Would you like to save money and have a healthier pet? Let me tell you a story. One day, my German Shepherd asleep, as usual, when suddenly, he started convulsing so intensely that I thought he must be dying. It went on for a few minutes, which seemed like forever. After, I couldn't believe he was OK. It turned out to be a seizure, and it was then that I began to learn about alternative medicine for pets.
The most interesting thing I found out was that vaccinations seem to be a main cause of seizures in dogs, and annual vaccinations are not necessary, possibly causing more harm than good. After that incident, we stopped vaccinating and the seizures became less and less. I'm going to tell you how it's in both your and your pet's best interest to avoid yearly vaccinations. Annual re-vaccination is simply not necessary.
Here is an excerpt from page 205 of Current Veterinary Therapy XI, a reference considered to be the premier resource for the entire veterinary field.
"A practice that was started many years ago and that lacks scientific validity or verification is annual revaccinations. ALMOST WITHOUT EXCEPTION THERE IS NO IMMUNOLOGIC REQUIREMENT FOR ANNUAL REVACCINATION. Immunity to viruses persists for years or for the life of the animal."
If you're concerned about not vaccinating yearly, you can get proof of immunity even years after the shot, by a blood test called a titer. Many veterinarians, especially holistic vets, will provide these tests. See http:// www.AlternativesForAnimals.com for a directory of holistic vets.
Overvaccination can even cause more harm than good. This is something that almost all holistic vets agree upon, and some of the top vets in the country attribute many health problems to vaccines.
Dr. Richard Pitcairn, a holistic pioneer and well respected vet who researched immunology extensively, believes that the biggest factor contributing to epilepsy in dogs is yearly vaccinations. (1) Many seizures happen within a few weeks of dogs getting their shots.
According to this theory that overvaccination causes harm, vaccines work with immunity, and overvaccination weakens the immune system. This in turn causes auto-immune problems in cats and dogs like skin problems, hair loss, tumors, and arthritis. A weakened immune system leaves your pet open to all kinds of potential health problems. (2)
Why do almost all conventional vets recommend yearly vaccinations? It's been the industry standard. According to veterinarian Dr. Carolyn Blakey, it accounts for up to 80% of a vet's business. To recommend less frequent vaccination, vet businesses would take a big financial blow.
If it concerns you to avoid vaccinations, are there any alternatives? There are a couple options. Some holistic vets follow a modified program of vaccinations, giving them at less frequent intervals.
Another option is homeopathic. Homeopathic nosodes are a remedy administered to pets that are believed to assist in disease prevention. Nosodes are made from the actual virus, just like a vaccine, but are made differently and are totally safe.
According to Donna Starita, DVM, a leading homeopathic vet, many studies show homeopathic nosodes to be just as effective or more so than conventional vaccines in preventing disease. (3)
Some breeders, such as author Celeste Yarnall, Ph.D., that are interested in more natural methods use exclusively nosodes in place of regular shots. They swear by it's effectiveness and they say their animals are much healthier than earlier generations that got shots. (4)
So, it's OK to question the necessity of yearly pet vaccinations, with their questionable necessity and potential adverse effects on your pet's health. This is the beginning of this movement, and over the coming years, it's my opinion that we'll probably see more movement away from such frequent vaccination. Some veterinary schools are already changing their curriculum to advocate changes in vaccination frequency. In the end, it will save us all money, and we'll have healthier pets.
So next time you get that little reminder card in the mail that your pet is due for their shots, think twice! And switch your pet's care to a vet that is more careful about the use of vaccines.
See http://www.AlternativesForAnimals.com for a FREE online directory of holistic vets.
Sources: (1) Natural Health for Dogs & Cats by Pitcairn & Pitcairn (2) The Natural Remedy Book for Dogs & Cats by Diane Stein with excerpt by John Fudens, DVM (3) The Dangers of Vaccinations, and the Advantages of Nosodes for Diseases Prevention by Dr. Donna Starita Mehan (4) Cat Care, Naturally! by Celeste Yarnall
Angela M. Predhomme is the owner and creator of the online holistic pet directory, Alternatives for Animals, http://www.alternativesforanimals.com. Click on this link to find holistic vets and practitioners using alternative medicine for pets, as well as a directory of natural pet products.
elite cleaning services Mundelein ..Pet's, any kind of pet can be a welcome addition... Read More
BackgroundSilkworms are the larva of a moth (Bombyx mori) native... Read More
How do you build a goldfish pond outdoors?The tools you... Read More
Dog crate training is one of the most effective ways... Read More
Beautiful as they are, Boston Terriers have some genetic traits... Read More
Standing and walking on the hind legs are tricks that... Read More
Most of the diseases that threaten goldfish can be cured.... Read More
Nutrition and Your Dog's Behavior Proper nutrition is the fundamental... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
I am a happy owner of two rat terriers. They... Read More
After years of practicing both conventional and holistic medicine for... Read More
Everyday someone asks me, "How do you start a pet-sitting... Read More
Doggie day care is becoming more and more prevalent in... Read More
As all cat owners know, a feline can be a... Read More
Pet friendly vacations and travel planning make sense -- after... Read More
When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I... Read More
Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More
Wether it be on a vacation to your favorite resort,... Read More
My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up... Read More
The proper selection of a training collar can have a... Read More
"Dogs have owners; cats have staff," and I have worked... Read More
Well first of all I was always a cat owner,... Read More
Show an uninformed dog lover a photo of a Westie,... Read More
Dog flea control and management requires an integrated approach. For... Read More
When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More
Airbnb cleaning service Mundelein ..While dogs tend to get lots of exercise, cats are... Read More
Standing and walking on the hind legs are tricks that... Read More
Once other animals such as cattle, sheep and goats became... Read More
A poorly trained dog is a nuisance and can even... Read More
Most parrot people are aware of some of the basic... Read More
Newer doesn't always mean better.Adopting an older dog may be... Read More
Mistake #7 ? Assuming You Can Get On Any Horse... Read More
Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover.... Read More
How many times have you seen this situation where a... Read More
Puppies are a bundle of newfound joy. You've prepared the... Read More
Proper training of your dog should begin when he is... Read More
One of the cutest looking dogs around is the Lhasa... Read More
Many people want to make sure their family pet has... Read More
Your dogs health is important to you. You show her... Read More
Puppy development and growth is very exciting. After a puppy... Read More
"Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever who often got... Read More
I know there are differing opinions on the subject of... Read More
An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer... Read More
At some time or another even the sweetest cat "misbehaves."... Read More
Believe it or not boutiques for dogs are everywhere. Nowadays,... Read More
Parasites are organisms that survive by feeding off of other... Read More
He will be there by your side, as your loving... Read More
According to recent statistics, an astounding 65% of all U.S.... Read More
So what does it mean to float a horse's teeth?... Read More
This is an 11 step guide to setting up a... Read More
Pet |