-2 are the only shots recommended for all dogs by virtually every veterinary organization and school. All others are for special circumstances only; many are ineffective and may cause reactions (including death). [...]
December 9th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Hi Jan
Susan
Thank you for all the work you do! I recently was given a puppy from a friend who got her from a recue group. She was given the first DHLPPC vaccination and bordetella at around 10 weeks. She is now almost 14 weeks and I am not sure what to do next as far as vaccinations. Does she really need to get any of them again? I will get her a rabies vaccine so I can get her licenced, but not till she is at least 6 months and only the one time. I am feeding her a fresh/raw organic diet and I have given her homeopatics for the detox of the first vaccinations. I really want to only do what is necessary and safe for her. I know that rabies is the only required vaccine. But I want to be able to take her to the beach and parks and know that she will be safe from getting any of the prevalent risks. My last dog was a stray and I rescued him when he was about two years old and the foster family gave him all of the basic vaccines when they found him. I never got him anymore until I moved to San Diego when he was eight years old, just rabies so I could get him a licence. I raised him holistically, as I will my new companion, made him a fresh, raw and organic diet. His quality of life was great. As it should be for all dogs. It is sad that we can be conditioned by fear to do things that are harmful to us and our animal companions. I appreciate your advice, someone who is on the same page. Thanks!
December 10th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Hi
After my older aussie Tipsoo had a vaccine against Lyme’s
disease, she was so sick and it took her two weeks to get
her energy back.
It was on a Friday afternoon and the vets were only open
Saturday morning.
After that, I stipped all booster shots for her.
I have a puppy just over a year old now too.
I am wondering why the rabies shot has to be given every
two years in Massachusetts where we live while my friend
in Iowa only is required to give her border collie a rabies
shot every three years.
To me, one, two or three years is over-medicating.
I don’t like following a law that doesn’t make sense.
I’ve had Tipsoo for 10 years now and I never came across
a rabid animal.
I am always with them when they are outside, we never go
in deep woods and they are always on leash out of the yard.
I do not use chemicals to treat fleas, ticks, etc.
I didn’t have one flea in the house this summer.
I didn’t even see a tick either.
Why can’t all states test for how many years the rabies shot
should be given?
Maybe 6 or 7 years apart would be a saner way???
People have to get educated.
I do what I can to read up, I belong to a australian shepherd
list and I’m on alert all the time.
My vet doesn’t object when I tell him or them no booster shots.
That seems fine and they don’t try to talk me into anything.
But this rabies shot…I think they over do it!
Namaste, Deanna
December 11th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Deanna, the state law in every state now is 3 years. All manufacturers guarantee the shot for 3 years, and have for many years. If the law is 2 years in your county, work to change it. They do it for money. Go to http://www.truth4dogs.org and look for Kris Christine’s email address in the upper left. She’s the activist who got numerous laws changed and who founded the Rabies Challenge Fund. The Fund is working to prove that the rabies shot works for 5 years (which the French have already proved); after that, they’re going for 7. I hope you’ll support them. http://www.rabieschallengefund.org I’m doing a benefit seminar for the Fund in San Diego in March. http://www.petseminar.org
December 11th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Hi Susan. The only shots your dog might need are parvo and distemper. Never Lepto (the L in the combo shot) or Coronavirus (the C). Bordetella is useless and dangerous according to experts. Read my article about combination shots: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/09/combination-shot-for-dogs/
If money is no object, you can titer test for parvo & distemper and see if your dog already has immunity. However, your dog may have been too young at 10 weeks to get immunity. He/she may need one more parvo/distemper. If you decide to vaccinate, read this first: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/10/08/protecting-dogs-from-vaccine-reactions/ It’s about avoiding adverse vaccine reactions.
Do you know about my vaccination seminar in San Diego in March? The world’s top experts are coming. Check it out at http://www.petseminar.org
December 20th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Jan, you say the rabies shot is required once every three years in every state, but here in NYS they say that if your pet has never had a rabies shot, that you have to have one a year for two years in succession before you can be certified to only get one every three years thereafter.
