Vaccinating Small Dogs: Risks Vets Aren’t Revealing
Written by Jan on September 30, 2009 – 12:01 am
At last, a smoking gun … discovered pointing directly at Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Maltese, Yorkies and other small dogs … in fact, pointed at all dogs receiving multiple vaccines during one clinic visit.
Many scientific studies and taskforce reports have altered my view of vaccination over the years, but none have stunned me as much as “Adverse events diagnosed within three days of vaccine administration in dogs” by Drs. Moore, Guptill, Ward, et al. This two-year study of vaccine reactions (from data gathered at 360 Banfield clinics in 2002 and 2003) concluded: “Young adult small-breed neutered dogs that received multiple vaccines per office visit were at greatest risk of a VAAE [Vaccine Associated Adverse Event] within 72 hours after vaccination.” And that’s not all the report revealed.
In the study (published in JAVMA, the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association in October, 2005), 1.2 million dogs received almost 3.5 million vaccine doses. Reactions reported within 3 days (as designated by computer codes) included nonspecific vaccine reactions, allergic reactions, urticaria (hives), anaphylaxis (severe, whole-body allergic reaction), cardiac arrest, cardiovascular shock and sudden death. For each 10,000 dogs vaccinating, 38 adverse reactions were reported.
You’re probably thinking: just 38 reactions per 10,000 dogs? That’s not too bad. But bear in mind that this study did NOT include:
The study’s researchers (6 of 7 were vets) recommended that veterinarians should communicate the increased risk of multiple vaccines to clients before obtaining their consent to vaccinate. At this writing, a full 4 years after the study’s publication, I suspect few clients have actually been warned about the risk of multiples vaccines at one visit, or about special risks to smaller dogs. Were you ever warned?
Factors Increasing The Risk of the Vaccine Adverse Reaction
Body Weight. The reaction rate increased significantly as body weight decreased. That is, small dogs were at greatest risk for a reaction. Risk for dogs weighing 11 pounds or less was 4 times greater than the risk for dogs weighing 99+ pounds. Medium-sized dogs also had increased risk over larger dogs.
For all vaccines and for the rabies vaccine given alone, the reaction rate for dogs weighing 22.2 to 99 lbs. was approximately half the rate of dogs weighing less than 22.0 lbs. Little dogs had 32+ reactions per 10,000; medium-sized dogs, 15+; large dogs, none.
Neutering/Spaying. Neutered dogs had a 27% to 38% greater risk versus sexually intact dogs.
Age. Dogs 1.5 to 2.5 years of age had a 35% to 64% greater risk of reactions (with rates increasing up to 2 years and declining thereafter) than puppies 2 to 9 months old. The risk was least for dogs 6 years of age and older.
Number of vaccines per office visit. The risk significantly increased as the number of vaccines given at each visit increased. In little dogs (under 10 lbs.) each dose increased risks by 27%; in dogs weighing more, each dose increased risk by 12%.
Taking all dogs into consideration, each additional vaccine given at each office visit increased the rate of vaccine reaction by 24.2%. All 3 dogs in the study with recorded deaths had each received 4 or more vaccines at their last office visit.
3 or more vaccines given at once increase the risk of a vaccine reaction 50% over the risk of a single shot. Giving 5 simultaneous vaccines doubles the risk!
Breed. Among breeds with 5,000 or more dogs vaccinated during the study period, the most vaccine reactions per 10,000 dogs were found, in order, in Dachshunds, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Miniature Pinschers and Chihuahuas. Next came Maltese, Miniature Schnausers, Jack Russells, Toy Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers. Mid-size dogs (like Lhasa Apsos, Bichons and Beagles) followed. At the bottom of the list was Chow Chows, German Shepherds and Rottweilers.
Purebred Status. The vaccination reaction rate for mixed-breed dogs was in the bottom fifth of all rates. The researchers state: “safety trials that use such dogs may underestimate the reaction rates that would occur in purebred dogs.”
Why Does a Dog’s Weight Have Such a Big Impact?
The researchers report: “Vaccines, in contrast to virtually all veterinary pharmaceuticals, are prescribed on a 1-dose-fits-all basis, rather than by body weight.”
I have always been shocked that a Chihuahua puppy and an adult Great Dane are given the same dose shot: 1 mL. They get the same volume of virus or bacteria plus the same volume of adjuvants (boosting agents like aluminum), preservatives (like mercury), antibiotics, stabilizers and foreign tissue cultures (like fetal calf serum). All these ingredients are known to cause vaccine reactions. (Learn more about vaccine ingredients at the CDC.)
The study’s researchers go on to say that during a vaccine’s pre-licensing trial, manufacturers investigate the safety of excessive doses of vaccines “but only in a limited number of dogs. The results of this study suggest that trials in dogs that weigh [22 lbs.] underestimate the expected VAAE rate in smaller dogs.”
The risk of a vaccine reaction in this study population was inversely related to a dog’s weight. This weight/response relationship was also suggested by a study in which toy breeds had significantly more reactions than other dogs, although body weight was not evaluated.
How Do You Avoid Reactions to Vaccines?
The study detailed here reports the problems, but not the remedy. They only recommend that veterinarians advise clients of the risks.
Regrettably, I have been unable to find you a link to the study on-line. Your vet may have on-line access if he/she subscribes to JAVMA ( J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2005 Oct 1;227(7):1102-8). You can read a short summary or have your non-subscribing vet request the article for a small fee at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16220670 or http://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/javma.2005.227.1102?journalCode=javma Note: A smaller study for cats entitled “Adverse events after vaccine administration in cats” turned up similar results to the dog study.
If your vet gives multiple shots in a visit, you should insist that he/she read this study. If your vet has already read it, he/she should explain to you why you weren’t informed of the risks to your dog of multiple shots, especially if your dog was small or medium sized.
