While vaccines help protect our dogs from certain viruses, over-vaccinating dogs can lead to various health risks and complications, including:
Adverse Reactions: Dogs may experience immediate adverse reactions to vaccines, such as allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, or injection site reactions. These reactions can range from mild discomfort to severe illness or even death in rare cases.
Immune System Suppression: Excessive vaccination can suppress the dog's immune system, making them more susceptible to infections and diseases. This can occur due to the immune system's overstimulation or the introduction of unnecessary antigens.
Chronic Health Issues: Over-vaccination has been linked to the development of chronic health conditions in some dogs, including autoimmune diseases, allergies, and inflammatory conditions. These conditions can affect the dog's quality of life and may require ongoing medical management.
Vaccine-Associated Sarcomas: Certain vaccines, particularly those containing adjuvants, have been associated with the development of sarcomas (a type of cancerous tumor) at the injection site. While these occurrences are rare, they highlight the potential risks of over-vaccination.
Overwhelming the Body: Administering multiple vaccines simultaneously or too frequently can overwhelm the dog's body, leading to an imbalance in the immune response and increased stress on vital organs.
Unnecessary Expense: Over-vaccination can result in unnecessary financial costs for pet owners, as they may pay for vaccines that provide little to no additional benefit to their dog's health.
Here's a breakdown to guide your discussions with your veterinarian and make informed decisions:
1. Keep Records: Maintain accurate vaccination and titer history for your dog, including antibody titer test results.
2. Educate Yourself: Equip yourself with reliable information when discussing vaccine protocols with your vet.
3. Titer Testing: Consider antibody titer tests to assess your dog's immunity levels and determine the necessity of revaccination.
4. Regular Checkups: Commit to annual veterinary checkups, with biannual visits recommended for older dogs.
Understanding the importance of vaccination and its nuances is crucial. Over-vaccination can pose risks, but immunization remains vital for your pet's well-being.
Vaccine Basics
These core vaccines protect animals from severe, life-threatening diseases. They can be given safely at 8, 12 and 16 weeks as a set of 3 rounds. They include: Canine distemper (CDV) Canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2) Canine adenovirus 2 (CAV)
These core vaccines can then be administered a year later and every 3 years after. If you decide to titer test and the test results indicate that the dog possesses antibody levels that have been determined to be protective, you can wait and avoid potentially over-vaccinating your pup.
The rabies vaccine is mandatory and follows a specific schedule dictated by local laws. Typically it is required every 3 years as this is how long the vaccine typically protects your dog. To avoid over-vaccinating, vets recommend to give your puppy their first rabies shot after 20 weeks of age and not between 12 to 16 weeks, if local law allows it. You should also administer the rabies vaccine separately from the other core vaccines.
Non-core vaccines target specific risks based on geographical location, lifestyle, or environment. These vaccines are not required and not necessary for all dogs.
Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough) & parainfluenza
Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme)
Leptospirosis
These vaccines are no longer recommended and potentially pose more risk than benefit.
Coronavirus (CCV)
Giardia
Preparing for Vet Visits
Bring comprehensive vaccination records, including titer test results and other pertinent health information.
Familiarize yourself with vaccine options and their implications for your dog's health.
Be aware of potential costs and be prepared to discuss them with your veterinarian.
Navigating Vaccine Decisions:
Advocate for your dog's individualized vaccine plan based on factors like health, age, and lifestyle.
Consider alternatives to combination vaccines and schedule rabies shots separately.
Balance financial considerations with your dog's long-term health by strategizing vaccine and titer schedules.
Communication with Your Veterinarian:
Initiate open, respectful discussions with your vet about vaccination strategies.
Understand your vet's perspective while advocating for your dog's specific needs.
Establishing trust and collaboration with your vet fosters better decision-making and care for your pet.
Conclusion: Making informed decisions about your dog's vaccinations is a shared responsibility between you and your veterinarian. By staying informed, advocating for your dog's individual needs, and fostering open communication with your vet, you can ensure your pet receives the best possible care while minimizing unnecessary risks associated with over-vaccination.
At Alex's Aussies, we prioritize the health and well-being of our dogs, and we encourage our clients to engage in informed discussions about vaccination practices with their veterinarians.
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