For the Life of Your Pet
by Susan Scharfman
Humans are the caretakers of our pets. It is our responsibility, our duty to not march blindly to the veterinarian for yet another rabies vaccination without questioning whether it is in the best interests of the animal, or the doctor's livelihood. Here are some facts you may not be aware of, and how you can play an active role in your best friend’s welfare.
- Many of our pets are acquiring autoimmune diseases, behavioral problems like phobias and aggressive behavior, and some are dying from what is referred to as “vaccinossis,” being over-vaccinated by the very veterinarians we count on to keep them alive and disease-free. Often these diseases don't show up for years, and we wonder how and why.
- Tumors can become a problem in the areas where most shots are given. To their credit, veterinarians recommend feeling around those areas frequently or when grooming, to be sure there are no lumps developing. If there are, have them examined.
- Veterinarians will argue the laws of their state require repeated annual rabies and other six-month vaccines. Rabies vaccine laws differ among the states, but any vet worth his license will tell you annual rabies shots are not necessary and can be deadly. Every pet owner has a right to request a waiver of these shots. Some states will authorize it, others will not.
Advances In Medicine/Challenging Annual Rabies Shots
Doctors of Veterinary Medicine rely heavily on the income they receive from repeated animal visits for vaccinations; many still give multiple vaccines to every dog and cat that comes in the door. Thanks to organizations like The American Association of Feline Practitioners, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), and extensive research by people like Dr. Ronald Schultz of the University of Wisconsin, a different rabies vaccine policy is emerging within the veterinary community to modify treatment by giving the least vaccines possible to maintain a healthy pet.
Here's some encouraging news on changing vaccine protocols from Dr. Schultz, head of Pathobiology at the University of Wisconsin:
"I would like to make you aware that all 27 veterinary schools in North America are in the process of changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats. Some of this information will present an ethical & economic challenge to vets, and there will be skeptics. Some organizations have come up with a political compromise suggesting vaccinations every three years to appease those who fear loss of income versus those concerned about potential side effects. Politics, traditions, or the doctor's economic well-being should not be a factor in medical decisions."
In her clinical studies, Dr. W. Jean Dodds, DVM in Santa Monica, CA writes: "Puppies and kittens receive antibodies through their mothers milk. This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks. Puppies & kittens should not be vaccinated at less than 8 weeks." Dodds’ online blog discusses avoiding unnecessary vaccines with titer tests.
My own breeder waited 12 weeks before vaccinating my chihauhau puppy. Does this make you think about whether pet stores and puppy mills consider this important protocol?
Caution—The Better Part of Valor
Fear causes us to make wrong decisions. Yet we should not trust someone simply 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 shot is given too frequently. Keep in mind there are those who advocate not giving it at all after the initial puppy/kitty shots.
The Shots Heard ‘Round the World
Several years ago my healthy, energetic, playful little dog almost died after moving from one state, where the three-year rabies requirement prevails, to another state where I was told by my veterinarian that annual rabies vaccinations are required, regardless of the vaccine used (there are different manufacturers).
-Within four hours of receiving the alleged ‘required’ annual rabies shot, plus six-month boosters of other "required" shots, Molly would not eat or drink water; she could not walk. When we tried standing her up she remained glassy-eyed and rigid; she could not relieve herself; she was paralyzed.
- The vet admitted he'd seen this reaction before in various dog breeds (dachshunds, golden retrievers) as well as cats. He said reactions depend not on size, breed or species, but on how the manufacturer's vaccine is tolerated by the animal. He then gave Molly a cortisone shot and said she should be fine in a couple of days. More shots! "Next time we'll add some Benadryl beforehand," he added.
- It took five days for Molly to recover. Other dogs have not been that lucky; some have died days after receiving annual rabies vaccines. If your state will allow, your vet can write a waiver of the annual shot. We later discovered another veterinarian in our area that does give three-year rabies shots. Florida and North Carolina recognize the three year vaccine law. The rabies vaccine law differs for each individual state.
My favorite dog guy, Cesar Millan also suggests titer tests to avoid unnecessary vaccines. A little research can ensure your pet a long, healthy life.
Humans Often Fail Us - Animals Don’t
In our society children and animals have no rights. Like toddlers, house pets depend on us for everything from health care to daily needs. Dogs and cats possess acute senses that we lost long ago. For millennia these animals have repeatedly saved our lives and loved us unconditionally. Anthropologists say migratory humans might never have made it through the ice age without the presence of the adaptable canine. Stories abound of both dogs and house cats saving the lives of their owners. We owe our beloved pets to not put them at risk, to never consciously fail them—to always question.
Read: Catherine O'Driscoll's "Shock to the System" and "What Vets Don't Tell You about Vaccines."
"Because it is almost always fatal, Rabies is the most important zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from dogs and cats to human beings. The most effective way to prevent this zoonotic disease is by vaccinating dogs and cats. Showing that a vaccine for rabies can provide 5 or preferably 7 years of immunity would have great significance not only in controlling rabies but more importantly in reducing the adverse vaccine reactions that can occur in dogs and cats after vaccination." — Ronald Schultz, DVM Rabies Challenge Fund Researcher, University of Wisconsin
Humans are the caretakers of our pets. It is our responsibility, our duty to not march blindly to the veterinarian for yet another rabies vaccination without questioning whether it is in the best interests of the animal, or the doctor's livelihood. Here are some facts you may not be aware of, and how you can play an active role in your best friend’s welfare.