Please read my article on Protecting Dogs From Vaccine Reactions for my recommendations for avoiding adverse reactions in all size dogs. Sign up for notification of future articles and our free dog care e-newsletter (delivered quarterly). Follow K9Author at Twitter.
This is an important study. Please bookmark this article and send it to friends.
Related articles:
Combination Shots for Dogs: Weapons of Over-Vaccination
Titer Test: Don’t Vaccinate Your Dog Unnecessarily
Vaccinating Dogs: 10 Steps to Eliminating Unnecessary Shots
Vaccinating Unhealthy Pets: Beware Reactions & Vaccine Failure
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October 4th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
I have a Yorkshire Terrier that almost died from her first Parvo shot. Now they give her benadryl before her shot and do it by itself not a combination of shots. At 6lbs. I’m very concerned about all the shots today.
We also had a Min Schnauser 20years ago that actually died from a Parvo reaction, after costly hospitalization.
October 4th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Judie, giving Benadryl with a shot suppresses the immune system while you’re trying to stimulate it. I wouldn’t do it if there’s any other alternative. And I’d definitely give the homeopathic remedy Thuja (aka Thuya). I would never presume that Benadryl will do the job. In fact, if your dog almost died after a parvo shot, I would expect a worse reaction this time. Each time a shot is given, as the article pointed out, your chance of a reaction is greater.
Please make sure that your dog actually needs more shots. First read my article about titer testing. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/titertesting/ Then read Vaccinating Dogs: 10 Steps to Eliminating Unnecessary Shots at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/04/22/no-unnecessary-dog-shots/
Also, I’m posting an article this week about avoiding reactions from shots. Have you subscribed? If not, here’s a link to subscribe. http://feeds.feedburner.com/Truth4dogs
If it were my dog, I’d consult a holistic vet before proceeding. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet Please, don’t get talked into thinking that Benadryl is the answer.
If you decide to vaccinate, do it early in the morning and stay near the vet’s office as long as you can. I’m very worried about your dog.
October 6th, 2009 at 11:40 am
My 10-week old Min PIn puppy was given 6 vaccines at the same time at Banfield. She was only 2 pounds. Thre of the vaccines were non-core and not even applicable for my puppy..They didn’t even consult with me about what they were doing..they just did it..
October 6th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Amy, I hope you’ll file a complaint with your state veterinary board. Your vet clearly didn’t inform you of why you needed to give the shots, why they were necessary, why they might not be necessary, what the alternatives were and what the adverse consequences might be. That’s a violation of the legal doctrine of informed consent. Read the bold print in this article to learn more about informed consent. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vaccination-informed-consent Your vet also charged for products and services your dog didn’t need. Banfield surely knows about the 2005 report detailed in my article on the dangers of Vaccinating Small Dogs because they furnished the data. Min Pins are #4 out of 43 breeds of dogs when it comes to likelihood of reactions. Shame on them. Hold them accountable.
You need the help your dog deal with the effects of the vaccine. I would suggest you see a homeopathy trained vet. Or at least a homeopath who deals with animals. The homeopath I use, who is not a vet but treats humans and animals and also teaches homeopathy, is Willow Tipton. She does phone consults for 45 minutes, and sends you the appropriate remedy, for $70. Her phone is 858 -793-1104. http://www.ajamed.com/about-us/practitioners.php I also know vets who do phone consults. You can find a list of appropriate vets skilled in homeopathy at my web page http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet.
If your dog develops any reactions to the vaccine — see http://www.truth4dogs.org for a list of reactions — make sure you report them to a vet and have them recorded in the file. And get a copy of the file. This will be important if you want to avoid shots in the future.
Learn about avoiding unnecessary shots by reading this article. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/04/22/no-unnecessary-dog-shots/
Good luck!
October 7th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Jan,
Thank you very much for the response. I have already filed complaints with the California Veterniary Board against the vet and Banfield. I also filed a complaint with the California Attorney General’s Office in regards to their deceiving wellness plans. I have contacted the Center for Veteniary Biologics under the USDA and reported the incident to them. I have also contacted several media outlets to get this story out. The sad part about this situation is that many people do not report situations like this and feel that they have no rights. I will do everything in my power to hold Banfield accountable for their incompetent staff and this incident. I currently go to a vet that practices both traditional and holistic medicine. She has my puppy on supplements that have improved some of her issues from the reaction. I really appreciate your site and the information that you have provided to me.
Thank you,
Amy
October 7th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
More than size, I think the dogs % of fat is important. My son had a greyhound who was given shots without his permission and she was dead in a week with organ shut down. I think our Schnauser got Cushings from being vaccinated annually. I now have two 11 year old Bichons who had puppy shots but only the 3 year Rabie vaccine. I have them titered every two to three years and only one of my pups had to have an additiional vaccine, and only one. I think this is a prudent proticol.
October 7th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Hi Glenda. It is weight, not size, that the study examined, so I’m sure fat %age is an element. I’m so sorry about your son’s dog.
BTW, Dr. Ronald Schultz, THE expert, says to get strong titers once and then presume lifetime immunity for parvo and distemper. Even if titers weaken over the years, most experts believe that the body has cellular memory.
Thanks so much for your comment. Please tell your friends about the problems with vaccination.
October 8th, 2009 at 12:16 am
[...] read Vaccinating Small Dogs now to determine if and when your dog is at risk, which reactions were reported and more. Really. [...]
October 8th, 2009 at 9:44 am
[...] [...]
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Our darling 8-year-old Shih Tzu died suddenly of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia after receiving multiple vaccinations several weeks prior. Research indicated that it was an accumulation of annual, required vaccines that weakened her immune system. One morning, I noticed that her tongue was a grayish white; she was hospitalized that day and died despite interventions 3 days later. We also had a Westie whose neck swelled up on the way home from the clinic after his battery of vaccinations as a pup. They were able to save him. And, we had a wonderful mixed-breed dog who developed cancer at the site of her vaccinations. I’m a great believer in more research AND in the common-sense approach that not all dogs need the same dosages…AND that rabies shots do NOT have to be given every year. Thank goodness many vets are now recognizing that!
