Protecting Dogs From Vaccine Reactions
Written by Jan on October 8, 2009 – 12:01 am
Unless a vaccine reaction is strong and immediate, most people – and a shocking number of vets – don’t connect a new or worsened health problem to a shot, let alone report the reaction. The 2007 World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Vaccination Guidelines say there is “gross under-reporting of vaccine-associated adverse events which impedes knowledge of the ongoing safety of these products.” Former FDA head, Dr. David Kessler, says “only about 1% of serious events are reported to the FDA.” He was referring to drugs for people; reporting of pet drug reactions is likely to be far worse.
How prevalent are reactions?
In 2007, approximately 6500 reactions were reported for the canine rabies vaccine alone. If as suggested only 1% of reactions were reported, approximately 650,000 reactions likely occurred. And there are still more than a dozen other vaccines causing reactions.
In my article Vaccinating Small Dogs: Risks Vets Aren’t Revealing, I summarized a shocking 2005 study which reported: Young adult small-breed neutered dogs given multiple vaccines per office visit are at greatest risk of an adverse reaction within 72 hours after vaccination … and the risk increases with each subsequent vaccine given. Reactions studied ranged from hives to shock and even death. Although the less a dog weighs, the more likely the reaction — all dogs are at risk when multiple vaccines are given.
Please read Vaccinating Small Dogs now to determine if and when your dog is at risk, which reactions were reported and more. Really. Read it now!
What can you do to keep your dog from reacting badly to a vaccine?
The study’s researchers recommended only that your vet reveal the risks before vaccinating. (They’re already supposed to do that and are not doing a very good job. Have you been warned?)
There are better ways to help keep your dog from experiencing a vaccine reaction. I’ve asked vet friends for suggestions for making vaccinating safer:
- Vaccine labels say to vaccinate “healthy animals only.” Whenever possible, postpone vaccinating pets experiencing any health problem – including allergies, skin problems, intestinal problems or stress. Don’t vaccinate dogs with autoimmune immune problems, cancer, seizures or other serious conditions. Never vaccinate a dog undergoing anesthesia, or in the several weeks before and after surgery or moving to a new home.
- Don’t automatically re-vaccinate. Get a simple blood test called a titer test. Repeated doses of the same vaccine increase the risk of reaction. In another study, the risk of allergic reactions has been reported to increase after three or four injections of a vaccine.
- 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).
- Whenever possible, vaccinate under the supervision of a holistic vet trained in homeopathy. At least, give the homeopathic remedy Thuja (Thuya) when vaccinating with most vaccines. Use Lyssin for the rabies vaccine. If your vet isn’t skilled in homeopathy, you can get instructions and remedies at naturalrearing.com.
- NEVER allow your vet to give multiple vaccines during one visit – especially to your small or medium-sized dogs. Important: a combination shot (like DHLPP) goes in with just one needle prick but contains multiple vaccines – sometimes as many as 7. Add Bordetella and you’re up to 8.
- “Vaccines should not be given more often than every other week, even when different vaccines are being given,” says WSAVA. Three to four weeks in between is even better.
- Dr. Patricia Jordan, vaccination expert and author of Mark of the Beast says to ask for a thimerasol-free (mercury-free) vaccine. Merial makes a thimerasol-free one- and three-year rabies vaccine. Look for “TF” in the brand name. http://imrab.us.merial.com/imrab/offerings.shtml
- Insist your vet use monovalent, or at most, bivalent vaccines – even if you have to buy them yourself. Monovalent vaccines contain only one bacteria or virus. Bivalent vaccines contain 2. (See our article on combo shots for links to monovalent and bivalent shots.)
- When possible, vaccinate puppies and test for strong titers as long as possible prior to spaying or neutering. (Make sure growth plates are mature before the surgery.)
- Avoid vaccinating animals with histories of vaccine reactions. Report any reactions to your vet so you’ll have a record. Apply for a health exemption to rabies vaccination.
- Take great care when vaccinating animals from breeds or families (especially littermates) with known reactions.
- Don’t vaccinate puppies under 8 weeks of age, except when faced with an epidemic. (Early vaccination is dangerous and may not work because of maternal immunity.) Pet vaccination expert Dr. Jean Dodds’ protocol begins at 9 weeks. Dr. Ron Schultz recommends beginning at 15 weeks, giving one shot of DAP (distemper/adenovirus-2/parvovirus), then testing titers two weeks later.
