Let us create a 3D eBook for you!
Let us create a 3d Digital eBook for you! DigyCat.com

 

The Pros and Cons of Vaccinating Your Dog


To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That's become the burning question of many dog owners in this day and age. I'm not a veterinarian, just a regular pet owner like yourself, but would like to impart the information I've found regarding regular vaccinations for animals. You can then make your own decision.

I came across much of this information when researchinginformation on vaccinations for children, of all things. What I found shocked me. So, I figured if this is what isbeing injected into young babies and children, I had toask myself - what is being injected into our pets? Here iswhat I've found.

Why Do We Vaccinate Our Pets?

In centuries past, most animals were allowed to have the run of the roads with little supervision. Over the years leash laws have been enforced and most pet owners keep their dogs leashed or fenced within their yards. If taking your dog for a walk, the majority of areas require you to keep your pet on a leash (although there are more open no-leash areas springing up). Still, most canines are now supervised or owners face a fine for allowing them to run loose.

Vaccinations are given to "prevent" your dog from contracting particularly harmful/fatal infections from other animals. The vaccinations given come in two forms - killed viruses or non-pathogenic (modified live versions) of the virus. The vaccinations are designed to sensitize your pet's immune system and causes it to produce anti-bodies should your pet be exposed to certain viruses. The modified live vaccinations are "suppose" to provide a longer and better immune response over the killed vaccines.

However, in some recent studies it's been found that mostvaccinations will provide so-called immunity for 5 years andoften longer. I say "so-called" because these vaccines don'tactually prevent the animal from getting the disease and inmany cases, may actually cause it.

When Are The Recommended Vaccines Given?

Just like human babies, puppies (and kittens) when first born are provided with a natural immunity from their mothers for the first few weeks. The initial vaccination shots are thenusually given between 8 and 12 weeks of age, with boosters routinely given yearly thereafter.

If you choose to vaccinate your dog - or if it is currently required by law in your area - then You should only vaccinate your dog if it is healthy. If your dog is sick or has a chronic illness, it is advised that you postpone any vaccinations until they are well.

Should your dog require surgery in the near future and is duefor their shots, you should have them vaccinated several weeks beforehand, not at the time of surgery. Their bodies will be under stress at that time and the vaccination itself can cause major problems.

If you choose to have standard vaccinations given by your veterinarian, be sure to request that they be administered separately as opposed to a multivalent vaccination (combination). In this way, you can monitor any side-effects that may occur and know which vaccine has caused it.

Government laws will usually require you to vaccinate your dogfor parvo virus (a mutation of feline distemper which causes heart disease), canine distemper and rabies. However, the rabies vaccination should really not be given at the same time as other vaccinations.

Many homeopathic veterinarians recommend that you do not vaccinate for leptospirosis, hepatitis or parainfluenza andthat you vaccinate only every 2 to 3 years instead of givingthem yearly shots in order to reduce the risk of side effects.

The Problems Associated With Traditional Vaccinations

Controversy has grown over whether to vaccinate or not because of the potential side effects caused by many vaccines. Some are not very effective and others can have short and long-term serious side effects. A study in the United Kingdom by Canine Health Concern in March 2001 has found that 1 in 10 dogs suffer from side effects from regular rabies vaccinations which is contradictory to the vaccine-manufacturers claim that less than 15 adverse reactions occur out of 100,000 companion animals vaccinated.

It's been noted that yearly vaccines can increase the frequency and severity of side-effects, most notably the problems that involve the animal's immune system. Vaccinations are designed to stimulate the immune system in an unnatural way and your dog's body could potentially over-react to the stimulus causing allergies and skin problems. More frightening is the fact that the over stimulated immune system can cause your pet's body to produce anti-bodies against itself (autoimmune disease). Traditional vaccinations have also been shown to increase the likelihood of infections in pets from ear infections to bladder problems to cancer.

What's In Those Vaccines?

Well, aside from the live or dead virus, most people would be shocked and horrified to learn what else is included in those"safe" shots.