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:08 pm
My little dog, a Maltese/Chihuahua mix had a horrible reaction to the rabies shot at three years old. He initially seemed fine, then that evening had a seisure that lasted a few moments. He could not walk for days and was very sensitive to the touch, in fact trying to bite me when I touched him anywhere on his body, not just the shot site. He is normally a very happy friendly guy. He since has had seisures about once every other month and recently they have increased to about once a month…the incident was a year and a half ago. I took him to the vet again, and they said the seisures where not bad enough to medicate him…and they were not sure what was causing them. They seemed to be triggered by eating animal fat…so I have put him on a special diet and that has seemed to help a bit. I believe in my heart though that they started from the damage done to him with the rabies vaccine. I since have had my chihuahua tested and she will not be getting any vaccines…for her life. I don’t want to risk her health too. As for “Spike” he too will not be vacinated in the future. They are inside and only around each other..no other dogs or wildlife…I think we are safe.
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Annette, I suspect your intuition is correct, that the seizures were set off by a rabies shot. It’s a not uncommon occurrence. I would encourage you to seek homeopathic treatment, either from a vet who’s trained in homeopathy (http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet) or from a homeopath trained in treating animals. Homeopathy often helps in cases of vaccinosis.
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Gini, I’m so sorry for your losses. Re rabies, every state now requires a rabies shot only every 3 years, although some localities still require it more often. This is usually for financial reasons — yearly licensing is a money maker. Also, ignorant people, who really know nothing about rabies or immunology, think more shots mean more protection. They don’t. They just mean more illness. Also, if your dog is immune to rabies, he’s also immune to the virus in the shot. What sad irony.
October 23rd, 2009 at 4:12 pm
we also have small chiuauawa about 8 pounds.we dont believe on the heart worm shot as shes 9 yrs old&there is no mosquitoes where we live is it necessary at all.thank you.arlene
October 24th, 2009 at 8:32 am
I am so so glad that I came across your blog.
Besides NOT giving my small Doxie a booster he did not need,
I took in a 4 1/2 Chihuahua, all 5.5lbs of her. I had already given the vet your articles so when I took her in, she only received part of the usual dose of dhpp. They were not available separately and she had had no vaccines previously. Even with part of a dose, I noticed her drooling about an hour after the vaccination, treated her just once with Thuja and she has seemed fine since. She was subdued and did not eat much the night of the vaccine but has been her crazy puppy self since then.
And I have been telling everyone about your articles and even posted your links on my Facebook page–look for Eliza Wingate.
I am a reference librarian by trade so getting out infomation is my calling.
I know you mentioned a different homeopathic treatment for rabies vaccine and that that is the most toxic vax. I cannot find it again and want to be prepared since she reacted once.
Thanks so much
Eliza
October 24th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Hi Eliza. I’m so glad my articles have helped save your dog unnecessary shots.
I think it’s interesting your vet gave “part of the usual dose of dhpp.” She may not have had individual doses available, you she could have ordered them — unless she works in a huge corporation. Still, she was brave to give a partial dose. Many vets won’t even consider it.
Because of the partial dose and because we hope that just this one shot will do, I suggest you get a titer test in a few weeks and verify that your dog has immunity. If she does, she’s done with everything but rabies, which is legally required. Ugh. Here’s the link to read about titer testing. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/titertesting/ The best place to have the blood tested is at hemopet.org. Their prices are great and the great Dr. Jean Dodds reads the test.
The homeopathic remedy for the rabies vaccine is Lyssin. You can get it, and instructions for use, at naturalrearing.com.
Thanks for posting our links on your Facebook page. It’s so gratifying when my articles help then get passed on. — Jan
October 24th, 2009 at 9:50 am
Thanks for your quick response. My information on vaccinations after 4 months of age came from the vet in charge of shelter management at U C Davis (cannot think of her name at the moment) Her explanation of why puppies are given a series of vaccinations is that at this time one cannot tell the point at which the mother’s given immunity wears off and when the vaccines can then confer immunity (puppy being healthy and all that)
If we could all keep puppies safe from parvo or distemper before the ages of four months and still expose them to the 100 people they need to meet, we would not have to have so many vaccinations. I will get her a titer test though.
I do know about Dr Dodd, I always go to the Holistic Vet Symposium at U C Davis every spring. I hear a lot, but need
re-inforcement not being a vet and not using the information daily.
Thanks again.
Eliza
October 24th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Eliza, world renowned pet vaccination expert Ron Schultz believes that dogs should get one shot for distemper, parvo and adenovirus-2 at 15 or 16 weeks, then you should titer test, get a positive result, then you’re done. (I suspect his work influenced the work at UC Davis.) The puppy series is given younger dogs, as the vet said, because you never know when maternal immunity is gone.
Re socializing, you can invite other dogs (vaccinated but not recently) to come play. People aren’t the issue, although the viruses on their shoes may be.
With my next pup, I’ll do the play-at-home route. Dr. Blake suggests using frankincense on doggy paws when going for a walk. No sniffing at other dogs pee and poop or touching noses. I’ll do anything to vaccinate as little as possible.
Do you know that I’ve invited Dr. Dodds and Schultz to speak at an all-day event in San Diego March 28, 2010? Come if you can. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/seminar
November 5th, 2009 at 7:18 am
My 3 pd chihuahua developed hives 3 days after his rabies shot. He has been miserable and now on Prednisone. I did not want to give him even the rabies shot but it is required by law and I can’t get a groomer to groom him without a rabies shot certificate. I know instinctively that this is dangerous for him, but if it is required by law, I must immunize. I wish that there was some sort of legal exemption we could get for these tiny dogs so that they aren’t put at risk time and time again.
