The Pros and Cons of Vaccinating Your Dog

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That's become the burning
question of many dog owners in this day and age. I'm not a
veterinarian, just a regular pet owner like yourself, but
would like to impart the information I've found regarding
regular vaccinations for animals. You can then make your own
decision.

I came across much of this information when researching
information on vaccinations for children, of all things.
What I found shocked me. So, I figured if this is what is
being injected into young babies and children, I had to
ask myself - what is being injected into our pets? Here is
what I've found.

Why Do We Vaccinate Our Pets?

In centuries past, most animals were allowed to have the run
of the roads with little supervision. Over the years leash
laws have been enforced and most pet owners keep their dogs
leashed or fenced within their yards. If taking your dog for
a walk, the majority of areas require you to keep your pet
on a leash (although there are more open no-leash areas
springing up). Still, most canines are now supervised or
owners face a fine for allowing them to run loose.

Vaccinations are given to "prevent" your dog from contracting
particularly harmful/fatal infections from other animals.
The vaccinations given come in two forms - killed viruses or
non-pathogenic (modified live versions) of the virus. The
vaccinations are designed to sensitize your pet's immune
system and causes it to produce anti-bodies should your pet
be exposed to certain viruses. The modified live vaccinations
are "suppose" to provide a longer and better immune response
over the killed vaccines.

However, in some recent studies it's been found that most
vaccinations will provide so-called immunity for 5 years and
often longer. I say "so-called" because these vaccines don't
actually prevent the animal from getting the disease and in
many cases, may actually cause it.

When Are The Recommended Vaccines Given?

Just like human babies, puppies (and kittens) when first born
are provided with a natural immunity from their mothers for
the first few weeks. The initial vaccination shots are then
usually given between 8 and 12 weeks of age, with boosters
routinely given yearly thereafter.

If you choose to vaccinate your dog - or if it is currently
required by law in your area - then You should only vaccinate
your dog if it is healthy. If your dog is sick or has a chronic
illness, it is advised that you postpone any vaccinations until
they are well.

Should your dog require surgery in the near future and is due
for their shots, you should have them vaccinated several weeks
beforehand, not at the time of surgery. Their bodies will be under
stress at that time and the vaccination itself can cause major
problems.

If you choose to have standard vaccinations given by your
veterinarian, be sure to request that they be administered
separately as opposed to a multivalent vaccination (combination).
In this way, you can monitor any side-effects that may occur
and know which vaccine has caused it.

Government laws will usually require you to vaccinate your dog
for parvo virus (a mutation of feline distemper which causes
heart disease), canine distemper and rabies. However, the rabies
vaccination should really not be given at the same time as other
vaccinations.

Many homeopathic veterinarians recommend that you do not
vaccinate for leptospirosis, hepatitis or parainfluenza and
that you vaccinate only every 2 to 3 years instead of giving
them yearly shots in order to reduce the risk of side effects.

The Problems Associated With Traditional Vaccinations

Controversy has grown over whether to vaccinate or not because
of the potential side effects caused by many vaccines. Some
are not very effective and others can have short and long-term
serious side effects. A study in the United Kingdom by Canine
Health Concern in March 2001 has found that 1 in 10 dogs suffer
from side effects from regular rabies vaccinations which is
contradictory to the vaccine-manufacturers claim that less than
15 adverse reactions occur out of 100,000 companion animals
vaccinated.

It's been noted that yearly vaccines can increase the frequency
and severity of side-effects, most notably the problems that
involve the animal's immune system. Vaccinations are designed
to stimulate the immune system in an unnatural way and your
dog's body could potentially over-react to the stimulus causing
allergies and skin problems. More frightening is the fact that
the over stimulated immune system can cause your pet's body to
produce anti-bodies against itself (autoimmune disease).
Traditional vaccinations have also been shown to increase the
likelihood of infections in pets from ear infections to bladder
problems to cancer.

What's In Those Vaccines?

Well, aside from the live or dead virus, most people would be
shocked and horrified to learn what else is included in those
"safe" shots.

For example, did you know that vaccinations (for both animals
AND humans - yes, these poisons are being injected into your
children too) contain Thimerosal, which is made up of ethyl
mercury. This is a highly toxic metal that affects the neurological
system in all animals. It can also affect the immune system, motor
coordination, increase behavioral dysfunctions, and appears to be
linked to autism in humans.

Here's an eye opener. Uranium is the most poisonous substance known
to man... mercury comes in second. Once it enters the body through
ingestion, injection or inhalation, it continues to accumulate.
In other words, human and animal bodies cannot easily clear mercury
from their systems.

Aluminum is another toxic metal found in vaccinations, which
many of us know has been linked to Alzheimer