I have two shelties, small dogs, and I am balking at giving them rabies shots at all, let alone two years in a row.
The free clinics for rabies only authorize for one year unless you can prove your dog has had a previous rabies shot.
I am ready to squawk about this. Do you have advice?
Thanks, and God bless you and your work.
C. Battles
December 20th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Cheryl, the first time a dog is vaccinated, usually at 4-6 months, it has to be followed by a 3-year shot the next year. I agree, it stinks.
You have only a few choices: break the law (which I can’t advocate) or try for an exemption if your dogs have health problems. If you have to get the shot, go to a holistic vet who can give you a homeopathic remedy with the shot. Find a referral list at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet At the very least, get a homeopathic remedy from marina@naturalrearing.com. It’s no guarantee, but it’s your best bet. Also make sure your dog is in perfect health and is eating the best possible food.
The only way to cut back on shots in the long run is by supporting the Rabies Challenge Fund. http://www.rabieschallengefund.org They’re trying to prove that the shot lasts 5 years, and then 7. They’re also working to establish a blood titer standard.
December 20th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
A blood titer standard would be good. They should have some different kind of shot for the second time around also, less adjuvents.
Also, what about the laws that require that the shots can’t be split? It makes no sense to me that the same shot is given to a chi dog as the horse. Yes, they give the same shots to horses as to a 5 pound chiauaua.
Thanks for the tip on the homeopathic remedy. I will definitely get that for my dogs. Shelties are so little. I moved to the country for privacy and to be self-sufficient because I see hard times coming, and instead everybody knows your business here and the dog warden lives up the road and drives by and snoops to see what’s going on, knows when I get a dog, checks to see if it’s got a license, and counts my hay bales to see if I’m feeding my animals enough.
Sometimes you want to move to Russia. I think they have more liberty there.
December 20th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Cheryl, the remedy to give with rabies vaccination is Lyssin. Naturalrearing can tell you how to give it.
Re getting a different shot the second time, instead they give the exact same vaccine but they switch the label from One Year to Three Year. Really!
There are quite a few holistic vets who split vaccine doses for small dogs, but not for rabies. It’s illegal and vets can lose their license.
The titer standard, if accepted by the USDA, would be the best thing for dogs. We could stop vaccinating a lot of sick and aging dogs. Of course, there’s a lot of controversy about titers. They can pretty much prove immunity when titers are strong, but when they’re weak, lots of vets want to revaccinate. Many experts say that once immune, always immune. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. It can drive you crazy.
Re going to other countries, when China had a rabies outbreak, they slaughtered pets, beating many dogs to death with clubs. I think I’ll stay here.
January 13th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
Hi we have a 4 month old lab puppy I have not had him vaccinated yet and was going to today but when i called over 20 different vets they all told me different vaccines he would need and it all seemed extremely expensive. Some said they could have him up to date in 2 sessions and some dragged it out to as many as six shot sessions. Now I am lost on what shots he really needs and what vets were just trying to over vaccinate to get more money out of me. I want to do what’s best for him but I have no idea what vaccines to even get him at his age. I want to go buy the vaccines myself at the local vaccine store so I know what the vet is giving him. Can you please let me know what he would need at 4 months to become up to date and not over vaccinated. We live in central Utah so I have no idea what diseases are here and what are not. Thank you for your help Erica
January 14th, 2010 at 9:55 am
Hi Erica. I’m not a vet, but one of the world’s top experts, Dr. Ron Schultz, vaccinates his own dogs with ONE shot of distemper, parvovirus and adenovirus-2. Another expert, Dr. Dodds does not give the adenovirus-2, and neither would I. It is virtually non-existent in North America. Schultz gives it to keep it nonexistent.