November 5th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Pat, in most areas, you can get an exemption if your dog has a documented history of health problems or vaccine reactions. You will likely still have to pay license fees, but your dog may avoid the shot either for the licensing period or the life of the dog, depending on the situation. Your veterinarian will have to apply for exemption giving reasons and providing documentation. Some vets don’t like doing this, I’m told, but if at first you don’t succeed … find another, better-informed vet. Note: some locales do not allow exemptions. Find a vet referral list at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet
November 15th, 2009 at 12:35 am
Hello I have you book and truly enjoy it. My three little chihuahua’s sit on my lap as I read it every night. Thank You for all the information and for the cute pictures of your dogs. I just added a new addition to the family she is the third chihuahua her name is Serenity she is 2 1/2 pounds and I have been brain storming in what to do for her shots. The other two I have not done this much research when they we were pups I wish I had they are 3 and 1 1/2.
For them the 3 year old is up for rabies and I am real hesitant in giving that to her because she had such a bad reaction. So I am thinking about skipping it for all of my chihuahua’s. Even though it is law. But For the new one I do not know if I can get away with that since she will not have any immunity to the rabie shot right? Also for the new be I found a natural remedy called Pet alive for both Parvo and Distember and I wanted your opinion on what you thought of them instead of getting the shots.
I have been doing so much research my head is spinning plus I am researching a lot about raw food diet I have already started but am looking into it more to make sure they are getting all the vitamins and supplements that they need. We have no homeopathy trained vet in my area so I have no one to ask. I did ask my vet about the single vaccines because I only wanted parvo and distemper but he said he would have to order it in a case of 25 and not to many people request that which is just as well because I did not want to use chemicals anyways.
He already applied revolution on her before I realized it because she had tape worm. And I already figured she had that because of how thin she was when I received her and I already found a home remedy for it but it was too late he put that on her because tape word usually is caused by fleas and he also gave her a worm pill which now I have to bring her in for the other dose for it to be effective. When I have to bring her in this week and he is thinking she is also getting her shots. But this weekend I made up my mind if you are in agreement that I am going with the Pet Alive Treatment. (only if you think it is going to be just as effective) I Thank You for your time, your advise and your book! It is totally awesome. I have had to read the vaccine chapter a couple of times and I go back and read other things also it is going to be a good reference book. Also any brand of raw roods you recommend I think the patties would be the best bet it looks like it has everything in them the vegies and all but since my dogs are so small it looks real convinent I was looking at the Bravo brand but I have no Idea I am new at all this. Plus I ordered the New Plus Colostrum Plus for the Chihuahua’s thinking it would be good for all three anyway I’ll look forward in hearing from you. Tammy
November 15th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Tammy, I’d have to write another book to answer all your questions! Many are in Scared Poopless, so read the food and vaccination chapters carefully. Also read my blog articles. There’s a lot of info there. Go to the bottom of the article at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/10/08/protecting-dogs-from-vaccine-reactions/ and see a list of the articles there.
If your dog previously had a bad reaction, try for an exemption. Even drug companies say you shouldn’t vaccinate a dog that has had a previous reaction. Re forgoing a shot, it is against the law. Also, determine your dog’s risk. It is my belief that if tiny dogs are bitten by a rabid animal (a coyote or raccoon probably), they are likely to be killed in the process. But the law doesn’t see it that way.
I know nothing about Pet Alive. It’s basically a nosode. Some vets use nosodes, but there have been no real studies that I know of to prove their effectiveness. I’ve asked a vaccine expert friend about it and will respond when she does.
Parvovirus is a serious disease. Read what a respected authority says about nosodes at http://charlesloopsdvm.com/remedies.html I’d use his product before I’d use anyone else’s. If you want to go that route, get a phone consultation with him. He could also help you with the rabies vaccine decision.
I’d definitely advise that you find another vet in any event. Vets must not do anything without telling you what they’re doing and why they recommend it and then getting your consent.
You must not give worm meds and shots on the same day…or week. Wait several weeks.
I hope this helps.
November 15th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Tammy, here’s what my vet friend wrote: “It is shot gun medicine with multiple remedies and apparently a nosode and all of that does NOT constitute homeopathy….so what is its purpose? Better to seek the skill and training of a classically trained Homeopath, and make sure they are licensed, referred….Dr. Pitcairn has a referral list and they should stick to that working directly with a properly trained homeopathic vet.” You can find referral lists from Pitcairn and other at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet
I forgot to answer you question about food. Check out the brands sold at http://www.dextersdeli.com. I think they carry the brands you’re looking for, then you can buy them locally.
November 22nd, 2009 at 1:47 pm
my 3 yr old chi has been having the same problem. symptoms started about a day or two after and now i cant even pick him up with out him yelping and nipping at me. is this something that will go away?
November 22nd, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Hi Lacy. I’m not sure what you mean by your statement that your “chi has been having the same problem,” and I don’t know what shots your dog got, but yelping and nipping is a sure sign your dog is in pain. It’s never good when symptoms get worse.
Make sure you report your dog’s symptoms to your vet. Even if your dog feels better, you need a record of the reactions, especially if it was a rabies shot.
Feel around when the shot was injected and see if that’s where the pain is. Make sure there isn’t a lump.
If you read my article about the risks of vaccinating small dogs, you know your dog needs some help. Seek out a homeopathic vet or a homeopath who treats animals as well as people. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet I can refer you if necessary to a homeopath.
I hope you follow up on this, even if your dog feels better.
