Vaccinations and your GSD
Vaccinations and Our Pets
How Much Is Too Much?
This short read is to hopefully inform anyone interested in the advantages and disadvantages of vaccinations. Is our country over-vaccinating?
First, let me recommend a book to purchase by John Clifton titled “Stop The Shots! “ This book was published back in 2007 but, it still and possibly even more now, makes a lot of sense.
It is a very good read for people to become informed on what Vaccinations are truly needed and what is “over kill” so to speak. To give credit, anything you see in “” marks most likely come from this book or another I will suggest.
We believe in vaccinating our dogs and puppies but over the years we have come to believe that not all vaccinations are needed on a yearly basis, in fact, most are not. It has been proven that over-vaccinating or giving vaccinations that are not needed for your area, etc. can cause more harm than good. This includes; Cancers (various types), Paralysis, Allergies (all sorts), Leukemia, Liver damage, Lupus and various auto-immune disorders, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis, Chronic Renal (Kidney) failure. At least one study suggests that vaccines can cause or trigger diseases directly.
Puppies;
“Young mammals automatically carry immunities, transferred to them by their mothers’ milk. Nature has provided that immunity to tide them over until their immune systems mature. One of the tricky things is that we can’t be sure exactly how long the natural protection is lasting. When it fades, a puppy will be susceptible to all kinds of diseases, many of them extremely dangerous. Vaccinations against Parvo, distemper, and other diseases are usually deemed necessary during this period, and it gets to be a crucial matter as to just what to give and when. Be Careful! “
My message is this; Arm yourself with knowledge. Please, don’t think that more “protection” is better than less, it isn’t!
Why would you vaccinate any earlier than you need to? Just use your common sense and read what you can to keep yourself informed.
Before you vaccinate; Things you can and should do to prime your pet for vaccinations. Foremost, actively boost the immune system, Yes! Boost the immune system before a shot! Secondly, make sure your baby is not under any special stress.
The above mentioned book goes into good detail about all of this and has suggestions to help you along the path of making decisions about how and what to do.
I will say here, that a good Vitamin helps lower stress and also helps keep the immune system in good running order. The book has some suggestions from a well known holistic veterinarian.
Vaccination Protocol / Jean Dodds DVM
“MLV” indicates “modified live virus”.
Age of Pups - Vaccine Type
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9-10 Weeks
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV (e.g Intervet Progard Puppy DPV)
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14 weeks
Same as above
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16-18 weeks (optional in most cases)
Same as above
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20 weeks or older-if allowable by state law
Rabies _NOTICE! 3-4 wks after last shot. Never! Together.
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1 year
Distemper+Parvovirus, MLV
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1 year
Rabies, killed 3 yr product (3-4 wks apart from distemper booster!!
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Dr. Dodds suggest you consider separating the distemper and parvo shots by at least a week. Dr Dodds also add the following instructions for follow-ups:
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Perform vaccine antibody titers for distemper and parvovirus annually thereafter. Vaccinate for rabies virus according to the law, except where circumstances indicate that a written waiver needs to be obtained from the primary care veterinarian. In that case, a rabies antibody titer can also be performed to accompany the waiver request.
A “titer” test can prove to the authorities that your animal doesn’t need a new vaccination (booster). That the old one is still doing the job just fine! The test might cost more than the shot – but isn’t it worth it if you can avoid even one single unnecessary vaccination? Sure it is!
Another very good book; VACCINES EXPLAINED – The Wholistic Vet’s Guide to Vaccinating Your dog by:
Laurie S. Coger, DVM, CVCP