If it were my dog, I’d give one shot of parvo and distemper and nothing else. Then I’d do a titer test in 3 weeks. That will test that immunity has been given. If, as expected, your dog has immunity, you’re done. If not, give one more round around 4 weeks after the first round. Keep the manufacturer name and lot # and all details possible in case you have to prove the shots have been given.
Titer testing is relatively inexpensive at http://www.hemopet.org — Dr. Dodds’s lab. Wait several weeks after the shot, or as long as legally possible, and then you’ll probably have to give a rabies shot. Do not give the rabies shot yourself. It has to be administered by a vet to be legal. There is a remedy that can help make the shot safer, although it doesn’t always work, here: write marina at naturalrearing.com
Here are two articles to read: one on protecting against reactions http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/10/08/protecting-dogs-from-vaccine-reactions/ and another on titer testing. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/titertesting/
I hope this is helpful.
January 16th, 2010 at 11:08 am
Hi, my name is Traci & I recently got a german shpherd/chow mix puppy from the Rescue, She had been given shots at 8 weeks of age & I had not read your info so I took her & got shots at 12 weeks of age, now the vet recommends shots again at 16 weeks old, should I do this? I know I will have to give her the rabie shot since she hasn’t had it, but should I give a third round of shots? Also, I was given a free Sentinel Flav. heart pill & I give it to her assuming it was good for her since my vet give it to us. Should I have done that & should I give her another? We live in south Alabama & near a swamp. I would appreciate any help you could give me this being our first family pet. Thanks, Traci
January 18th, 2010 at 10:49 am
Hi Traci. I’m not a vet, but I can tell you what I’ve been told and what I’d do. If money is not an object, have a titer test done at 15 or 16 weeks for parvo and distemper. Those are the only shots I would give my dogs. Do not give a combo shot! If the titers are strong, no more shots. If they’re week, vaccinate for parvo and distemper. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/titertesting/
Top expert Dr. Ron Schultz says to give the last shots at 15 or 16 weeks, but some dogs get immunity sooner. It depends on the maternal immunity given.
If money is an object — the test costs $60 – 80 — get the parvo and distemper shot. Wait 3 or 4 weeks before giving the rabies shot. This is important!
Re heartworm meds, there are two articles about it on my blog. Heartworm infection is temperature dependent. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/pet-meds/heartworms/
January 19th, 2010 at 6:24 am
Good day, I’m sorry if this question seems a little repetative, but I am seeking urgent advice!
I have 2 almost 12 week old Weimaraner pups, one of which, – the male had a reaction ( VET will not confirm that it was due to Vaccination ) but that is my thought…..
They were Vaccinated at 6 weeks I’m not sure what the Vaccine was as this was before I got them, and then the next scheduled Vaccine was at 9 weeks ( 31st of December ) We took them for Vaccinations Schering – Plough P25000-13, galaxy DA2PPv – not sure what that means, and 5 days after my male pup was Lethargic, had a fever of 41 degrees , wasn’t eating well etc. I took him to the VET, they tested for Parvo and another virus, both negative, gave him an Antibiotic shot and sent him home with meds. By the next morning his fever was still 40 Degrees and I had to take him back as he was very dehydrated. They did blood test, it showed hight white blood cell count, They admitted him to hospital put on a Drip got his fever down later that day and he apparently walked around that night, ate well, drank water and was up all night moaning – very Noisy!
They phoned me the next morning to come and fetch him as apparently he was making alot of noise and upsetting the other patients. We of course welcomed the good news and fetched him, he cried and moaned since he was put in our arms, in the car, at home etc…. he couldn’t stand or walk, I phoned the VET, she said he might just be tired because he was up all night, and that we should watch him…. of course my heart was torn to pieces when we realized he couln’t even stand up to pee, we had to hold him up afterwich he would just collapse….
He ate, drank water from a baby bottle as he was unable to stand, and was alert BUT in allot of pain when trying to stand, he couldn’t even reposition himself while sleeping… That’s when I googled his symptoms and got to a diagnosis myself, mentioned it to the VET when I took him back the following morning, they did not agree and did further tests, after another weekend in the hospital, they finally agreed with me that it is HOD after having a look at his X-Rays.
