An important note on Vaccinations:

There has been increased research on how much and how often we are vaccinating our dogs and cats.  We don't keep vaccinating our human children every year for the rest of their lives but we do this to our pets.  Why?  "We must consider  Is it safe? Is it effective?  Do the benefits outweigh the risks?   

Routine vaccination, as it is practiced today, is not always effective (especially in the case of the feline leukemia vaccine), and frequently has adverse side-effects, either short or long term. With the use of multivalent (combination: 4 in 1, 6 in 1, etc.) vaccines that are repeated year after year, the frequency and severity of these side-effects in our pets has increased dramatically.  Not surprisingly, most of the problems involve the immune system. After all, the immune system is what vaccines are designed to stimulate. But they do so in a very unnatural way that can overwhelm and confuse the immune system."  * Read more about vaccination alternatives and research here.

Unfortunately, the duration of immunity for each vaccine is not currently known. However the core vaccines are currently being studied.  Although the rabies vaccine is a three year vaccine, most counties require it yearly.   I asked my vet about the current research or Dr. Dodd and Sr. Shultz, leading minds in the world of veterinarian immunology. What my holistic vet, (Constance DiNatale, DVM) recommended, was to vaccinate for what will be fatal or life threatening to the animal, vaccinate if the animal will be exposed directly to the disease, and what is required by law (she has to say that).  The criteria should also consider if the vaccine is safe and effective.  Keep in mind that most diseases (except Parvo/Distemper/Rabies) can normally be treated effectively if they by some small chance catch it.

Vaccinations: All Veterinary Schools in North America Changing Vaccination Protocols - Recent editions of the Senior Dogs Project's newsletter have reported on the ever-broadening trend of eliminating vaccinations for adult dogs, except for rabies, where required by state law. We have now had a report that all 27 veterinary schools in North America are in the process of changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats. Here, in a nutshell, are the new guidelines under consideration: "Dogs and cats immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus (MLV) vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces immunity, which is good for the life of the pet (i.e., canine distemper, parvo, feline distemper). If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and there is little or no effect. The titer is not 'boosted' nor are more memory cells induced.

"Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines. Puppies receive antibodies through their mothers milk. This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks. Puppies and kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8 weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0-38%) will be produced. Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, delay the timing of the first highly effective vaccine. Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart suppress rather than stimulate the immune system. A series of vaccinations is given starting at 8 weeks and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 1 year 4 months) will provide lifetime immunity." srdogs.com

So what do I do with my pets?  I have put a lot of thought into my protocol based on the most current research by Dr. Dodds, Dr. Schultz and Colorado State University.

SEE MY PROTOCOL HERE

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Click here for: Dr.  Dodd's Vaccination Protocolon ProUpdated 4/00ol

There are other resources out there that I have found particularly useful.  One of them I highly recommend is The Whole Dog Journal.  This monthly newsletter is full of good advise and new information regarding the health of your dog.  I have changed many things I do with my dogs due to some of the research I discovered in this publication.  

Recommendations

• Never vaccinate an animal with symptoms of acute or chronic health problems, or at the time of surgery or any other physical or emotional stress.

• An annual booster using distemper, hepatitis parainfluenza, killed or modified -live virus parvovirus is given at one year of age. Thereafter, boosters are given every three years until old age. Beyond 10 years of age, booster vaccinations are generally not needed and maybe unwise if aging or other diseases are present. For animals at high exposure risk to parvovirus disease an additional parvovirus vaccination can be given at the six month point, if killed parvovirus is used. This extra booster is typically not needed if MLV parvovirus is used.

• Vaccinate for one disease at a time that is, avoid multivalent (combination) vaccines if you can. For cats, vaccinate for feline panleukopenia alone. The vaccines for the two upper respiratory viruses (calicivirus and rhinotracheitis) can be given together. I strongly recommend against vaccination for feline leukemia or feline infectious peritonitis virus. The vaccine is ineffective, and in my opinion, extremely hazardous. 

• For dogs, give parvo separately from distemper if you can. Do not vaccinate for leptospirosis, hepatitis, or parainfluenza. 