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:40 am
Thanks for all your information. I had a min pin who was very healthy before I got him neuted, and then all sorts of problems arose. He was 15 months when I got him neuted, (as everyone recommended as I was expecting a baby), then a week later, his wound split, back to the vets for antibiotics. Then a rabies jab was given, a week later he was vomiting and had diarrhoea, back to the vets and given some more antibiotics. He also had his annual boosters. A few weeks later, there was a lump where he had his jabs, between the shoulders and under the skin, his legs were all weak and the vets gave him strong pain killers and antibiotics. Then a whole host of things went wrong: swelling around his legs, under chin, vomiting and diarrhoea, fluid retention, oedema, lungs and heart weren’t working properly, anaemic, low levels of platelets, his immune system was attacking his own body and he was in a lot of discomfort. It was so painful seeing him suffer so the vets recommended we put him down and was given canine euthanasia and died peacefully at 6pm yesterday.
I wish I had read this website before I decided to get him vaccinated, as I’m pretty sure it was all the vaccines, drugs and all that affected him and made him ill.
November 28th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
My baby Chi (Gigi) is 15 months old and today she had to be dropped off at Banfield for her annual check up and boosters.
I had nothing explained to me except that they wanted her early bacause they wanted to give her a shot of antihistimine to stop her reaction to the rabies booster. She swelled up last year when she got it and they gave her a shot and told me to back it up with Benedryl. I did so and she was ok the next day.
Today’s list of crap they did to her is a mile long!! She is now 5lb8oz, they gave her Diphenhydramine 50mg/ml SDV Injection to help with her adverse reaction to vaccines, then 20 minutes later they gave her Bordetella, Distemper Parvo DAP, Rabies Virus Injections, then she got Pyrantel Pamoate Dewormer 50mg/ml. I don’t understand why she was given a dewormer because her paperwork shows she had a fecal exam that came back negative.
They kept her until 3pm because they wanted to make sure she was not going to have a reaction. And to combat that, they said they gave her another Diphenhydramine Injection at exactly 3pm when I got there.
Well we got home and she ate a few bites of food and went down for what I thoght was a nap, a few minutes later she was at my side, that tiny little face staring up at me was blown up with hives, her eyes were puffy and red, her muzzle was red and twice it’s size. I cannot believe that BANFIELD knows about the danger of over-vaccinating small dogs and they just go ahead and do it anyway!!!!
Called the vet, they said bring her back NOW!! I got there and they gave her another shot (1/2 dose this time) and told me she would be fine. Give her 1/2 teaspoon of Benedryl in 4 hours. If she gets worse, bring her to the emergency vet. We’ll call you tomorrow to check on her. They were nice enough, but after reading these articles, Banfield Vet Lady is going to have a lot of explaining to do tomorrow. I feel like screaming my head off that she got all those shots and worm meds and I was ignorant to the dangers. I had blind faith in these people. Not any more.
I am heartsick to think that in my zeal to be the best mommy I could be, I may have hurt her in ways that cannot be reversed. I am heartbroken that all my research into getting a furbaby that was right for me never carried vaccination warnings. Or Corporate Veterinary Warnings!!
I read every Chihuahua book and magazine I could find, and none of them said anything about vaccinations. Reactions to vaccinations or over-vaccinating. The injection site cancer probability is devasting to me.
Is there any course of homeopathic treatments I could start for her to prevent liver problems or cancer?
November 29th, 2009 at 9:51 am
Hi Carlotta. I’ve heard your story too many times before. In fact, Amy had a very similar experience with her tiny min pin at Banfield. She has filed complaints with the state and federal Attorneys General, her state veterinary board and many others. I hope you’ll do the same. Banfield provided the data for the study on the dangers of vaccinating small dogs. They were surely given the results. And they were published in the AVMA Journal in 2005. Amy sent them a copy as well. Don’t get mad. Become an activist. I’ll put you in touch with Amy if you like. She’ll tell you what to do.
About homeopathy, there are definitely things you can do. Find a referral list of homeopathy trained vets at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet I also have a homeopath (not a vet) who treats my dog and she can consult by phone. Her name is Willow. http://www.ajamed.com Her prices are very reasonable. You need to start treatment as soon as possible. And make sure you’re feeding the best possible food: fresh, homemade if possible. Not kibble. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/food
Let me know if you want to correspond with Amy. Good lluck! And no more shots. Read my article on titer testing. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/titertesting/ And get a copy of your dog’s file so when you get another vet (which you MUST!), they’ll have the paperwork to file for an exemption for the rabies shot next time around.
November 30th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Thank you so very much for the infomation. I have spent the weekend trying to educate myself to be the best advocate I can for my baby. I went to the American Animal Hospital Associaton’s website and found the canine vaccination guidelines, they list all the vaccines that should be given and the ones that are not needed at all. It was eye opening.
My Gigi’s swelling has gone down but she is just not herself. I hope she gets back to her bubbly self soon.
Thank you again, I will get going on all the info you have provided here.
November 30th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Carlotta, the AAHA report is what started the ball rolling for change in vaccination. However, it is, in my opinion and the opinion of many vets, overly conservative. It tells you how and when to vaccinate, not if you should and when you should stop. It is also widely misinterpreted as “vaccinate every three years” when the report actually says “vaccinate no more often than every three years.” Don’t look at all the shots that MIGHT be necessary, but those that are essential. Look for proof that they’re safe and effective and that revaccination is actually necessary.