I fetched him, he was now on Rimadyl chews 1/4 twice a day and Synulox 250mg 1/2 twice a day. After that evening still having to support him while he wee’d he started walking and standing again. This was last Monday the 11th January… This Thursday him and his sister will be 12 weeks and apparently due for their next puppy shots…..
I don’t want to take them as I am scared to death that he will relapse and his sister might also have the same reaction….
Please help me! What should I do. I’m in South Africa ( Cape Town )
Warm Regards
Riana and James + our kids Comet and Astro ( weims)
January 19th, 2010 at 11:38 am
Hi Jan, we live in southern california. We just took our ten week old “chipoo” LULU for her first set of shots this weekend the 6 in 1 combo. My question is she is so tiny and was so sore, I felt so bad for her. Back in the 70’s when i was a child and we had dogs, we only got them there first set. Are a second set really needed, will i put her at risk by NOT getting them? How long is she vaccinated for with just a first set, once she hashad them will they be in her immunity? I know the parvo shot was included whatever the 6 in 1 combo is that is what she had, does she really need more shots. ?? thanks from lulu
January 19th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Riana and James, you need a new vet! I can’t believe what they’ve put that poor dog through. I wish I could refer you to someone, but I know no one in South Africa.
I’m not a vet, but if it were my dog, I’d never give that dog a shot again. His sibling is likely to also be a reactor. Unfortunately, 9 weeks is unlikely to be old enough to have gotten immunity from a shot. And your pup who reacted probably wouldn’t have gotten immunity anyway. You can do a titer test to test immunity, but it’s not cheap and is likely to come back showing no immunity. But if money isn’t an object, it’s worth a try.
If you keep your dogs indoors or in their own yard and away from other dogs or places where dogs have been, you can help keep your dogs safe while you find a good vet. The shots that are most important are parvo and distemper, but manufacturers say not to vaccinate sick dogs.
I don’t know if homeopathy is available in South Africa, but a skilled homeopath can likely help. I’m sorry, but I can’t really help with this. You need a competent vet, and it appears that you don’t currently have one.
I Googled holistic vet and South Africa and found quite a few results. Check these out: http://aolsearcht12.search.aol.com/aol/search?query=holistic+vet+and+south+africa&s_it=keyword_rollover Maybe you’ll find a vet to help. My best advice is to trust your instincts.
Here’s an article to read: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/10/08/protecting-dogs-from-vaccine-reactions/
January 19th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Hi Allison. First of all, combo shots for small dogs are very dangerous. Please read this: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/30/vaccinating-small-dogs-risks-vets-arent-revealing/
The two shots I would give, if it were my dog, would be parvo and distemper only. Generally, the last shot should be given at 15 or 16 weeks. Otherwise, maternal immunity may make your dog immune to the shot.
No more combo shots! Find a smarter vet. And let me know when your dog got the first shots.
January 31st, 2010 at 1:48 pm
my dog is 9 years old i give him every year the distemper and rabbies injection i dont know what to do since i read your opinion
January 31st, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Catherine, the first thing you need to do is find a new vet. Either your vet is way behind the times or is taking advantage of you or both.
In virtually every state and most localities, rabies should be given no more often than every three years. This is a dangerous shot. Call your local animal control and see what the law is in your area.
Distemper shots give immunity for 5 to 7 years, depending on what strain is given. This is science, not opinion. There’s a lot of info at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/shots There’s also a great article by a top vaccination expert at http://www.spinoneus.org/forum/uploaded/Admin/Vaccinations2007.pdf
Again, get another vet. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet
February 5th, 2010 at 11:48 am
Hi Jan, just saw your reply regarding LULU, she was so sore literally for 2 whole weeks we couldnt even pick her up. She had the 6 in 1, since she has had those and im keeping her inside and she isnt around other dogggies. We are to go back this weekend will she be SAFE IF WE GET HER ONLY THE SECOND DISTEMPER AND PARVO??? THANKS FROM lulu
February 5th, 2010 at 4:46 pm
Hi Allison. I would not let her get a 6 in one, but vets who like those whombo combo shots probably won’t have any vaccines that only contain parvo and distemper.
