Comments on: Vaccinating Small Dogs: Risks Vets Aren’t Revealing

By: Jan

Jan — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:37:12 +0000

Russ, I’m so sorry for your loss. When you’re up to it, please report what happened to the drug manufacturer. It’s possible they will reimburse you, at least some, for your medical expenses and maybe more. Most importantly, they will have to report the drug reaction to the USDA to make the drug safer. Get the records from the PetCo vet. They should also report what happened but may not have. You might also write the president of PetCo and tell them what happened.

Join all of us who have lost dogs, or had dogs sickened, by the rabies vaccine. See http://www.rabieschallengefund.org We’re working to make it safer.

My sincere condolences. — jan

By: Russ

Russ — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:58:28 +0000

Our Pug died very shortly after getting the rabies vaccine at PetCo in Southington, CT last night. He was 3 1/2 years old and about 22 lbs. It wasn’t his first vaccine and I didn’t realize the side effects it could have on a dog until now!
May you rest in peace Puggy!

By: Tam Vitt

Tam Vitt — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:55:00 +0000

I think I’ve read some of your articles on problogger or somewhere similar, well at least you have the same writing style.

By: Jan

Jan — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:40:32 +0000

Stephanie, thanks for your response. I do have a few suggestions, however.

Thuja can be given before, during and after the vaccine for a few days. Also, Dr. Jean Dodds, a renowned expert, recommends beginning vaccination at 9-10 weeks. Lyssin should be given with rabies.

Another top expert, Dr. Ron Schultz plus the entire AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines board recommends that the final shot be given at or after 15 weeks. Then wait two or more weeks to titer. You may already be doing this.

Good for you for being a responsbile breeder.

By: Stephanie Shenk

Stephanie Shenk — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:24:07 +0000

Something you may not be aware of as one lady posted her sons Greyhound died from the vaccination, is that any dog that carries the blue gene is way more susceptible and likely to have a reaction to vaccinations. I breed Blue Lacys who of course carry the blue gene. My vaccination protocol is one puppy shot of Distemper/Parvo at 8 weeks and a titers blood test at 11 weeks. That is it for me and my dogs. I administer Thuja before exposure for a couple of days and immediately after. I have never had a dog develop any reaction after or later in life to vaccinations using this method.

By: Jan

Jan — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:39:07 +0000

Ashley, it is not a zero sum game: vaccinating or become diseased. I am not advocating an end to vaccinating. I am advocating an end to OVER-vaccinating. Vaccinating a dog that already has many years, if not lifetime, immunity is reckless, expense and completely unnecessary. If not cruel. It is also veterinary over-servicing. Parvo and distemper give a minimum of 7-9 yrs immunity, if not lifetime. And a titer test can prove it. I would hope you would agree.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:33:38 +0000

I would just like to point out that yes, vaccines have risks associated with them, but so does not vaccinating. I can’t even tell you how many horrible cases of parvo I have seen from pets that haven’t been vaccinated. And in most cases, the risk of the disease is WORSE than the risk of a vaccine reaction. People just have to be smart, informed, and make a choice. Vaccines aren’t perfect, but if we stop vaccinating, none of us will like the consequences.

By: Jan

Jan — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:13:00 +0000

Irarte, please read this article on how to deal with vaccine reactions. Just skip the opening part about emergency help. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2010/12/02/what-to-do-when-your-dog-has-a-vaccine-reaction/

By: Irarte

Irarte — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:12:01 +0000

I went got rabies shot distemper, and parvo all at once not sure why needed them all dog was fine first day next day playing took 30 min nap woke up different dog doesnt want to move licks nose alot i got some bendrly licking stopped , wasnt getting sick or anything just sore touch would yelp took vet next day they said this dont have anything to do with the shots they tried to tell me was a disc in her neck dog next to me 24 / 7 work from home, nothing happened to dog ,it is rare dog have reaction to these shots, internet is wrong lol but lady on there paper work emergency room vet said same thing internet did is common shot can cause alot probs with dogs , my vet said nothing about anything hows dog examined gave clean bill health now she fighting for life ,, so took back to them said bring it in they gave her 3 more shots next day said just in case agve her amoxicillin, a pain shot and something else they didnt list

i tell you this I WILL NEVER GET ANY DOG I EVER OWN ANOTHER SHOT EVER , I DO NO CARE WHAT STATE LAW IN IL SAYS , they dont wanna protect my animal by changing laws so ppl are held accountable so on, then i will take my chances , honestly my opinion of vets are very bad , [name deleted] in Belleville,IL dont not go to that place, guess you have to research a hospital now before can get freaking help. what is this world coming to ,, i mean REALLY ? a few hundered $ that important,,, i feel like when i go to vets offices i am entering a telemarketing firm type place it is insane, they didnt charge me for 2nd visit, dog will not eat feeding it with syringe on way home it puked once , when i got home it puked again has thrown up 3 times since i left vet the 2nd time i should not have gone back , i mean who do i report this to ? what can i do ?

By: Francine

Francine — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:14:36 +0000

Thanks Jan for your reply. I’m sorry for any confusion in my first email. My dog is actually 11 years old now, and was either 7 or 8 years old during that last vaccination incident with this particular vet. Thanks for the information regarding specialists. Some of them are just so pushy about vaccinations, so I wanted to be fully armed when/if I do go to a traditional vet so I can do what’s best for my dog.

There are a few holistic vets in my area so I’ll contact one about his “blue eye” condition. And yes, there are groups, forums and online communities for my breed that I’ve been somewhat active with. One of the forums is responsible for leading me to you. Thanks again for your time. Keep up the amazing work you’re doing.