VACCINATING DOGS

 Possible adverse reactions TO VACCINATION

Vaccines are known by scientists to cause serious adverse reactions many (but not all) of which are listed below:

Immediately or up to 3 days after the shot:

Vomiting
Facial swelling
Fever or lethargy
Circulatory shock
Loss of consciousness
Death

Up to six weeks after the shot:

Fibrosarcomas (cancer) at the injection site
Seizures and Epilepsy
Allergies
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)
Autoimmune diseases, including organ disease, allergies and skin problems
Chronic digestive problems
Muscle weakness, especially lack of hind end coordination
Chronic digestive disorders
Skin diseases 
Disease the vaccine was made to prevent
Myocarditis
Post Vaccinal Encephalitis or polyneuritis
Behavior problems: aggression, destructive behaviors, separation anxiety and odd obsessive behaviors (like tail chasing and paw licking)

Click these links to learn more about adverse reactions:   Dr. Jean Dodds on Adverse Vaccine Reactions   Article about fibrosarcomas, skin diseases and more.  Some individuals and breeds are predisposed to adverse vaccine reactions.

*** Important: Report any reactions you believe might be linked to any shot to your vet immediately. Make sure it goes in your dog's file and get a copy. You may someday need to apply for a vaccination exemption.

Few of us are warned about these possible adverse effects, and even when our dog develops them, we are not made aware of the connection. The vet may not even recognize unexpected or rare reactions. Adverse reactions are seldom reported; all reporting is voluntary. A federal reporting system for all veterinary vaccines is needed. You can, and should, report reactions yourself.

"After more than twenty years of practicing veterinary medicine, I am observing chronic diseases that begin much earlier than before.  Cancer before five years of age in dogs and cats was a rarity, but now it is not unusual to see fatal cancers in two and three year old animals.  And the incidence or number of cases is definitely increasing. While poor breeding practices, poor commercial diets and other environmental factors play their part, I believe it is the practice of vaccinating an animal repeatedly, with multiple vaccinations throughout their lifespan that factors the most."  -- Dr. Charles Loop

Small dog alert! Small dogs are more likely to experience adverse reactions, and shots containing multiple vaccines are more likely to cause adverse reactions according to renowned pet vaccine expert Dr. Jean Dodds.
 
Melissa Kennedy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM wrote in DVM360 on-line magazine: "The likelihood of adverse reactions in dogs has been found to correlate with the size of the dog and the number of inoculations given, with higher risk associated with small size and multiple inoculations."  This means: no combo shots for small dogs -- or any other dogs for that matter. And NEVER GIVE ANY OTHER SHOT WITH A RABIES SHOT.  Wait at least three or four weeks between the rabies shot and other shots.

Dr. Richard Ford, member of the 2006 AAHA Canine Vaccine Task Force has said veterinarians are confused about how to vaccinate. He said, "he knew of one practice that had 15 vaccine protocols, clients and staff."

Which shots are most likely to produce adverse reactions?

Although any vaccine, including those your dog has previously gotten without incident, can cause an adverse reaction. Vaccines made with killed virus, however, are the most adversely reactive. This includes the rabies vaccine, Bordetella, Coronavirus, and Leptospirosis. Why? Because killed vaccines contain adjuvants (additives that "boost" the immune reaction). Live viruses don't need boosting. Fortunately, with the exception of rabies, these other shots are not recommended for all dogs. Also, they are seldom effective. Don't give them without good reason.