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.
maide service in Lincolnshire ..Imagine that you are scolding your cat for scratching at... Read More
Dog training is definitely not rocket science and is easier... Read More
As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More
It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition... Read More
Many dog owners are bewildered when they hear their dog... Read More
Puppy training can and should begin the day you bring... Read More
He will be there by your side, as your loving... Read More
It is entirely normal to look for signs of intelligence... Read More
It is always sad when a beloved animal family member... Read More
To the uninitiated horse owner, there are timely facts about... Read More
How many times have I hear fellow dog owners say,... Read More
I'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More
Quieting a barking dog is a quick and easy process.... Read More
Poor Dog. Subjected to my most ambitious experiments, she still... Read More
When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I... Read More
Westie Grooming ? When your west highland white terrier becomes... Read More
Goldfish HealthcareYou would think that it's unfair that such a... Read More
Every day, people by the millions pour food from a... Read More
Whether you're a new dog owner or have had dogs... Read More
Newer doesn't always mean better.Adopting an older dog may be... Read More
We have all grown up with at least one hero... Read More
Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More
1. Clipping the quick when cutting nails.Don't be in a... Read More
One of the best parts of the day for any... Read More
Have you noticed that doctors are now being much more... Read More
cleaning lady near Deerfield ..When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I... Read More
For all pet owners, regular monitoring and "examinations" of your... Read More
Arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling in a joint. The... Read More
It's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how... Read More
It was November and I had spent 3 months searching... Read More
In most cases you should not be too concerned about... Read More
My son and I have a cat. Her name is... Read More
You may wish to consider a chinchilla as a possible... Read More
Here are 5 things to do to put the odds... Read More
Incredible advances in veterinary medicine are making it possible for... Read More
Of course, we humans use shoes to protect our feet.... Read More
Does your dog have that sheepish look? It could be... Read More
I was talking to a friend of mine today and... Read More
So you want to keep discus fish or are already... Read More
Are you thinking about getting some discus then and want... Read More
Would you put together a model plane without looking at... Read More
"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More
My love of horses began at the age of 11... Read More
Traditionally, a doggie treat was just that, a treat that... Read More
Flowerhorn Cichlids Flowerhorn cichlids is a hybrid cichlid that was... Read More
As a pet owner, no doubt you want to give... Read More
What Is ParvoParvo is a serious viral disease that can... Read More
While your friends and family are amazed that you're raising... Read More
There are plenty of reasons why your cat loves you.... Read More
I was doing some research on dog health when I... Read More
Pet |