- Avoid the leptospirosis vaccine (the “L” in DHLPP combos). WSAVA says: “This product is associated with the greatest number of adverse reactions to any vaccine.” The 2006 American Animal Hospital Association Canine Vaccine Task Force reported: “Routine vaccination of toy breeds should only be considered in dogs known to have a high exposure risk.” Vets and breeders suggest the incidence of “severe anaphylaxis” in puppies under 12 weeks of age and small-breed dogs is high. I’ll add that they should make sure that the vaccine protects against local strains of disease. It often doesn’t.
- Most veterinary drugs are weight dependent, but vaccines aren’t. A toy breed puppy and an adult Mastiff get the same size shot. Many vets believe this causes reactions in small dogs, so they split the dose. Vets can legally split any vaccine except rabies.When interviewing pet vaccination expert Dr. Jean Dodds for my book, she told me that a split dose works well, and that the USDA told her that manufacturers make vaccines up to ten times more powerful than necessary (because vaccines are harmless?). There’s also supporting evidence for splitting doses from numerous human studies. To ease your own mind, two weeks after the final shot, have a titer test done to make sure the shot gave immunity.Why don’t drug manufacturers offer split doses for small dogs? Dr. Dodds told me: “You cannot change dosing label recommendations without another new licensing trial, so that will never happen. Except for rabies, where the whole vaccine must be administered by law, any veterinarian can elect to give less than a full dose to a small or very small dog, as long as there is written informed consent on file from the owner.”If you want a split dose, but your vet fears it isn’t safe or worries that you might file a complaint if it doesn’t work, offer to sign that “letter of informed consent.”I asked Dr. Dodds for clarification: “For dogs of breed types weighing less than 12 pounds as adults, in parvovirus 2-c [CPV 2-c] endemic areas, I’d give a half dose of parvo vaccine at 6 weeks. Then for all parvo endemic and non-endemic areas, … 3 weeks later [give] a half dose of distemper + parvo, then repeat it 3-4 weeks later. Then give rabies 3-4 weeks after that. You don’t need to measure titers after that, as this protocol should work well. For larger pups, the dose should be a full 1 ml each time.”WSAVA, however, warns: “The volume (e.g. 1.0 ml) as recommended by the manufacturer generally represents the minimum immunising dose, therefore the total amount must be given.” Clearly, experts disagree.
If I wanted to give a split dose, I’d prove the immunity by giving a titer test two weeks after the final shot. It may not be necessary but it would put my mind at ease.
- Drs. Stephen Blake and Dr. Jordan both recommend giving colostrum when vaccinating (or forever). My dogs get a medical grade super colostrum called IgG 2000 DF from Xymogen.com. I take it myself. You can also find collostrum at Dr. Blake’s website or at your health food store.Dr. Jordan also suggests you give Pawier vitamins when vaccinating. She adds: “All of the dogs that Dr. Blake has seen with parvo and distemper and kennel cough were all VACCINATED dogs….the vaccine is not a guarantee, that is the point.” Dr. Blake told me that himself.
As an added precaution, vaccinate your dog early in the day (preferably when the clinic will be open for a few days afterwards). Stay near the clinic for several hours and watch for changes in health or behavior after the shot throughout the day. Check for reactions during the night.
Report all reactions to your vet immediately, and ask him/her to report the reaction to the manufacturer. If your dog has trouble breathing or moving, or if he gets hives or his face swells, get to an emergency vet right away. If you’re worried about your dog at all, call your vet or an emergency clinic and ask if you should come in. (Make sure you know how to get to your nearest emergency clinic — just in case.)
Report every health change within six weeks after the shot even if you think it’s not related. (Okay, a broken leg won’t be a reaction, but trouble walking or a change in behavior may be.) Ask the vet to report the reaction to the manufacturer and follow up! Get a copy of your dog’s file and keep it safe. This is important in case you ever want an exemption to vaccination for rabies. Learn more about reporting reactions at my Vaccinating Dogs web page.
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Related articles:
Vaccinating Small Dogs: Risks Vets Aren’t Revealing
Combination Shots for Dogs: Weapons of Over-Vaccination
Is Your Dog’s Vet a Vaccination Expert?