December 7th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
We read your article as we were sitting at the emergency hosiptal over the weekend with our precious 13 year silky terrier Gus. He was diagnosed in June with Auto Immune disorder after being given his Bortadella vaccination. Three days after the vacination we were at the hospital because he had started bleeding from his nose. It then lead to bleeding from his eye. His blood count got slow low they almost had to transfuse. They put him on 20 mg of predinsone plus 100 mg of atopica both to apress his immune system. He has being going like this since June. This Saturday the seizures started. We now have him on nasty phenobarbitol to keep him from having anymore seizures. Our vet told us that we will be lucky if he makes it through xmas that we may have to make the decision to put him to sleep before that it is day to day right now. We know this is what we needs to be done but he is our son and we just lost our other precious boy three weeks ago. He was our 12 year old yorkie Ernie. He had addisions disease and in order to keep it in check it required blood work and a prednisone shot every twenty five days along with meds on a daily basis and ultimately all the years of this finally lead to high blood pressure which caused a fatal stroke. The last few weeks have been unbearable and heart wrenching. Ernie had several vaccine reactions over the years to the point our vet stopped given him shots he would performed a tider test that proved how much vaccination still remained in his system and Ernie went the last couple of years without any shots with the exception of his rabies shots as the assholes at the county would not renew his dog license without it. My vet explained how dangerous it was for my dog and I fought them for months they just kept charging me late fees and penalties until I provided the rabies cert. If I would have known then what know now my precious children would not have to suffer from my ignorance. I hope other parents learn from my mistakes and do their homework so their babies do not suffer the same fate. I would do anything to turn back the time and do things differently life without Ernie has been unbearable for me and knowing I am going to soon lose Gus is almost to much for me to bear.
December 8th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Tammy, I’m so sorry for what is happening. If you can find a holistic vet in your area, I’d give that vet a try. I seen wonderful things happen. You especially want someone with training in homeopathy. Find referral lists at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet I wish you the best of luck.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Thanks for your response. I lost Gus On Tuesday night exactly three weeks after Ernie. I took him to three different doctors and they all said there was nothing we could do. The seizures that Gus had on Saturday were the final blow and he just could not recover. In the future I will for sure do things differently when it comes to my children and try other avenues and take extra precautions. I would not wish the way I feel on my worst enemy. I dont know if my heart will ever recover as these babies were the loves of my life.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
I’m so, so sorry. I wish there were something I could do. I send a hug.
Renowned vaccination expert Dr. Ron Schultz has been advising against giving Bordetella for years. The risks surpass the beneft. Did you read what he wrote about it at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/shots ? Tell your vet. Maybe he/she will stop the madness.
Re the rabies vaccine, I hope you’ll support the Rabies Challenge Fund http://www.rabieschallengefund.org It’s our only hope.
December 19th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
I have 4 chihuahua’s. Tow of them have had reactions to the rabies vaccines. One blew up like a balloon requiring emergency care. The other developed pancreatitis and nearly died and now is losing her hair on her leg near the injection site. Our vet says this reaction is rare. Her personality has changed and she sleeps all the time. It is heartbreaking. She lost a pound and a half and used to be inseperable with her sister. Now she growls at her and won’t cuddle with her. I hate this vaccine.
December 20th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Lindsey, I hate the rabies vaccine, too. I suggest you contact a vet with experience in homeopathy. There’s a referral list at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet They may be able to help your dog with the health and the behavioral problem. Homeopathy is the only remedy that seems to work well. Your dog is unlikely to get better without help, and is likely to get worse.
If you’re near So. Cal., I hope you’ll come to our Safer Pet Vaccination Seminar in March. http://www.petseminar.org It benefits the Rabies Challenge Fund. If you don’t know about the Fund, please check it out at http://www.rabieschallengefund.org.
I wish you good luck.
January 6th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
My Chinese Crested now (and for the rest of her life) has seizures as a result of the rabies shot.
January 6th, 2010 at 6:29 pm
Christina, find a vet skilled in homeopathy. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet There IS hope.
Jan
January 12th, 2010 at 9:53 am
[...] [...]
January 17th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
I have a 2 yr. old shih tzu who has a small lump where his rabies shot was administered and his body has been shaking ever since this shot was given (about 4 months ago). I took him back to the vet wthin a week to see what the problem was and they said it’s nothing. My dog never had these issues before the vaccine was given. Now, I’m going fora second opinion but if you can’t trust your vet, who can you trust?
January 18th, 2010 at 10:19 am
Erica, you can’t trust your vet. Vets are human. They have knowledge and experience limited by time, interest and intellect. They are sometimes motivated by profit or feelings of insecurity. Your vet said the lump was nothing. Would they consider it nothing on their own bodies?
You are right to get another opinion. A vet who didn’t give the shot will likely be less biased and may speak more openly because they won’t be blamed for the problem. If you can see a vet experienced in homeopathy, do. They are likely to be able to help with the problem. But know that a small percentage of these lingering lumps become cancerous. Ask your vet before you go if he/she has experience with injection-site tumors. Some vets think they only happen to cats. There are vet referral lists for vets with homeopathy experience at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet They may or may not know about this. Ask! And good luck.
Oh, and report the reaction to the manufacturer (get the name, brand, lot #, etc. from the vet). And make sure the reaction is recorded in all your dog’s files. And get copies of the file. You may need to try for an exemption next time around.
PS If you’re near southern California, check out our safer vaccination seminar. http://www.petseminar.org
January 20th, 2010 at 4:12 am
[...] that discusses the problems. Personally, I would not revaccinate a dog with severe reactions. Vaccination Risk for Small Dogs | Truth4Dogs __________________ Lisa, Piccolo, and Viola [...]
January 20th, 2010 at 7:44 am
I have a pomeranian 7 yrs old (10#) who was dianosed with dermal form of lupus. Her undercoat became very nappy and has to be shaved down. I had her microchipped when she was spayed because I travel from Fl to NY annually. She has also had vaccinations for rabies every 3 years, lyme disease annually and the 3 in one is every three years. The titers are very expensive but I think I will begin those this spring when I return to NY. I give her Heart guard once a month and also K-9 Advantix flea tx alternating with Frontline Plus monthly. Could the micro chip or any of the vaccines be responsible for the Lupus?
January 20th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Hi Susan. Your dog has had way too many chemicals. You need a better vet.
