Dog And Cat Vaccines: The Truth - Part 2
I discussed in a previous article the problems with vaccines for dogs and cats today and the confusion that many pet parents face. Should you give vaccines to your cat or dog, and if so, how often, and what diseases should you vaccinate for?
Most conventional veterinarians would advise “vaccinate for all diseases, and administer booster shots every year”. I do not advise this approach.
Most veterinary schools are now advising alternate vaccine protocols, in light of the new evidence. They are suggesting fewer vaccines, less often. Research is now showing that vaccine immunity is lasting much longer than previously believed. In fact, a vaccine given at 1 year of age (or less) may provide a lifelong immunity. Draw the analogy to people and the Tetanus vaccine: it needs to be boosted once every 10 years or longer, and this may be similar with our pets.
In truth, vaccines do help prevent serious diseases, but they really should be used with caution. Before you vaccinate your cat or dog, take time to consider the actual risk. If you have a cat that is indoor-only (and she will never be exposed to non-vaccinated animals), the actual risk of infection is very low. On the other hand, if you board your dog often in kennels, or if she goes to a busy doggie day care, then she may have a high exposure to a variety of diseases.
The decision about vaccinations is very individual and should be guided by your own research on the subject before you go to the veterinarian. Speak with veterinarians and others in the pet health field in your area, along with other pet owners, to find out what diseases are common and what your pet may be exposed to.
Visit one of my websites (see the author box below this article for links to TheOnlineVet or VeterinarySecretsRevealed) and send an email to my support address, if you would like to receive my vaccine recommendations. I’ll send you my Vaccine Report for free. All the best to you and your pets!
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