• Never give the rabies vaccine at the same time as any other vaccine.  Use only a 3 year KILLED Rabies Vaccine for adults and give it separate from other vaccines by at least 2 and preferably 3-4 weeks.  

• Avoid modified live virus vaccines whenever possible. Get killed virus vaccines, especially for rabies, canine parvo virus, and feline panleukopenia. (The canine distemper/hepatitis vaccine is not available in a killed virus form).  (their are differing opinions on this...I see useful advantages for both kind of vaccines)

• I do not use Bordetella, corona virus, leptospirosis, or Lyme vaccines unless these diseases are endemic in the local area or specific kennel. Furthermore, the currently licensed leptospira bacteria do not contain the serovars causing the majority of clinical leptospirosis today.

• For middle ages dogs and cats, vaccinate every 2-3 years, instead of yearly.

• I recommend that distemper- measles vaccine be given without hepatitis between six and 8 weeks, because of the reported suppression of the lymphocyte responsiveness induced by polyvalent canine distemper and adenovirus vaccines (Phillips et al., Can J Vet Res 1989; 53: 154-160).  (It is sometimes hard to find these vaccines, and in other protocols they weren't that concerned about Hepatitis.  My protocol has it in it, but you may choose to leave it out.)

• After vaccination, give a dose of Thuja 30c. Wait one week, then give a dose of Sulfur 6x once daily for 7 days.

• For animals previously experiencing adverse reaction or breeds at higher risk for such reactions (e.g. Weimaraner, Akita, American Eskimo, Great Dane) alternatives to booster vaccinations should be considered. These include avoiding boosters except rabies vaccine as required by law: annually measuring titers against specific canine infectious agents such as distemper and parvovirus: and homeopathic nosodes.

The vaccinations for dogs include:   

CANINE DISTEMPER  (Recommend Vaccination) Core
Prevention of this disease is extremely important, as distemper is often fatal. Even if a dog
survives the disease, distemper can permanently damage the dog's nervous system, sense of smell, sight and sound. Vaccination has been shown to prevent the disease.

CANINE PARVOVIRUS    (Recommend Vaccination) Core
Parvovirus is a serious disease affecting primarily young dogs (6 weeks to 6 months of age)
although any age can be affected. Parvovirus is a hardy virus, able to withstand extreme temperature changes, and exposure to most disinfectants. Dogs contract Parvovirus through exposure to infected dogs or infected stools. (WATCH WHERE YOU WALK YOUR YOUNG PUPPY).  Limit exposure to other animals until immunity is acquired.
Parvovirus attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing affected dogs to lose their appetite, become lethargic and show evidence of vomiting, diarrhea or both. The diarrhea is often bloody and has a foul odor (that of digested blood). Some dogs develop fevers. Left untreated, Parvovirus can be fatal. 

CANINE KENNEL COUGH  (usually not necessary) 
Kennel cough is most commonly transmitted when dogs are put in
close proximity to one another, for example, at dog shows, in kennels, etc. In most cases,
kennel cough lasts 7 to 10 days and dogs recover fully from it. In some cases, antibiotics are necessary.  If your dog is on the show circuit or spends time in a boarding facility, vaccination may be recommended. Speak to your veterinarian about your dog's risk of exposure and need for this vaccine. Canine Parainfluenza Virus 2 (CPiV), is also a Tracheobronchitis. It is part of the DA2PP vac.

INFECTIOUS CANINE HEPATITIS  (Recommend vaccination for young dogs) Core
Hepatitis is a viral disease that is most common in young, unvaccinated dogs (9-12 weeks).
Clinical signs may include respiratory tract abnormalities (discharge from the nose or eyes,
coughing) or evidence of liver and/or kidney disease (jaundice, loss of appetite, vomiting, change in drinking and urinating behavior). 
Hepatitis is spread by contact with urine from an infected dog. Prevention by vaccination is the key as canine hepatitis is often fatal. Infectious canine hepatitis is not contagious to people. 

