Vacciation Controversy
 

Just wondering who is aware of the contoversy surrounding the over vaccinating of dogs and pets in general and who has done any research and what you all think based on your research or lack of research.

When I posted a comment on a thread in the "sick section" recently I was actually surprised at the number of people who were not even aware of the controversy. Even some breeders were not aware of it.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the word is getting out and that quite a few of you had researched the matter and made decisions to take more control over what the traditional vets prescribe for our dogs by asking more questions about effectiveness, necessity, and side effects.

Thanks for participating in this poll.

The first time someone's dog gets sick and dies from not being vaccinated, I hope that they come right back to you and how you encourage people to...Yes, read up...but to not vaccinate their animals. this is a one sided debate and you left no polling options for those of us that will continue to vaccinate their dogs.

If vaccinating your dogs is so bad and controversial, then why are the vaccinations still available for us? Why do vets still offer shots?

My dog Jewels had a terrible reaction which made me second quess getting the shots. However in our neighborhood there are cats that run wild and they come into our yard. I dont want my dogs to get rabies or anything else so I will continue to vaccinate.

There are far too many dogs in our country who's owners DON'T vaccinate and by us taking OUR dogs out in public ...to groomers...dog parks...etc... it's NUTS not to vaccinate.

I am pretty surprised it's being called a controversary - it's not. Our children and our pets always have a chance of being exposed to illness and saying don't vaccinate is a pretty scary thing.

I agree on spacing them out --but there is nothing in that poll to support THAT - so I didn't vote because there is no option for those of us that want our pets protected against life threatening illnesses.

This poll should have a poll regarding this thread being controversarial or not - then I'd probably vote.

I would vote YES

In Denmark the controversy is wether you should get parvo shot every year or every second year. Since I don't socialize my dogs that much, I go for every second year.
The will get their shot in march 06 and get rabies vaccine at the same time, since we are going on a roadtrip through Europe with them next year - it's a new law in EU that your dogs has to have rabies vaccine if you travel with them - nice law :)

I didn't vote either. Stewie will never receive another rabies vaccine as long as he lives, but he will get parvo, distemper and bordtadella as many times as my vet thinks he should.

My neighbor's Chi (across the street) just died from Parvo. She was found dead in bloody stools on her kitchen floor. Their other dog had to be temporarily rehomed while their house is being sterilzed. The costs are far too high IMO.

I just learned about the whole 'some shots are bad thing' from this web site. I haven't done any research on it becuase Thor jsut finished getting all of his shots. I guess I'll look into it more when he has to go get his yearly boosters...
Hannah

I was all for my dogs having all vaccines, but since Tucker's liver shunt ordeal, the chemicals take to long to go through his system and make him feel sick, so, he has his kennel cough shots to go to the groomer and that's it. But I do think if your dog can have the shots it should, I mean it's better safe than very very very sorry right? But if your dog has bad reactions, then yes you might disagree (for you situation). But does that make this all so controversial? I think it's just a case of doing what is best for your baby

Just curious...Was the chi vaccinated?

I didn't have a place to vote either. Will continue vaccinations though as needed.

There are alternatives to vaccines that work better, and are less dangerous.

I am sorry to those who feel I did not give enough options but the poll results appear to evidence the fact that most are at least aware of the issue and are taking more of an aggressive role in the decision making which is really my only goal in bringing this to everyone's attention. If I save one life or save one dog from developing a dibilitating life altering illness, it will have been worth it. Those who are continuing to folow their vets advice but have researched the issue would be in the third category if that helps clarify.

I have never suggested that not vaccinating period is right for everyone and it is totally unfair to say to that I have.

I have mentioned that I will not vaccinate mine after learning the truth about these vaccines that our vets treat as so routine, but it is up to each individual pet owner to decide what is best for them.

Warning owners about vaccinosis and over vaccinating will save many more lives than it will cost. There is always a risk with not vaccinating but, imo, and from what many experts are saying, the risks are greater when you choose to vaccinate.

I HAVE NO WHERE IN THIS THREAD OR ANY OTHER ADVISED PEOPLE NOT TO VACCINATE THEIR DOGS AND I TAKE GREAT OFFENSE TO YOUR ASSERTION THAT I HAVE AND THAT I SHOULD SOMEHOW BE BLAMED IF SOMEONE'S DOG DIES!! That is offensive in my opinion.

Your polling option is #3 if you continue to vaccinate...as I assume you are asking more questions and taking a more active role in the treatment prescribed by inquiring about potential side effects etc. When, how much, how often, in what quantities and what are the risks in your area are all things everyone needs to consider.

I posted this on another forum recently but it fits here as well...This is the type of discussion I had hoped to have on this issue. While puppies are fairly well immunized for the first weeks of life from the colostrum in their mother's milk, there are other things that can be done to protect their fragile beings even more.

It is known that due to the immunity from mom the vaccines givens in the initial weeks do not always "take" as a result, and this leaves the puppy vulnerable. This is particularly true with Parvo and there is actually a ten week period of vulnerability where, even if a puppy is given the parvo vaccines he may not be protected.

There are other remedies which can be given to a puppy instead of or in addition to vaccines which are just as effective and, in some cases, more effective.

Here is an article about this from a well respected Vet, Dr. Jeffrey Feinman who recommends against vaccinating puppies in most instances.

Should My Puppy Be Vaccinated?

Vaccination is a double-edged sword. On the one hand vaccinosis has cause irreperable harm to our pets. Vaccines are even known to cause cancer. On the other hand, immunization in the right situation can save lives. Personally I do not recommend vaccination of most pets. My own dogs and cats only receive the rabies innoculation as required by law every three years. Vaccination can be useful in the midst of an epidemic or when a puppy is exposed frequently to sick dogs, e.g. the puppy of a vet tech who doesn't understand the harm of vaccination. In my opinion, you should consult a homeopathic veterinarian and consider homeopathic prophylaxis with a constitutional homeopathic remedy before giving any vaccinations. Treatment and prophylaxis start 1-2 weeks after obtaining a new pet. Schedule these visits 3-5 weeks apart until 4 months of age or until the symptoms of imbalance are gone.

If you still feel neglectful of your puppy due to not vaccinating you really shouldn't. If you still do, please read this info from a vaccinologist and a notedimmunologist http://www.naturalrearing.com/J_In_L...TIONSPart4.htm . Regardless of whether you have a holistic or homeopathic veterinarian you need to have a discussion about vaccination to find the right path for you.