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.
shuttle from O'Hare Orland Park .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareThe 10 Greatest Puppy Training Tips of All Time According... Read More
Pomeranians have tiny mouths and itty bitty teeth, but not... Read More
How many times have you seen this situation where a... Read More
Mistake #1:"Here, Kitty Kitty..."Unless they have been educated, new horse... Read More
I have a business card burning a hole in my... Read More
Last summer, we added a new pet to our family... Read More
I'm sure you're aware of the bad reputation Pitbulls have.... Read More
Selling a HorseThe best new tool for people selling horses... Read More
Top five dog breeds for homes with children* Beagle *... Read More
"Westies" or West Highland White Terriers are furry coated dogs,... Read More
A poorly trained dog is a nuisance and can even... Read More
I know there are differing opinions on the subject of... Read More
Puppies and dogs, as mentioned, are social creatures. When they... Read More
You can't imagine the kind of varieties of Goldfish there... Read More
I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years,... Read More
When Lucky was starting to show signs of aging, we... Read More
You might think the most important bit of dog health... Read More
It is very important to decide whether to keep your... Read More
If your life is so busy you literally only have... Read More
Electric Dog FencesIs an electric dog fence something for you?... Read More
Vitamins Can Increase Your Dog's Life Span!There is evidence to... Read More
I would like to address some of the statements I... Read More
Large dogs and extra large dogs require more thought and... Read More
It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition... Read More
Many people think cats are asocial, but in fact they... Read More
Lincoln Town Car rentals Addison ..The proper selection of a training collar can have a... Read More
Are you thinking about dog obedience school? Do you know... Read More
Kittens are and have always been adorable creatures. Of course,... Read More
Piranhas are unique creatures that have gained popularity not just... Read More
Location of your aquariumSo, you bought your very first fish... Read More
Pet adoption is a fabulous option if you're seeking a... Read More
All puppies are small dogs ? some, however, won't be... Read More
Remember when you first met your dog? He was fresh... Read More
Cat arthritis is not a very common ailment among healthy... Read More
Fleas belong to the insect order Siphonaptera. They are common... Read More
Buying dog doors onlineIf you need to buy a dog... Read More
A family, including three dogs and a cat live happily... Read More
As a pet owner, no doubt you want to give... Read More
a) GrowlingIf your rabbit growls or grunts at you, she... Read More
Puppies need to go to the bathroom after they play,... Read More
Potty Training Your Puppy:Make sure you feed your dog at... Read More
I'm a dog lover who believes that every dog owners... Read More
You might think the most important bit of dog health... Read More
This mysterious cat is originally from the country of Siam,... Read More
My wife and I have been married for 32 years.... Read More
Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland... Read More
Dog obedience training begins with the owner. There are several... Read More
The shutting and opening door trick can be taught to... Read More
Why does one breed appeal to a person over another?... Read More
Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More
Pet |