The answer to this question should be a no-brainer. Why would not you want to protect your pet’s lifestyle from viral diseases such as leptospirosis, hepatitis, parainfluenza, distemper, and the virulent, canine parvovirus? But in the last few years, some pet owners and segments of the veterinary profession have been questioning the use of vaccines. And one particular area has raised some concerns: the annual booster vaccine. This report sets out to answer a few of the questions involved dog owners are currently asking.
In non-medical terms how can dog vaccines work?
In much the same manner that human ones do. The dog is given an injection that includes a tiny, very feeble dose of fragments of this disease that it will eventually prevent. The dog’s immune system reacts by producing antibodies to fix the imbalance. They cling to destroy the deadly bacteria, but the viral agents leave a footprint. Any following viral attack is recognized and can be dealt with similarly by a better-informed immune system.
When should I vaccinate my dog?
A high level of immunity to illness is administered through a puppy’s mother via her milk, but this ancient resistance starts to break down from around six weeks old, and in 20 months is virtually non-existent. The vet will immunize your pet against the diseases mentioned above with a single dose, which is generally given at 12 months old.
Are there any unwanted effects to vaccinating your own dog?
Providing you’ve been smart in your choice of vet, your pet should be given a thorough medical before any inoculation. Just as with humans, reactions to immunization can and do occur. Modern vaccines are thoroughly analyzed, and undergo intensive security trials. But for a few pets’ problems will arise. It’s often characterized by a pet sleeping longer than usual and with a reduction of normal appetite. This normally lasts for 24-48 hours following immunization.
Only on very rare occasions can a more severe allergic reaction develop. Obviously, if your pet develops any of these symptoms you must immediately contact your vet.
The central recommendations being offered to veterinarians by the two organizations are:
Any decisions concerning your dog’s immunization schedule need to take into consideration the dog’s recent health, its age, its breeding, and its own lifestyle and neighborhood environment. Scientific evidence showed that some vaccines could provide more than one year of immunity. They also advised that annual boosters can cause autoimmune issues, vaccine-site infections, and degradation of the immune system.
There is a thriving Internet market for homeopathic and herbal treatments. For whatever reasons, an increasing number of people are shying away from conventional medicine and turning to other solutions to their own pets’ health issues. Some retailers of these products claim that homeopathic nosodes can, and will prevent canine viral illnesses. There have been a couple of studies done, and their conclusions have been published in Homeopathic magazines: but any evidence that homeopathic nosodes functioned was inconclusive.
Most accountable homeopathic vets would need to agree that using homeopathic nosodes independently as a way to prevent puppy viral ailments is not a wise strategy.
Can I get my dog vaccinated?
Problems with vaccines can arise. However, the scientific evidence is overwhelming that vaccinating your pet is the most effective remedy against pet ailments. If left unattended the pet owner is operating the risk that an illness can and maybe will kill your pet. Ignoring that caution is comparable to gambling with your dog’s future health.
Protection & Prevention
Our veterinary team at Angel Animal Hospital is focused on preventative and proactive care to keep common disorders, conditions, and diseases from growing in your furry friend in the first location.
When combined with regular wellness exams, vaccinations, and parasite prevention form the heart of your pet’s regular healthcare during their life.
Preventative veterinary care will provide your pet the best opportunity for long and healthy life. Our veterinarians will work closely with you to develop a preventative treatment program that is targeted at your pet’s unique needs.
Our veterinarians can help to prevent a wide range of common and serious ailments in Farmington Hills vets, cats, and dogs employing routine pet vaccinations and flea prevention remedies. Click here to find out more.