Lyme is a dangerous shot with questionable effectiveness. In fact, it often brings on the symptoms it’s meant to prevent, particularly arthritis. I’d never give it to my dog. Do some research.
The 3 in 1 every three years is also overkill. Parvo and distemper give at least 5-7 years immunity and the top experts believe it gives lifetime immunity to most dogs.
Re the titer test, you need only give it once. Read about titer testing here: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/titertesting/ Hemopet.org has good testing prices and a top expert, Dr. Dodds, reads the test.
Why are you giving heartworm meds in winter? Read my articles on Heartworm at http://www.truth4dogs.com Why are you alternating flea meds? If it were my dog, and fleas were a horrible problem, I’ve give Frontline or Advantage (not Advantix) every 6 weeks during flea season.
Get another vet. Find a referral list here. Your vet, in my opinion, is WAY too dependent on drugs. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vets
January 24th, 2010 at 8:58 am
my 10yr cat has kd my vet just gave her a rabies said she needed it , it was the law i m so worried about my kitty
January 27th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Evelyn, watch your cat for changes in health or behavior. And watch for lumps near the injection site. If anything looks suspicious — especially vomiting, hives, a lump — see your vet.
January 28th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
healthy shih tzu , fem., born june 09 recived 1st and 2nd shot hind leg at 8 weeks/ 16 weeks.
is the 3rd now to be in skin on back of sholder area insted?
is it safe to give it at home?
thanks
January 31st, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Sean, 8 weeks is a long time between shots, but if your dog is healthy, lucky her. If your dog had the last set of shots at 16 weeks, top experts would say to wait 3 weeks then get a titer test for parvo and distemper. (It’s a single test given once.) If the test comes back strong, you’re done! Read about the test here: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/titertesting/ A good place to have titers tested is a hemopet.org. There prices are good and an expert interprets results.
I never believe in giving shots at home. If your dog has an allergic reaction and collapses or goes into shock, what would you do? Also, you’ll probably need a record that the shots were given. Also, vaccines must be handled properly and be kept refrigerated.
February 26th, 2010 at 6:46 pm
[...] Vaccination Risk for Small Dogs | Truth4Dogs About the Rabies Challenge Fund – Rabies Challenge Fund How to Avoid Vaccination Reactions in Dogs | Truth4Dogs Combo Shots for Dogs: A Dangerous Convenience | Truth4Dogs __________________ http://www.myladysdogbows.com/ http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref…6213341?ref=nf [...]
March 17th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
My little 2 lb 12 oz Yorkshire dog (2 years old) was vaccinated for Parvo (she got 1/2 the normal dose). When I got home and took the bow out of her hair, she just fell on her side. I called the Vet’s office and they said I could leave her there for several hours even though at that time she was chipper. I went back in 1 1/2 hours to get her. I was told she vomited so they gave her an antihistimine. She is fine now. The doctor said he would give her 1/4 the dose next time. Has anyone else had this problem?
March 18th, 2010 at 10:01 am
I agree with almost all of this advice. My 9 lb. Maltese almost died after his 2nd booster at the age of 4. No more for me. Ref: Rabbies, I can be sued and loose everything I’ve worked for all my life if my dog bites someone and my ins. does not cover that. I could -get sued- and if I cannot prove my pup had a rabbies shot-horrible trouble yet to come. I also heard then the only way they can tell if the dog had rabbies, is to euthinze it and cut off it’s head. Any truth to my concerns to protect myself.?? Without a rabbies shot every 3 yrs, I could loose my house AND my dog if he I am sued.
April 3rd, 2010 at 7:46 am
Dear Jan,
Thank you for a wonderful and enjoyable day last week. I had a great time, met some lovely interesting people, won a few bids, and most important, learned a great deal. Thanks for all your efforts. You did a remarkable job. Having put on different events myself, I know how much work it takes and appreaciate all your efforts.
Claire Yarmark
April 13th, 2010 at 12:05 pm
good article! thanks for posting this to the public.
ALL vaccines are dangerous to pets and humans,NO VACCINE IS A SAFE VACCINE!
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/petvacc2.htm
vaccinossis
http://www.thewholedog.org
petvaccine truth
http://www.drpitcarin.com
a new look at vaccines
http://www.truthaboutvaccines.org
petvaccine dangers
May 6th, 2010 at 7:29 am
I lost my Daisy, a 10 year old collie/hound mix two days ago. On March 17 she had a 3 year Rabies booster. At that time the vet examined her and did a urinalysis and proclaimed her to be in excellent and remarkable health for a 10 year old dog. Two days later she had signs of a urinary tract infection…her first one ever and her first illness ever. That night (a Friday) we took her to an emergency animal clinic. They did urinalysis and found her creatin and bun levels slightly elevated and her urine dilute. They put her on a low dose of antibiotics which after 4 days didn’t seem to help.
After the weekend we took her back to her regular vet who kept her on the same antibiotics along with Rimadyl. She became violently ill from the Rimadyl (vomiting) and the vet switched her to prednisone with no delay from taking the Rimadyl. We learned from a later vet that this is a big NO NO.
Daisy did not improve and after 2 weeks of being jerked around by the vet who gave her the Rabies shot in the first place so we took her to a new vet. Like the original vet and the emergency vet, the new vet vehemently denied that the Rabies shot could have cause Daisy’s illness.
However, this vet was alarmed to find Daisy’s bladder was full and really extended. Any urine she passed seemed to be from overflow. The vet evacuated the bladder and did an x-ray and ultrasound. The ultrasound showed a lot of fine sludge in Daisy’s bladder but no blockage. The x-ray also showed no blockage but the vet became fixated on the notion that she saw a herniated disk on the x-ray and it was pinching off the nerve controlling the bladder. That may have been the case but the x-ray is not a definitive test for diagnosing herniated or slipped disks. No further tests were ordered. She prescribed a higher dose of antibiotics and steroids again and Daisy became what we thought was incontinent but in reality her bladder was full all the time and was simply overflowing. We didn’t know it but she could not urinate on her own at all.