GIARDIA  (Usually not necessary)
Vaccination is considered optional by most veterinarians. Giardia is a parasite that can cause chronic gastrointestinal upset (primarily diarrhea) in dogs. 

RABIES (Recommend Vaccination) 
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of all warm blooded animals, including humans. Rabies is transmitted by saliva, which is usually transferred by a bite from an infected animal.  Once infected, the disease is fatal. 
Vaccination is important to safeguard your dog from rabies. Some veterinarians recommend vaccinating every year, while others recommend a three-year vaccine. Talk to your veterinarian about the degree of risk for Rabies in your area, and about which vaccine will provide your pet with the protection it requires. 

CANINE LEPTOSPIROSIS  (usually not necessary)
Leptospirosis is a disease that impairs kidney function and may cause kidney failure. Liver
disease is also common. There are a number of different types of leptospira that may cause the disease. Wild and domestic animals (cattle, pigs, dogs) may act as reservoirs for infection. The disease is transmitted by contact with the urine of infected animals. Stagnant or slow-moving water may provide a suitable habitat for the organism to thrive. 
Leptospirosis is not common in most areas of Ontario. As the available vaccines do not protect against all forms of leptospirosis, and because this vaccine can cause some significant side effects, talk to your veterinarian about the advantages and disadvantages of vaccinating your dog against this disease. 

CANINE CORONA VIRUS  (usually not necessary)
Canine corona virus infects one of the layers of the intestinal tract and may lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Infected dogs can shed the virus to other dogs. The overall prevalence of corona virus is thought to be low, and most infections are mild and self-limiting. Vaccination against this virus is available, but not all veterinarians recommend it. Speak to your veterinarian about your dog's risk for developing this viral disease. 

LYME DISEASE  (usually not necessary)
Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete (Borrelia burgdorferi) and spread by ticks. It is a serious disease in people. Clinical signs in dogs, if they occur, are thought to include lameness, joint swelling, fever, loss of appetite and lethargy. The heart, brain and kidney may also be affected. Vaccinating for Lyme disease is considered optional by most veterinarians. To assist in the prevention of Lyme disease, use flea and tick sprays, and remove any ticks from the animal promptly, if found. The risk of tick exposure can be reduced by keeping your dog on a leash, on trails, and out of woodlands and fields. Brushing the pet's coat as soon as the walk is complete is important. 

Dog Vaccination - FYI

Whilst the UK human cancer death rate has long been out of control, the dog cancer rate is, per head of population, fifty times greater: over a million dogs, per year, die of cancer - or the treatment.

Interim figures from the Canine Health Census showed that, of those dogs whose owners had reported cancer amongst their animals, 31 percent occurred within three months of vaccination. Of those with a cancerous tumor or other growth at the vaccination site, 67 percent were within three months. Other three month vaccine/disease correlations included:

diarrhea - 68%, allergies - 55%, auto-immune diseases - 55%, colitis - 57%,epilepsy - 65%, loss of appetite - 80%, nervousness - 55%, skin problems - 46%, vomiting - 72%,weight-loss - 63%, behavioral problems - 55%, encephalitis - 75%, kidney damage - 40%,lameness - 52%, liver damage - 47%, rear-end paralysis - 64%, nasal discharges - 84%.

Where dogs contracted the disease they were supposed to be vaccinated against, the three month figures are: hepatitis - 63%, parainfluenza - 50%, parvovirus - 68%, distemper-55%, leptospirosis -100%.

This supports the view that either vaccines don't protect or can cause the disease itself. Routine vaccination is probably the worst thing we do to our animals. They cause all types of illnesses. - Christina Chambreau DVM

Acute diseases are discharges of toxins and energies, preventing these discharges, vaccines result in chronic disorders. - Russell Swift DVM

...Introducing foreign material via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection is extremely upsetting. In response to this violation there has been increased autoimmune disease, epilepsy, neoplasia, and behavioural problems. - Mike Kohn DVM

More and more dogs have skin problems and Dr. Messonnier DVM writes convincingly about over-vaccination and poor nutrition being major causes.