For example, did you know that vaccinations (for both animals AND humans - yes, these poisons are being injected into yourchildren too) contain Thimerosal, which is made up of ethyl mercury. This is a highly toxic metal that affects the neurological system in all animals. It can also affect the immune system, motor coordination, increase behavioral dysfunctions, and appears to be linked to autism in humans.

Here's an eye opener. Uranium is the most poisonous substance known to man... mercury comes in second. Once it enters the body through ingestion, injection or inhalation, it continues to accumulate. In other words, human and animal bodies cannot easily clear mercuryfrom their systems.

Aluminum is another toxic metal found in vaccinations, which many of us know has been linked to Alzheimer's.

Formaldehyde is used as a preservative and a tissue fixative. Think about that for a moment. Formaldehyde is used to preserve dead bodies before burial! Makes you wonder why they bother touse it after we're dead. After all, both us and our pets shouldbe more than adequately preserved by the time we pass on with allthe vaccines we get.

How about Ethylene Glycol? In other words - antifreeze! This ingredient is known to cause kidney and liver failure andcan prove fatal if swallowed.

We've all heard of Borax (sodium tetra borate decahyrate). Somepeople use it in their laundry. For the record, Borax is a pesticide included in ant killer. Guess where else it's used?

These are just some of the poisons added to vaccinations. Thelist goes on. In fact, there are approximately 25 known additivesincluded in vaccines for animals.

What Are The Alternatives To Vaccinations?

Up until recently, there have been relatively few alternatives in vaccinating your dog. In fact, it is the law in many countries that animals must have routine vaccinations, especiallyrabies shots for animals that are traveling or if you wish to board them in a kennel or veterinary hospital. However, alternatives are starting to appear and some veterinarians are beginning to question the validity of yearly vaccinations.

With the increase in awareness over homeopathic alternatives in medicines, many people are turning to the safer and, in some cases, more effective treatment of using homeopathic nosodes. Like regular vaccines, they are designed to sensitize the body to a particular virus and are very effective in preventing infections. Completely safe with no side effects, they can be given to puppies quite safely and at a very early age. In fact, these nosodes can be administered to the pregnant mother so her babies are protected when born.

Homeopathic nosodes are easy to administer as they come in pill or liquid form, as opposed to being injected like traditional vaccines. The cost is also lower, saving you money. However, there are limitations. Most countries, boarding kennels and veterinary hospitals will not accept animals that are given Lyssin (homeopathic rabies vaccine), although this is slowly beginning to change with more and more homeopathic veterinary hospitals and boarding kennels popping up across the country.

What If Your Pet Is Exposed To a Virus?

If you know that your dog has been exposed to a virus, you can help prevent the development of the disease by administering nosodes immediately after exposure and before the symptoms develop.

Viral diseases such as canine distemper and canine parvo virusare basically incurable with traditional medical treatment, however these viruses quickly respond to treatment from homeopathic nosodes.

As all diseases are extremely serious in an animal, you shouldalways seek out professional medical treatment. If conventional treatment doesn't appear to be working, do not hesitate to seek out a homeopathic veterinarian for treatment. What's important is the life of your pet, so seek any methods available that may help.

===================================

Article Copyright 2005. Rose Smith is the author and owner of Caring For Canines, a web site that provides information on natural dog health care. To learn more about dog medications, vaccinations and first aid, please visit us at: http://www.caringforcanines.com/herbal-medications.shtml


MORE RESOURCES:

Pets - Google News

Program helps people find their ideal pet - The West Australian


The West Australian

Program helps people find their ideal pet
The West Australian
The colour-coded program in the United States evaluates shelter pets and the people looking to adopt them in an effort to match personalities, energy levels and needs. Playing Cupid with Meet Your Match helped workers at the Richmond Society for the ...
Find Your Furry Valentine with Meet Your Match!Petside
Find puppy love (cats too) through Meet Your Matchkypost.com

all 62 news articles »