- Many of our pets are acquiring autoimmune diseases, behavioral problems like phobias and aggressive behavior, and some are dying from what is referred to as “vaccinossis,” being over-vaccinated by the very veterinarians we count on to keep them alive and disease-free. Often these diseases don't show up for years, and we wonder how and why.
- Tumors can become a problem in the areas where most shots are given. To their credit, veterinarians recommend feeling around those areas frequently or when grooming, to be sure there are no lumps developing. If there are, have them examined.
- Veterinarians will argue the laws of their state require repeated annual rabies and other six-month vaccines. Rabies vaccine laws differ among the states, but any vet worth his license will tell you annual rabies shots are not necessary and can be deadly. Every pet owner has a right to request a waiver of these shots. Some states will authorize it, others will not.
Advances In Medicine/Challenging Annual Rabies Shots
Doctors of Veterinary Medicine rely heavily on the income they receive from repeated animal visits for vaccinations; many still give multiple vaccines to every dog and cat that comes in the door. Thanks to organizations like The American Association of Feline Practitioners, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), and extensive research by people like Dr. Ronald Schultz of the University of Wisconsin, a different rabies vaccine policy is emerging within the veterinary community to modify treatment by giving the least vaccines possible to maintain a healthy pet.
Here's some encouraging news on changing vaccine protocols from Dr. Schultz, head of Pathobiology at the University of Wisconsin:
"I would like to make you aware that all 27 veterinary schools in North America are in the process of changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats. Some of this information will present an ethical & economic challenge to vets, and there will be skeptics. Some organizations have come up with a political compromise suggesting vaccinations every three years to appease those who fear loss of income versus those concerned about potential side effects. Politics, traditions, or the doctor's economic well-being should not be a factor in medical decisions."
In her clinical studies, Dr. W. Jean Dodds, DVM in Santa Monica, CA writes: "Puppies and kittens receive antibodies through their mothers milk. This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks. Puppies & kittens should not be vaccinated at less than 8 weeks." Dodds’ online blog discusses avoiding unnecessary vaccines with titer tests.
My own breeder waited 12 weeks before vaccinating my chihauhau puppy. Does this make you think about whether pet stores and puppy mills consider this important protocol?
Caution—The Better Part of Valor
Fear causes us to make wrong decisions. Yet we should not trust someone simply 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 shot is given too frequently. Keep in mind there are those who advocate not giving it at all after the initial puppy/kitty shots.
The Shots Heard ‘Round the World
Several years ago my healthy, energetic, playful little dog almost died after moving from one state, where the three-year rabies requirement prevails, to another state where I was told by my veterinarian that annual rabies vaccinations are required, regardless of the vaccine used (there are different manufacturers).
-Within four hours of receiving the alleged ‘required’ annual rabies shot, plus six-month boosters of other "required" shots, Molly would not eat or drink water; she could not walk. When we tried standing her up she remained glassy-eyed and rigid; she could not relieve herself; she was paralyzed.
- The vet admitted he'd seen this reaction before in various dog breeds (dachshunds, golden retrievers) as well as cats. He said reactions depend not on size, breed or species, but on how the manufacturer's vaccine is tolerated by the animal. He then gave Molly a cortisone shot and said she should be fine in a couple of days. More shots! "Next time we'll add some Benadryl beforehand," he added.
- It took five days for Molly to recover. Other dogs have not been that lucky; some have died days after receiving annual rabies vaccines. If your state will allow, your vet can write a waiver of the annual shot. We later discovered another veterinarian in our area that does give three-year rabies shots. Florida and North Carolina recognize the three year vaccine law. The rabies vaccine law differs for each individual state.
My favorite dog guy, Cesar Millan also suggests titer tests to avoid unnecessary vaccines. A little research can ensure your pet a long, healthy life.
Humans Often Fail Us - Animals Don’t
In our society children and animals have no rights. Like toddlers, house pets depend on us for everything from health care to daily needs. Dogs and cats possess acute senses that we lost long ago. For millennia these animals have repeatedly saved our lives and loved us unconditionally. Anthropologists say migratory humans might never have made it through the ice age without the presence of the adaptable canine. Stories abound of both dogs and house cats saving the lives of their owners. We owe our beloved pets to not put them at risk, to never consciously fail them—to always question.
Read: Catherine O'Driscoll's "Shock to the System" and "What Vets Don't Tell You about Vaccines."
"Because it is almost always fatal, Rabies is the most important zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from dogs and cats to human beings. The most effective way to prevent this zoonotic disease is by vaccinating dogs and cats. Showing that a vaccine for rabies can provide 5 or preferably 7 years of immunity would have great significance not only in controlling rabies but more importantly in reducing the adverse vaccine reactions that can occur in dogs and cats after vaccination." — Ronald Schultz, DVM Rabies Challenge Fund Researcher, University of Wisconsin