How old is your pup and how large? When did you give the last vaccine? Here’s an article to read: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/10/08/protecting-dogs-from-vaccine-reactions/
February 12th, 2010 at 8:16 am
A really interesting insightful article that should make us all think
February 20th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
i think its only about money, more so then the animal.
March 8th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Hi, Jan,
I have 2 Siberian Husky puppies on the way. They are currently 4 and 5 weeks. My breeder is going to give the 5 week old a 7 combo shot and she said “plus Corona” or something like that. She’s supposed to do it next week when I pick up the first one. she wants to show me how to administer the shot, because I planned to do the next set of shots.
In any event, after reading all this, I’m wondering if I should prevent her from giving the puppies any vaccines at all. I need advice quick, because we pick the first one up in a week.
Since neither Navi or Tavi have had ANY shots, what should they be getting at this age? And after they get the first of whatever it is you say, should they get more? I basically need your advice on a shot schedule before my babies get this 7 combo. I didn’t want them to have that, because I figure it has that Lepo in it, if it’s 7.
HELP!!!!
March 8th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Hi Navi and Tavi. Virtually experts say NO SHOTS at all before 8 or 9 weeks. The pups have maternal immunity. Also, what kind of breeder is selling dogs that young? Go on-line and look for the ethics of the breeders for your breed. I bet they say not to release pups before 8 to 12 weeks. Check out the info there and ask questions. http://www.shca.org/
Never ever give a combo shot. Ever. Read my articles about Lepto. Coronavirus is not recommended by any vet school or organization. Read my article at truth4dogs.com about avoiding adverse reactions.
E-mail me and I’ll send you a vaccination protocol from an expert. My contact info is here. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/contact
Re the breeder: why is he/she breeding dogs? Are they experts about the breed? Do they belong to breed organizations? Have they done any genetic testing? Adopting dogs is like finding a husband: don’t fall in love first. Investigate!
March 8th, 2010 at 6:47 pm
Thanks for the quick response, Jan. I’ll go to your contact information, so I can get the protocol.
They are new breeders. This is their second litters from two females. I got one out of each litter. Now, I do not know if they belong to any associations. I didn’t think to ask. I get the feeling that they’re hobby breeders, doing so out of their love for huskies.
I’ve seen a lot of breeders’ ads not releasing until 8 weeks. I’m kind of glad to be getting them at 6 weeks, because that way, I can control these shots.
I’m sure the breeders could be making honest mistakes, but for me, Tavi and Navi are here and still need a loving home, regardless of whether the breeders know what they’re doing. I’ll look into how old they should be, as you’ve suggested, and I have the option of letting them stay with their mothers longer, I suppose. It’ll make me crazy to wait longer, but at least you’ve called it to my attention, so I can make an informed choice.
My last Siberian Husky, who was my child and best friend, just died after a surgery to remove her ruptured spleen. It was awful and the stupid vet said that her chest rays looked clear, but she basically drowned in her own blood that night when her lungs filled up with it. I couldn’t figure out what in the world was going on with her and it was awful. I don’t trust any vets anymore. It’s gonna be hard.
You’re right. Adopting a dog is like finding a husband, but I never knew how to do that well, either! LOL. That’s how I’m almost 37 and still single.
March 8th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
Re husbands, I got married for the first time 3 days before my 40th birthday. It was a good decision.
Just remember: these sweet hobby breeders can be passing along dogs that will have lifetime problems. You are encouraging them to breed recklessly again. And encouraging them not to learn about careful vaccination. I understand that you’re in love, but be careful. As with men.