Firefighters rescue pets from Park Township house fire - HollandSentinel.com


Firefighters rescue pets from Park Township house fire
HollandSentinel.com
No one was home at the time of the fire, but the fire departments rescued several pets trapped in the basement of the house. Authorities are still trying to figure out what caused the fire. “We did send two of our firefighters home to the hospital to ...
Pets Rescued From Park Township House FireWHTC

all 4 news articles »

Dental Health for Your Pet - KFYR-TV


Petside

Dental Health for Your Pet
KFYR-TV
February is National Pet Dental Health Month and veterinarians want to remind pet owners that while its important to brush their teeth. Fido needs to see the dentist too. Marilyn Deeter knows the importance of dental health, her husband and three sons ...
February is National Pet Dental Health MonthSacramento Bee
A Breath of Fresh Air: How to Keep Your Pet's Mouth Smelling SweetPetside
February Marks Pet Dental Health MonthKTUL (blog)

all 9 news articles »

About 40 pets removed from Hillyard home - The Spokesman Review


About 40 pets removed from Hillyard home
The Spokesman Review
Spokane Police assisted SpokAnimal Care officers in removing a total of about 40 dogs and cats today from a northeast Hillyard bungalow which carried such a heavy stench that the workers were forced to wear hazardous material suits and respirators to ...

and more »

Tufts Joins City Schools to Help Pets in Need - Patch.com


Tufts Joins City Schools to Help Pets in Need
Patch.com
That effort has since grown to serve 200 pets each year at six WHA sites. “By pairing veterinary assistant students alongside professional DVM students, we will be able to do more than just treat the critically underserved pets among the neediest ...
Tufts to open vet clinic in WorcesterWorcester Telegram

all 4 news articles »

Dog therapist helps pets get fit - Asbury Park Press


Dog therapist helps pets get fit
Asbury Park Press
Josie's owner, So Scazafavo, began a program of pet therapy at Wag Wellness in Bothell. Josie can't twirl around like a ballerina like she used to, but she has regained some of the use of her hind legs and is doing really well, Scazafavo said.

and more »

Pet oxygen masks can save animals' lives in fires - Alton Telegraph


Pet oxygen masks can save animals' lives in fires
Alton Telegraph
16, 2010 file photo, a pet oxygen mask is placed on a dog, Mocha, during a demonstration by a member of the Portland Fire Department in Portland, Maine. While pet oxygen masks have been used for decades by veterinarians in offices and hospitals, ...

and more »

Michigan Humane Society Pets for Patriots Program - MyFox Detroit


MyFox Detroit

Michigan Humane Society Pets for Patriots Program
MyFox Detroit
The Michigan Humane Society (MHS), is teaming up with Pets for Patriots to give back to the men and women in uniform who inspire us all. The partnership will give active duty personnel and military veterans the opportunity to save even more lives by ...
Pets eat the weirdest things; pet proof your homeDaily Camera
ADOPT A PETTri County Leader
Bad pet owners might be causing fee hikes for everyone elseKFOX El Paso
KIVI-TV
all 6 news articles »

Fracking's Toll on Pets, Livestock Chills Farmers: Commentary - San Francisco Chronicle


Fracking's Toll on Pets, Livestock Chills Farmers: Commentary
San Francisco Chronicle
A new study by veterinarian Michelle Bamberger and Robert Oswald, a professor of veterinary medicine at Cornell University, chronicles case studies of dozens of farmers and pet owners in six states over the Marcellus Shale. Their findings, published in ...

and more »

Proposed Bill Protects Pets of Domestic Abuse Victims - Patch.com


Proposed Bill Protects Pets of Domestic Abuse Victims
Patch.com
Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, who's district also falls partly into Clearwater, extends legal protection to pets of an abuse victim and makes beating or abusing the victim's pet grounds for violating a court-ordered domestic violence injunction.

and more »

Click here for Best Buy In-Store Pickup

StreetSideAuto.com

Looking For Royalty Free Photos for your Website, Business or Advertising?

My Life Through The Lens

Jumbuck Domain Is For Sale - $5,000 For Enquiries eMail Us

© www.Jumbuck.biz 2011

home | site map | links

eXTReMe Tracker