Humans are the caretakers of our pets. It is our responsibility, our duty not to go blindly to the vet for another rabies vaccine without questioning whether it is best for the animal or for the doctor’s livelihood. Here are some facts you may not be aware of and how you can play an active role in your pet’s well-being.
-Many of our pets are acquiring autoimmune diseases, behavioral problems such as phobias and aggressive behavior, and some are dying, all from vaccinosis, being over-vaccinated by the same veterinarians we count on to keep them alive and disease-free. Often these diseases do not appear for years and we wonder how and why.
– Tumors can become a problem in the areas where most injections are given. Take care of yourself. Feel around those areas often or when you brush to make sure no bumps develop. If there are, have them examined.
– Veterinarians will argue that your state’s laws require annual repeat rabies shots and other shots every six months. Rabies laws differ between states, but any vet worth his license will tell you that annual rabies shots are unnecessary and can be deadly. All pet owners have the right to request an exemption from these vaccinations. Some states will allow it, others will not.
Advances in Medicine/Challenging Annual Rabies Vaccines
Veterinarians rely heavily on the income they receive from repeat animal visits for vaccinations; many still give multiple vaccinations to every dog and cat that walks through the door. Thanks to organizations like the American Association of Feline Physicians, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), and extensive research by the likes of Dr. Ronald Schultz of the University of Wisconsin, a different rabies vaccination policy is emerging. within the veterinary community to modify treatment by giving as few vaccinations as possible to keep Garfield and Fido healthy.
Here is some encouraging news about changes in vaccine protocols from Dr. Ronald Schultz, chief of pathobiology at the University of Wisconsin:
– “I would like to inform you that all 27 North American veterinary schools are in the process of changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats. Some of this information will present an ethical and economic challenge to veterinarians, and there will be skeptics. Some organizations have reached a political compromise suggesting vaccinations every three years to appease those who fear loss of income versus those worried about potential side effects.”
In his clinical studies, Dr. W. Jean Dodds, DVM (938 Stanford Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403, (310) 828-4804; FAX (310) 828-8251) writes:
– “Puppies and kittens receive antibodies through mother’s milk. This natural protection can last from 8 to 14 weeks. Puppies and kittens should not be vaccinated before 8 weeks.”
My own breeder waited 12 weeks. Does this make you wonder if pet stores and puppy mills consider this important protocol?
Caution: The Best Part of the Value
I am not writing this to strike fear into the hearts of pet owners. Fear makes us make wrong decisions in a state of panic. But we shouldn’t trust someone just because they have an MD or DVM next to their name. My personal experience is an example of what a rabies vaccine can do to a healthy dog or cat, when the vaccine is given too frequently. Note that there are those who advocate giving nothing after the initial puppy/cat vaccinations.
Too close for comfort
Two weeks ago, my healthy, energetic, playful, bright-eyed puppy nearly died after moving from one state, where the three-year rabies requirement prevails, to another state where my vet told me annual rabies shots are required. rabies, regardless of the vaccine used (there are different manufacturers).
-Within four hours of receiving her second annual shot plus six-month boosters of other “mandatory” vaccines, my dog was not eating or drinking water; she couldn’t walk. When we tried to get her to her feet, she stood up like a glassy-eyed statue; she couldn’t relieve herself; she was paralyzed.
-My vet admitted that he had seen this reaction before in various breeds of dogs (dachshunds, golden retrievers) and cats; which does not depend on the size, breed or species, but on how well the animal tolerates the manufacturer’s vaccine. Then he chivalrously gave her a cortisone shot and said she should be fine in a couple of days. Shots, shots, shots! “Next time we’ll add a little Benedryl beforehand,” he added.
-Molly took four days to recover from a zombie to a normal dog. Others have not been so lucky and have died days after receiving their annual rabies vaccinations. If your state allows it, your vet can write up an exemption from the annual injection. We later discovered another vet in the same area who does three year old rabies shots. Ergo, it is not a state law where I reside.
In our society children and animals have no rights. And just like young children, household pets depend on us for everything from health care to everyday needs. Dogs and cats have keen senses that we don’t. As a result, they have saved our lives and loved us unconditionally. In fact, in the case of the dog, migrating humans would never have survived the ice ages and millennia without the adaptable dog. We have the canine and feline obligation not to put them at risk, to never consciously fail them, to always question.
+Read: “Shock to the System” and “What Vets Won’t Tell You About Vaccines” by Catherine O’Driscoll.