Make sure, above all, that you’re doing a vet check with an impartial vet before your purchase is final. Buyer beware. Either that, or make sure you have $10,000 or more of extra money hanging around. And a strong constitution. My vet’s offhand remark that one of my dogs had bad knees and might someday need surgery cost $5000. I love her dearly, but you just have to make sure what you’re bargaining for.
April 3rd, 2010 at 8:49 am
How often should our dogs be vaccinated after the puppy shots?
We adopted Rustie, (rescued-January 15th) a 2 1/2 year old (Sept. 14, 2007) English Springer Spaniel-male 56 lbs. He got his last vaccines and rabie shots Janurary 19th, 2009. He was neutered on March 25th, 2008.
Does he need shots this year 2010? He was also tested for heartworm-negative (Jan., 2010) Is Sentinel a good heartworm proventive?
Should we get the “titer” blood test?
We also just adopted Bailie, (rescued-March 16th) a 1 year (Janurary 5th, 2009) English Springer Spaniel-male 54 lbs. He was just neutered (Thursday, March 11th) before we adopted him. We do not know when he got his vaccines. He did get a dog licenses in June, 2009. We guess he got his shots and rabie shot to get the dog licenses.
Does he need his one year shots and three weeks later rabies shot, soon?
We have not gotten him any shots because 4 days after we got this young dog he sneezed green junk from his nose. The vet treated him for “kennel cough”.
What should we do now for this young male dog?
**Heartworm check?
**Rabie shot?
**Distemper?
**Parvo?
April 3rd, 2010 at 9:44 am
Chims, I’m not a vet, but here’s what I’d do. First read about unnecessary shots http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/04/22/no-unnecessary-dog-shots/ Adult dogs generally don’t need parvo and distemper, the most important shots. The other shots are probably unnecessary. I’d get a parvo/distemper titer test for both. Make sure it’s 3-4 weeks away from other shots. A good place, cheap and read by the world’s best, is http://www.hemopet.org. Have you vet draw blood and send it there. Insist. If the dogs have immunity, that’s that!
Re rabies, figure out when your dog is legally required to get vaccinated. Don’t do it before then. Bailie probably needs his second rabies in June. Rustie is probably good for 3 years.
Re heartworm, read my articles: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/05/13/heartworm-medication-safety/ If your dogs haven’t been steadily on meds, they need to be checked.
Read about preventing vaccine reactions before giving the rabies shot: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/preventing-vaccine-reactions/
April 10th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
My 2 year old male boxer “OBIE” died from a reaction to his rabies shot. He became sleepy, not hungry, then began vomiting, his nerves to his intestines stopped working. The Vet operated for a possible blockage and in less than a week he was dead. I kept asking if it could be his rabies shot, and was told “of course not”. Now I know that is what it was…..all the symptoms are there. He was allergic to lots of things due to earlier injuries.
Note from Jan, Betty also sent this in an email: Wed. & Thurs he would not eat, slept a lot, started shaking, and on Friday he began throwing up. Vet gave him Amoxicillin and sedatives, and he became severely worse. Asked the Vet if it could be the rabies shot since he was very well before, but he said it was a "virus" However, he wanted to X-ray and perform surgery in case of a blockage. He found the nerves to his colon had totally stopped working & he was dying. I know in my heart that this was a reaction to the shot. He was only 2 years old. It was a horrible death.
April 10th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Betty, I’m so sorry for your loss. Given the time frame, the rabies should at least have been considered. Vets rarely consider vaccine reactions unless they happen immediately. I suppose it makes them feel guilty because they gave the shot. They also have a huge financial interest in believing vaccines are safe. I’m curious why your vet would operate or give antibiotics or want an x-ray if he/she thought your dog had a virus. That doesn’t make sense. Did your vet even call the vaccine manufacturer?