Vaccinating Unhealthy Pets: Beware Reactions & Vaccine Failure
Vaccinating Dogs: 10 Steps to Eliminating Unnecessary Shots
Titer Test: Don’t Vaccinate Your Dog Unnecessarily
Dog Flu Vaccine: Do You Really Need a Shot for the H3N8 Canine Virus?
Treating Adverse Vaccine Reactions by Jean Dodds, DVM
Posted under Preventing Vaccine Reactions, Uncategorized, Vaccination | 21 Comments » Email This Post
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October 8th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
So I read your previous article the day I was taking my small Dachshund, 1 1/2 years old in for a dhpp booster. I was not planning on giving him any more after that. After reading your article, I had a titer test done and his immunity is already fine.
He only had puppy vaccines, the last one being given at 5 months.
Happy Boy
Eliza
October 9th, 2009 at 9:26 am
Eliza, thanks so much for writing. I am absolutely thrilled that my article saved your dog unnecessary shots. Please tell your friends about titer testing and the special risks to small dogs. I also hope you’ll ask yourself (and your vet) why your vet didn’t recommend the titer test instead of the shot.
BTW, some vets want to test titers yearly, which is completely unnecessary. If that happens, please read my article on titer testing. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/titertesting/
Thanks again for writing. Most of the comments I get are after a dog has gotten unnecessary shots and is having a reaction. You’ve made my day.
October 12th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Thanks Jan for the wonderful article. This is actually the first time that I read about titer testing and how important that could be for my dogs. I have a lab and a chihuahua at home and I want to make sure that I don’t put them at risk especially when they need to get a shot.
October 13th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Gabbie, I’m so happy to hear my article on avoiding vaccination reactions helped. I hope you also read my article about the special risks for vaccinating small dogs. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/30/vaccinating-small-dogs-risks-vets-arent-revealing/ And please tell your friends. This over-vaccination has to stop! — Jan
October 14th, 2009 at 6:50 am
Took my rescued AmStaff in for multiple vaccines (believe it was the entire barrage) at 7 months. Within hours, my already compromised sweetie broke out in hives, from head to the tip of her tail, all her lymph nodes started swelling and she was having great difficulty breathing. Luckily, I was minutes from an emergency facility and they were able to quell the symptoms, preventing my dear one from going into shock. She was one of the primary reasons my Vet embraced holistic medicine. My girl is now titer tested, only receiving the rabies vaccine as required by the state. As for my Vet, he is now treating my 8 year old pooch’s cancer, using herbs and supplements vs. chemo, after he had removed mast cell tumors some two years ago. She is also eating home cooked meals, a recipe he developed specifically for her. Thankfully, she remains cancer free.
October 14th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Karen, thanks for your comment. I’m glad you’ve found a vet who believes in titer testing instead of over-vaccination. By the way, the top expert in the world, Dr. Ron Schultz, believes you only have to titer test once. If the titers are strong, he believes your dog is immune for life.
I wish you’d push your vet for an exemption from rabies vaccination for your AmStaff. The rabies vaccine is likely to cause a reaction. I’m sure your dog would qualify if you have the emergency clinic’s records. I’m presuming your dog with cancer already has an exemption. If not, plead, cajole, threaten, whatever. If you have to, change state law. Others are doing it.
Best of luck to you. — Jan
November 11th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
A little late for us but our Yorkie plods on. Less than two hours after receiving an Imrab distemper vaccine she showed a variety of changing, serious reactions including blindness, tightly navigated, repeated left hand circles walked and struggled with severely reduced hind leg mobility. A change of vet and ignoring the doom and gloom scenario by a follow-up neurological specialist whom suggested in six months she would die, anesthesia,mri and prednisone, as well as a baptism by fire learning curve for us online and a new, homeopathic vet made all the difference.
This began mid June 2008 and, alas she has had a relapse mid Aug 2009 and a slower recovery but is again improving. Original vet never offered a titer we were unaware existed and immediately displayed insecurities about her own experiences treating small dogs – was quick to offer us the company and batch number – how thoughtful. It’s been rough but she’s our five year old little sick gal with a strong will and a wheel-chair. We’ll keep loving her in the meantime.