We took her back to the vet when we became aware her bladder was terribly extended again and she was in pain all the time. The steroids had apparently done nothing for the “herniated disk.” The vet catheterized Daisy and removed nearly a half gallon of murky, orange urine. She did a urinalysis and the slide was nothing but bacteria…like the orange urine also indicated to the naked eye. It was clear to me that Daisy’s kidneys had not been working for some time and that she was in renal failure. The vet stuck with her pinched nerve/herniated disk theory. She told us if we needed to make a hard decision about Daisy before she suffered more. We had Daisy put down the next day.
I believe the Rabies shot started off this 6 week long decline in Daisy’s health and eventually led to the kidney infection and renal failure which killed my baby.
May 6th, 2010 at 10:18 am
Terri, I’m so sorry for your loss. There are things I, and my holistic vet friends, hear all the time. 1) It couldn’t be the shot, although they never have a good case that it isn’t the shot. 2) They give antibiotics and steroids every time, almost no matter what is wrong. It’s all many of them know. If it doesn’t work, they up the dose. 3) They don’t treat the vaccinosis because they don’t believe it exists or know how to treat it.
I hear story after story of how a healthy dog becomes ill after vaccination and begins a downward slide. It too often results in death and huge vet bills. And then it’s forgotten by the vets.
You wrote: “the vet switched her to prednisone with no delay from taking the Rimadyl. We learned from a later vet that this is a big NO NO.” If I were you, I’d research Rimadyl and contraindications with other medication. Find evidence that your vet started the prednisone too soon and then file a complaint with your state veterinary board. Think of it as a way to educate that vet so maybe this won’t happen to another dog and her family.
May 31st, 2010 at 7:52 am
My 3 year old maltese is making Honking noises and I think it might be his trachea. Can you help me? Will he die? it scares me.
May 31st, 2010 at 8:16 am
The honking noises happens when he is stretching and turning his neck to the side on his back or stretching when he gets up.
Thanks
May 31st, 2010 at 8:18 am
I can stop the honking noises by rubbing the back of his neck it. I hope you can help me out.
)
May 31st, 2010 at 8:32 am
Hi Debbie. Your dog may have a collapsing trachea. It’s pretty common. In fact, my Chiclet’s trachea looks on x-ray like a hose that has been stepped on. I control her gasping by trying not to let her get too excited and by stroking her throat. Surgery exasperbates it as well, as the trachea is irritated when the anesthetic tube is inserted. Dogs live for many years with collapsing tracheas. There is surgery for it but I’m told it’s only something to do as a last result. The results don’t last. You should see a vet to detect what is wrong.
It could also be “reverse sneezing.” Read about it here http://www.vetinfo.com/reverse-sneezing-dogs.html There are other reliable articles on collapsing trachea at that site.
Relax. Getting upset about it will only upset your dog.
June 19th, 2010 at 10:07 am
My poor little 18 month old Pappion just got the Rabies vaccine and almost died she had such a bad reaction to it, the vets were great and they were very attentive to her till she got better, but the little 7 lb dogs of the world shouldn’t get the same vaccine as the dogs that could be a pony, that just doesn’t even make sense. What can I do for her in the future?
June 19th, 2010 at 11:19 am
Liz, make sure your vet records the reaction in detail in your dog’s file and get a copy of the file. Put it in a safe place. When the rabies shot is due again, ask your vet to apply for an exemption. And read our page on vaccinating before you give another shot of any kind.
What are the rabies laws in your state or locality? Check to see if your state offers medical exemptions to the rabies vaccine for health compromised animals. Note that sometimes the state doesn’t allow it but your local animal control does. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/rabies-laws
If you can, see a vet with certification in homeopathy. There’s a referral list at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet This is the only way to clear the ill effects of the vaccine. Don’t presume that just because things are back to normal that everything’s okay. If you can’t afford a vet, contact marina at naturalrearing.com and see if she can help.
June 26th, 2010 at 7:03 am
Apparently in PA the only exemption from the vaccine is if the dog is under going chemotherapy then the vet can apply for it.
But I’ll defiantly try to find a vet that will look into that. Thanks for the info!
June 26th, 2010 at 8:45 am
When my Westie was 10 months old, she was vaccinated with a combo type vaccine that included rabies. At the injection site she had a knot the size of a golf ball that took over six weeks to go away. Needless to say I won’t vaccinate her ever again for anything. She has suffered extremely bad allergies her whole life(she is six now) and I just know deep down in my heart that vaccine shot had something to do with it!
June 26th, 2010 at 9:15 am
Debbie, make sure you report every detail of the incident to the vet and get a copy of your dog’s file. You’ll need it to apply for an exemption later.
Also, I hope you’ve found a new vet. To give a combo shot at all is terrible. To give it with a rabies shot is horrible. At 10 months, why did your dog need shots anyway? Shots should end at 4 months. Then you do a titer test. If titers are strong, that’s that.
If you can find a vet trained in homeopathy to help with the vaccine reaction, do. Find a referral list at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet Otherwise, contact marina at naturalrearing.com Tell her what happened and ask her to recommend a remedy. Just because the lump is gone doesn’t mean there are no lingering effects. You’re right to presume the allergies are connected, but there are things you can do to help.
July 19th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
I have a 7lb white chihuahua with discoid lupus.He had a reaction to vaccines (multiple ones).I told my vet and he just blew me off.Had been going to the same vet for 20 years.I am now anti vaccines.I changed dog food and now give my dog cod liver oil and vit E. He seems to be doing great.Thanks for the article.Need to finf a new vet.