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Minimal vaccine protocol: The dangers of overvaccinating your dog.

11/24/2012

11 Comments

 
In today's world, vaccinations are an annual appointment in veterinarian clinics across North America. The standard, core vaccinations are administered yearly without any titer testing done to evaluate the levels of antibodies already present in our dogs. This means that dogs are re-vaccinated every year when they likely already have optimum levels of immunity.

People typically do not get vaccines very often, perhaps excluding the annual flu vaccine because it is not necessary to do so. When we get a vaccine we have prolonged protection and can be certain that the antibodies will not simply disappear this exact time next year. So why would it be any different with our dogs? The answer is simple; It is not any different!

In reality, vaccinating your dog with every available vaccine every single year can do more harm than good. Dogs simply do not need to get re-vaccinated every year, immunity from vaccines often lasts much longer than one year.

A Minimal Vaccine Schedule for Healthier Dogs!

After your pet gets their initial set of puppy vaccinations (Distemper and parvovirus), you should then run a titer test every three years to determine whether or not your dog needs to be re-vaccinated. Titer tests show the level of protective antibodies present in the animal since receiving their vaccinations acting as the best tool you have in preventing over vaccination.

It is important to do your research and consult your veterinarian, and don't be afraid to find a veterinarian that respects the way you wish you care for your dog and will work with you instead of trying to do what they think it best without your input.

Over vaccination can be detrimental to your dog's health

Annual vaccines are both unnecessary and potentially dangerous. Protective antibodies from vaccines usually remain at optimal levels between 3 and 7 years but some dogs maintain those healthy levels of antibodies for even longer. While the actual vaccine includes either the killed virus, or the modified live virus, they are also full of potential toxins and chemicals that have no business being in your pet's body. There is also the danger of Vaccinosis which includes severe adverse side effects and reactions following vaccination.

It is strongly recommended that you do your research on vaccines; What diseases are present or problematic in your area? From there you can determine exactly which protocol will be most beneficial for your dog. Take your desired protocol to your veterinarian and get them on board with your plan. Many dog owners are now choosing to follow Dr. Dodds minimal vaccine protocol; This protocol states that puppies will be vaccinated for DISTEMPER and PARVO only. Your dog must also be vaccinated against the rabies virus - not only is the rabies vaccine required by law but this disease is fatal and painful and can be very easily transferred between human and animal. That means that over the course of your pet's life, they should only be vaccinated for 3 things: Distemper, Parvovirus and Rabies. These are the three most deadly diseases that can kill your pet should he or she contract either one. Additional vaccines should be given in special circumstances.

Vaccines for diseases such as kennel cough, parainfluenza, and adenovirus are typically unnecessary. These viruses are the equivalent of a cough or the flu in humans and healthy dogs can easily overcome them. It is unheard of for a dog to die of kennel cough unless they have an immune system problem. Kennel cough is a repeat visitor at humane societies and animal shelters across North America, very few animals actually die from this condition, and those that do usually have a suppressed immune system.

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11 Comments
Jean Henry link
3/27/2013 02:51:17 am

Since rabies is required by law can you blood titer that also or do you have to get it every 3 year? Thanks.

Reply
Stephanie
5/28/2013 06:31:10 am

Check with your local county for rabies regulations, but most will not accept a titer in place of the actual vaccine unless the dog has a medical issue that puts them at serious risk if the get the vaccine.

Reply
Judith Parkes
3/27/2013 07:45:18 am

Do you know if Cushings Disease could be caused by over vaccination? Also, I have read that our dogs shouldnt be vaccinated after they turn 7yo. Would that be right - and if there is an outbreak of parvo in my area, should I get the dogs vaccinated for this each year?

Reply
Lindsay
5/27/2013 12:59:05 am

At my vet we do the rabies test every 3 years and we do distemper and parvovirus. We leave everything else. We only use a prevention for heartworm in the summer and we use an organic oil for prevention of fleas and ticks and other bites. Judith where do you live? Because with my last dog when she turned 7 she had problems with degeneration of her spine and perianal fistulas and our vet advised us against all vaccines. So they wrote a note that we showed to the city that stated it would be harmful to her health, and if need be we could have titers performed. But with that you have to be careful with where you go, not all places will allow a so called "not up to date vaccinated" dog into stores, dog day cares, dog parks etc. hope that helps. If there is an outbreak of parvovirus in your area and your dog goes out a lot and is healthy enough to get the vaccine I would do it! I have known 3 dogs in the last year who were very healthy who didn't get the shot but had the titer done and they got parvovirus and died. In that case my opinion is better safe then sorry. So in regards to the rabies vaccine the only way around getting out of it is if the dog is very sick and the vet feels it will do more harm then good! Even then it is up to the city animal control and they can enforce the rabies vaccine. With us my dog barely went anywhere. Except for small walk in our private community, and to the vet, she pretty much stayed at home and played in our yard the last 2 years of her life. She went for car rides but never got out. And she wasn't around other animals and she wasn't a threat to children (she would never ever hurt another person or animal).

Reply
Myra link
5/27/2013 05:08:59 am

Is the vaccine for the 1yr rabies the same strength as the 3 yr?

Reply
Elsie
5/29/2013 12:34:06 am

What are your thoughts on Bordetella shots? For or against? Why?

Reply
Wendy Rogers
6/12/2013 02:26:50 am

If you look into the research of Dr. Shultz, he says that even with no measurable Titer your dog is likely protected as the memory cells will produce antibodies to the disease on the basis that the dog has made them before (I know my boy has been exposed to Parvo but never has had it).

Reply
Sheepdog
6/12/2013 09:06:17 am

I believe my dog ended up with Addisons Disease due to over vaccinations when she was a puppy. Seemed to be confusion with the breeder and she was vaccinated twice for the same stuff as a puppy.

Reply
thelma
11/3/2013 01:55:57 am

I many four legged fur babies and it would cost to much to keep taking them to the vet for anything other then the rabies vaccination I gave my pups the kennel cough and Parvo series of injections at home after discovering that my Local feed store carried them I gave them at home saved me a lot

Reply
Mary
2/23/2014 12:17:08 am

My dogs get all 3 but rabies they get every 3 years ...

Reply
Karen Malone
1/6/2015 10:49:59 am

I am very interested in this topic. I had a Cairn Terrier/Poodle mix that had her vaccinations her first 2 years and after that nothing. She was never sick; never had to go to the vet and lived to be 16 years and 50 weeks. I know that almost all vets disagree with my feelings, making me reluctant to takey current dog, a Golden Retriever, in for checkups because they make me feel like a terrible owner for how I feel and I end up having her vaccinated even thiugh I think it's wrong. I wish I could find a vet who is more in tune with me. My girl is 11 and I know she isn't going to be with me for many more years.

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