Dog And Cat Vaccines: The Truth - Part 2
Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM
In a previous article, I discussed the problems with pet vaccines today and the confusion that many dog and cat owners face. Should you vaccinate your pet, and if so, how often and for what diseases?
If you listen to the advice of most conventional veterinarians, the answer would be "vaccinate for (nearly) all diseases, and give booster shots annually". However, I do not advocate this approach.
The evidence is continually becoming more and more clear, and as a result many vet schools are advising alternate protocols for vaccines... basically, fewer vaccines and less often. The newer research has show that immunity from vaccines may last much longer than previously thought. In many cases, a particular vaccine given at less than a year of age may provide lifelong immunity. Think of the Tetanus vaccine and people - we only need to have this boosted once every 10 years, or perhaps longer - and this may be similar for cats and dogs.
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 vaccinating your dog or cat is an individual one, and it should be guided by your own research before you go to your veterinarian. Take the time to speak with several veterinarians and others in the pet health industry in your local area, and find out what the common diseases are, and what your cat or dog could 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!
The Dog and Cat Vaccine Question can be confusing - should you http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com/ vaccinate your dog or cat, and what should you vaccinate for? Visit Dr. Jones' site http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com/ VeterinarySecretsRevealed for FREE information today.
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