I urge you to get your dog’s file. Read it to see what your vet wrote. And yes, you have a right to get the file or at least a copy. It should be turned over immediate. Determine the vaccine manufacturer’s name. Call them with details. They may help to pay some of your expenses. At the very least, they’ll have to report the reaction. If you purchased your dog from a breeder, please alert the breeder as well that this line may have vaccination problems.
April 17th, 2010 at 5:29 am
HI there
This is a fabulous website – thank you… though i still have a=some qs and hope you can help
I have a toy poodle and toy pomeranian, who are about 1.5 yrs old (they’re born 2 weeks apart). Got them in a pet shop who provided the required vaccines according to schedule advised by vet, and at the end of it all, the vet recommended a antibodies titer – which we did – and the numbers bode well for both dogs.
When they were about 9 mths old, the vet recommended another titer to ensure that the vaccines were working. Results – the poodle ’s antibodies level looked fine though the pom’s were low. So the pom got vaccinations for which his antibodies showed less-than-desirable readings.
3 wks ago, the vet recommended another titer test. Numbers for both dogs were low so the vet issued vaccines again. Each dog received a different combination of vaccines (only for whatever their antibodies tested low for) tho my pom – who fared worse at titer test – had to take 3 shots tog for parvo, distemper and the combi vaccine which incld 5 types of vaccines. He had to take all shots twice – 1 wk apart.
My vet weights my small dogs before issuing the right amt of vaccines, and recommends the tier before issuing vaccinations. He also instructs that i keep my dogs at home when undergoing vaccines, and not to mix with other dogs in the meantime. and he says that the dogs should undergo titer test annually and get shots as needed.
I think he seems responsible tho i am not sure if all of this is really necessary. And the fact that the tier may not detect the “memory” cells.
Can you please help me? Should i go for titer tests regularly and vaccinate accordingly? Money aside, i am wondering if this is the right thing to do or if it is excessive.
BTW, my pom and poodle are the healthiest and liveliest doggies ever… they usually stay home and hang out only with known doggie friends. They are only boarded when no one is at home, though they always come home healthy and happy. They have never displayed any discomfort following vaccinations (thank goodness!!)
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
April 17th, 2010 at 9:21 am
Winnie, I have never heard a story like yours. My first impression is that you’re being taken for a ride. Why so many expensive titer tests? And if by rare chance your dogs are not getting immunity from previous shots, why keep giving them? Your dogs have had way too many shots in my opinion. (I’m not a vet.) And you’re paying for way too many titer tests. The top experts test to get ONE strong titer then don’t test or vaccinate again.
Did you read all the test results yourself? Titers aren’t strong then weak in a short period of time. Either the body has had an immune response or it hasn’t.
If I were you, I’d switch vets. For one thing, you NEVER vaccinate one week apart. You want to wait several weeks. And why keep vaccinating over and over again in such a short period of time? ONE SHOT GIVEN AFTER 16 WEEKS OF AGE IS ENOUGH TO GIVE IMMUNITY. I don’t like what this vet did. In my opinion, it’s either about money or about ignorance about immunity and innoculation.
If they were my dogs, I’d also send all the titer tests and records of shots given to Dr. Jean Dodds at Hemopet. She’s an expert on titer testing and does them in her own lab. I know her well and trust her completely. She’s known and loved by pet lovers all over the world. Contact her at http://www.hemopet.org She can tell you for certain what is going on. My guess is she’ll charge only a modest consultation fee.
One more thing: I hope you won’t buy another pet store dog. These dogs are usually from cruel puppy mills, raised in cages like chickens. They’re separated from their moms too early and aren’t socialized. If your dogs are healthy and sane, you’re very lucky. Every vet and animal activist I know knows this. I’d like to know why your vet work with these people rather than try to put them out of business?
July 15th, 2010 at 7:33 am
Hi Jan,
I am a researcher for the USDA NWRC and we are looking into some injection site reactions in dogs. I was looking into the antibody titer test which you spoke of and was wondering if you had the name of the test you are recomending. If so if you could please sent it to me I would appreciate it. Thanks!
Sahaja