Quote:
Originally Posted by Ellie May  Yes, it's a new vaccine and is still being studied.
It kills certain bacteria but the problem is, the body should take care of that and the teeth should be brushed everyday. In my opinion, this vaccine isn't needed 99% of the time. It may be useful if the dog refuses to let you near its mouth but still, even with the shot the teeth HAVE to be cleaned. It could be just another drug that can be sold to make $$$. When we start vaccinating against bacteria that is "normal" (or common) are we making a way for super bacteria to form? I think there are better things to vaccinate against. Dogs are way over-drugged already. |
At this point, they say the vaccine is needed every year, but they don't know how well it works. It would be very expensive and almost impossible to test this vaccine. You'd have to keep a large quantity of dogs that are very similar in genetics for years in the same facility, with the same care, same food, etc. Otherwise, how do you know know what the dog's teeth would or wouldn't be like with or without this vaccine?
My opinion is that our dogs are being so overvaccinated. It's one thing to give a rabies shot, distemper, and parvo at appropriate times, but so many of these vaccines are not necessary and are given too frequently. This dental vaccine is supposed to be effective against the bacteria that causes periodontal disease in dogs. However, you still must brush the teeth!
I'd MUCH rather see an owner brush the teeth a few times a week than give this vaccine. I just dont think the vaccine will be that effective, and I only see it harming dogs in the long-run. For one thing, I think it will give clients a false sense that since their dog had the vaccine they never will need to brush or clean their dogs teeth. And that just isn't the case. The makers of this vaccine even say that regular brushing and professional cleaning will still be needed...so what's the point?
I brush my pet's teeth regularly, and I just bought Petzlife gel to apply a few times a week for maintenance.