November 12th, 2009 at 11:09 am
What a sad story. What an all-too-common story.
I hope your vet is trained in homeopathy. That’s your dog’s best chance for a full recovery. I also hope you know, and I’m sure you do, that your dog is through with shots! Your dog certainly qualifies for a rabies vaccine exemption.
I hope you’ll tell your friends with small dogs about Vaccinating Small Dogs: Risks Vets Aren’t Revealing. Vets should be explaining the risks of any vaccine, but few do. Then they charge you for subsequent health problems. If you didn’t give informed consent, they shouldn’t have vaccinated and they, at least, should treat the dog for free. It’s too late, I think, to complain to your state’s Veterinary Medical board, but it’s worth a try.
November 21st, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Hey I have a question, I got a puppy from the pound they said she was 8 weeks old. And had gotten the 7 way shot, this was yesterday and now she is lying around and has no energy. The vets around here are not open on the week ends the closes ones to us is about 3 hours away. Please help I need some input please email me at kamomom85@yahoo.com I don’t know what to do for her.
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:35 am
Our 9 year old Dalmatian had a rabies shot this past July, and on the same day we did a blood test just to check on his levels after 6 years of Allopurinol for urate acid stones. All blood levels were within normal range except the Alk Phosphate level was 200 ish (a wee bit high, but the dog ate before the blood test). Dr. suggested we do another bloodtest 3 months later…suddenly, for no apparent reason, his Alk. Phosphate level shot to 1162, and Free T-4 thyroid was way low at .1. Coincidence ????
We took a completely healthy dog, with no symptoms and good bloodwork, in for a Rabies shot in July, and now his Alk Phosphate levels are sky high. This lead to a very expensive ultrasound and now on two antibiotics for a slightly inflamed liver (spotted on the ultrasound). We are worried that this nightmare of tests and worry will continue to spiral and that with more medications and stress from tests, we are making his life worse.
Question is, have others seen a rise in Alk Phosphatate levels after a Rabies shot, along with Hypothyroid ? If so, will it correct itself, or have we given him a sentence of problem after problem ? Where do we go from here, and when do we stop and relax ?
Thank you in advance for ANY advice or direction.
December 4th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Hi Janice. Thyroid problems are common in purebred dogs. In her article on my blog, Dr. Jean Dodds wrote: Additionally, vaccination of pet and research dogs with polyvalent vaccines containing rabies virus or rabies vaccine alone was shown to induce production of antithyroglobulin autoantibodies, a provocative and important finding with implications for the subsequent development of hypothyroidism (Scott-Moncrieff et al, 2002). http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/08/06/treating-adverse-vaccine-reactions-by-jean-dodds-dvm/ Dr. Dodds has more on thyroid problems at the page bottom of http://www.hemopet.org/services.html
I know that Alk Phos, and all liver enzyme results, can elevate after vaccination. I can’t speak to Alk Phos alone.
My dog Jiggy has elevated liver enzymes and low thyroid levels which I attribute to the rabies vaccine, although when it happens months after the shot, it’s hard to prove. Reactions 3 mos. after a shot are common.
What can you do? Thyroid supplementation is easy. My dog Jiggy takes Soloxine and Armour Thyroid. The other problem is more difficult. I’d see a vet trained in homeopathy. That’s likely to be your best route. Find referral lists at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet I hope this helps.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:46 am
Excellent information Jan. Thanks for a great post.
December 13th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
My Rhodesian Ridgeback, is 10 yrs and 4 months, she is a spayed female. In August of this yr, when she turned 10, she had to have a rabies shot, which I did not want her to have, because of her age. She was in good health, I had blood work and check up in Jan of this yr(09), everything was normal. After the rabies shot, 2 months later she collasped and I had a check up and blood work. She has hypoglcemia, glucose was 49, should be 100-150. I had more tests and she now has a tumor in her pancreas,and at her age I don’t want to operate. They put her on 5mg Predisone and said she has maybe 8 months. I know the rabies shot caused this
December 13th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Linda, I’m so sorry to hear about your dog. Yet another sad rabies vaccine story.
