[JuneBugs Momma]

She was just sharing a story. She obviously did very well with her 22 year old Chi, so she's not "doing better" by her Yorkie. She is just accomodating to a different lifestyle and what she feels more comfortable with, which is fine.

I will continue to "not do best" by Jackson then since I hardly use any prevention (as far as flea/tick meds go) and refuse to give my dog any more vaccinations besides what is legally required of me. I truly believe he is better off for it. Do I think not giving him anymore shots is going to allow him to live to be 25 or outlive dogs given yearly shots? No. But I think as pet parents, we're obligated to research and learn, and inform ourselves how to let our pets live the best life they can, as we are their voice.

Thank you Britster

First of all, most vaccines that are given to dogs as their "first" or "puppy" vaccines are usually good for anywhere between 4-7 years, if not the whole life of the canine. Many people titer test to see if their canine still has immunity. Anything on the test 2 or below shows immunity but re-vaccination is suggested. Higher the number, the better.

I am definitly not saying DO NOT VACCINATE. Like I stated earlier, I am doing what I think is best for me and my dogs' current lifestyle. My chi was NEVER in contact with other dogs and therefore, no reason to continue to vaccinate against diseases that are contracted through vectors or dog -to- dog. The AVMA has changed their recommendations for core vaccinations to every 3-4 years or at that time, titer test to see what their immunity level is. It is VERY dangerous to over-vaccinate any dog but he smaller breeds suffer the most. They also recommend that any dog over the age of 10 not be re-vaccinated at all!!! (With the exception of rabies by law).

The Lyme vaccine is a bunch of crapola! Wether it is live or dead vaccine, dogs that have received the vaccine with yearly boosters have tested positive for the diesease thru a 4DX test when in reality, they did NOT have it. This leads to vets prescribing Doxycycline to treat the illness which then they later find out was a false positive. If small breed dogs are found to be positive for lymes and DO NOT show any of the symptoms, they SHOULD NOT be treated for it. Vets are prescribing Doxy to small breed dogs with a false positive and the dogs are getting ill from the drug, not the fact that they have the disease.


The best protection you can give your dog in regards to vector borne diseases is to be proactive. I go over my dog with a fine tooth comb wether we are out for 5 minutes just to go potty or if we are out 5 hours at a friends house. I do not like using topicals on my dog for fleas & ticks, but, I put into consideration where I live and what the chances are of JuneBug contracting such diseases. I also never put the whole amount of the topical on him. The topical I use is for dogs up to 20lbs. JB is only 7lbs. so I do what I feel is right. If I lived in an area where I did not have to worry about such things, I would accomodate to what sees fit.

Yes, I have done my research and if anyone would like me to send them some of the links, I'd be more than happy to accomodate