To Vaccine or Not to Vaccine

Ahh yes that is the question. Because there is so much conflicting information on this issue it really is difficult at times to know what is in the best interest of our pets.

We have experts on both sides of the issue who will tell us different things On the one hand are the big vaccine advocates who advise to give our pets every vaccine available and on the flip side are ones who caution about giving any vaccines to our pets.

So who do we believe? Well it is the intention of this article to help answer that question.

To Vaccine or Not to Vaccine!

First, it is important to understand just who is the strongest advocates of vaccinations. Ready for the big surprise?

Drug companies! Not too big of a surprise is it? They will have us believe that the vaccine is what our pets need in order to survive and that it is completely harmless.

Wrong! wrong! wrong!

Most veterinarians vaccinate for far too many things and for way too often. It is these same vaccines that are suppose to help our pets that are causing the problems. As for yearly vaccines, there is a growing body of evidence that supports not vaccinating on a continual basis.

However most vets choose to ignore this research because they either still feel the benefits outweigh the risks of vaccinations or they do not want to lose the income they receive from the drug companies in promoting there vaccines. Not too mention the income they would lose from all the booster shots that they charge for.

So how do vaccines work?

Vaccinations work by stimulating the immune system. Which is good in fighting infectious diseases. Yet the negative effect or ironic twist is that by giving too many vaccines it can actually cause our pets to contract a host of immune related diseases. Such as: immune mediated hemolytic anemia, immune mediated skin disease, vaccine induced skin cancer in cats, skin allergies, arthritis, leukemia, inflammatory bowel disease and neurological conditions.

It is more common know to see canceer in dogs and cats under the age of 5 because of auto immune deficincies.

Our companions are suffering from generations of over-vaccination, which combined with inadequate nutrition, poor breeding practices and environmental stresses are leaving each generation more susceptible to congenital disorders and chronic disease.

The good news is that veterinary schools are now teaching alternate vaccine protocols and newer research is showing that vaccine immunity lasts much longer than previously thought. In some cases one vaccine given at 1 year of age may provide a "lifetime" of immunity.

Hard to believe? Well there are many vaccines that people receive only once or every few years in there entire life. Tetanus vaccine is an example, it is given once every 10 years. This may be similar in dogs and cats.

Yes, vaccinations do help prevent serious illnesses, byt they should be used with caution. You need to be educated. It is your pet, you have the responsibility to be informed and make a good decision. Before vaccinating, consider the risks. For instance, if you cat is always indoor and will never be exposed to unvaccinated animals, the risk of infection will be very low.

The decision about vaccinations is very individual and should be guided by your own research on the subject before you go to the veterinarian.

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Veterinary Secrets Revealed
It is the purpose of this site to keep pet owners informed on alternate ways of keeping there pets healthy.

There your pets. Care for them responsibly.