Minimizing Vaccinations for your Pet
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ANIMAL HOSPITALS
I believe that vaccines do what
they say they will do, and, unfortunately,
they can also cause
harm. I have lived long enough
to see pets get infected and
even die from diseases that
could have been prevented by
vaccines. Some of these diseases
include: Canine Distemper,
Rabies, Bordetella ("Kennel
Cough"), Parvovirus, Leptospirosis,
Feline Distemper, Rhinotracheitis,
Chlamydia, Calcivirus,
and others. Science has proven
that some pets can get chronic
problems and even die from vaccinations.
The incidence of side
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small, compared to the risk of
dying from some of the common
diseases.
I have been told that there are
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for dogs. I have seen vaccines
come to market and then be
withdrawn because of a high
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The decisions about minimizing
vaccines should be done by you
and your veterinarian. Your part
in the process would include:
* Letting your veterinarian know
that you would like to customize
the vaccination schedule so that
your pet is protected against infectious
diseases but is not exposed
to unnecessary vaccines.
* Bringing your pet's full medical
record to each visit
* Being prepared to make additional
visits to the vet, in order
to avoid multiple vaccinations in
a single visit, since multiple vaccines
at one visit are more likely
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The veterinarian's part in a customized
(and minimized) vaccination
schedule:
* Performing a complete physical
examination, including temperature
(A fever would be a reason
to defer vaccination.)
* Reviewing the pet's medical
history, including history of past
vaccinations, including who administered
them and the dates
they were given.
* Taking a history from the pet
parent
• Has your pet had any diseases?
• Are there any reasons your
pet may have a compromised
immune capacity?
• Does your pet go outdoors?
Is there exposure to other
pets or wildlife?
• Is your pet on medications,
like corticosteroids that would
interfere with vaccines?
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cated (blood test to assess your
pet’s antibody level, which may
be adequate to make the vaccination
unnecessary)
* Assessing the risks of vaccination
and avoiding vaccination if
the risks outweigh the likely ben-
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As a thumb rule, younger pets
need more vaccines than do
older pets. Some vaccines last
a lot longer than others. I have
come a long way in my perspective
on vaccines. I have spent
a lot of time learning about the
best technology for the manufacture
of vaccines. I have switched
manufacturers at times when I
found my patients having reactions
to a vaccine. I prefer vaccines
that do not have mercury
or aluminum adjuvants.
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Ohio Holistic Veterinary Hospital
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