If you want to try to do something about the shot, I hope you’ll become an advocate of the Rabies Challenge Fund. They are a group of volunteer scientists working to change the interval between shots to 7 years and are also establishing a blood titer standard. The titer (determined by a simple blood test) would be especially helpful for older dogs who probably still have immunity from previous vaccination. They could have a blood test instead of a shot. The Fund is supported completely by dog lovers. http://www.rabieschallengefund.org I’m doing a benefit seminar for them in San Diego in March. http://www.petseminar.org Even small donations will keep the Fund’s work going.
There’s a movement afoot to change vaccination protocols for older dogs. It can’t come too soon.
My best to me and your dog. I wish the laws had already changed.
December 16th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Is the titter test only for rabies? Would the titter test show if the dog needs to have a yearly DPL & Parvo booster?
December 16th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Hi Holly, a titer test (which is pronounced like TIGHT er) is most useful for parvo and distemper. The rabies test is mostly used for travel abroad.
One test evaluates titers for both parvo and distemper and should cost, with blood draw, around $80 or less. Hemopet.org has the best prices around and your test will be read by renowned expert, Dr. Jean Dodds. You should only have to do the test once if the test shows immunity.
Read more about titer testing here: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/titertesting/ Also read this article about eliminating unnecessary shots: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/titertesting/
Parvo and distemper vaccines give immunity for 5 to 7 years or even a lifetime. Under no circumstances should you vaccinate yearly. If your vet is recommending yearly vaccines, find another vet. He/she is vaccinating against the recommendations of every veterinary organization and school in North America.
January 28th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
I have two Shih-Tzu’s that each weigh about 10 pounds. I took one in for her last rabies vaccination and within an hour her entire face swelled. I rushed her back to the vet where she stayed the rest of the day. She is now exempt from the rabies vaccination. The following year, I took her in to get her vaccinations, she became very ill afterward with diarrhea and vomiting. I’m not sure it was from the vaccinations or not since shortly after, my other dog was extremely sick with the same symptons. I’m very weary of vaccinations but haven’t been able to find a vet that understands. This website is extremely helpful. Thank you.
January 28th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Hi LeAnn. If your dog had puppy shots, it’s unlikely she needs more shots. Get a titer test for parvo and distemper instead. If the test comes back strong, you’re done!
Read about titer testing at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/titertesting/ Find a holistic vet with the referral lists at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet Try to find a vet with homeopathy training to help undo the damage from the rabies shot.
Have you read my article on vaccinating small dogs? It’s important. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/30/vaccinating-small-dogs-risks-vets-arent-revealing/
If you live near So California, check out our Safer Pet Vaccination Event at http://www.petseminar.org
February 5th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
I have a 14 year old min schnauzer that almost died of pancreatitis three times when she was 5. She was diagnosed with hyperlipidemia and then bladder stones. All vet treatments made things worse. After much research on my own (I’m an anesthetist) cooking dog food, adding supplements, not allowing any more vaccinations, and other healthy changes she is just now a diabetic and slowing down. I have two new min schnauzers and have not allowed any vaccinations (including rabies) since they completed puppy shots. They are now 4 and so far healthy. My vet says he doesnt do titers and that they are expensive. So glad to find this blog and read all the info. THANKS!!!!
February 5th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Wendy, how can titers, which my most admired experts believe should be given only once, be expensive? Is it better to constantly vaccinate and treat reactions? I think not. If your vet doesn’t do titers, he’s not very informed in my opinion. Ask him if he checks his own rabies vaccine titers to tell when he needs a booster. I bet he does.
Read this article on titer testing. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/category/titertesting/ In you’re near So. Cal., check out our seminar. http://www.petseminar.org
March 2nd, 2010 at 6:10 pm
I have a wonderful four month old six pound brussels griffon. I took her in and she was given a 6 in 1 shot… within ten seconds she could no longer stand, her eyes were uncontrolled, and her breathing become shallow… The vets had warned me some reaction may occur and insisted i waited in the lobby and yet i never even made it out of the lobby… this was today. She was given all kinds of treatment in “the back” Luckily, she is back home with me but they say once the anti-allergens ware off she may have another reaction. Not to mention i paid a lot of money for her treatments that i was 100% uniformed about. I was also uniformed about the shot and just how severe she could react. The vets acted like the multiple vaccine was the only way to go.
Im so happy to hear there are other options because as of now i feel heart broken.