Just got back from the vet...

**Logan** · 11-03-2003, 12:05 PM

We do them all, every year, because that is what our vet suggests, and we have never had any bad side effects as a result. I have stopped the Bordetella immunizations because our dogs are never boarded anymore and he said it was unnecessary if they are always at home.

I'm glad Ruby had such a good visit!! Isn't it wonderful to report good news???

**tatsxxx11** · 11-03-2003, 04:04 PM

Good job, Ruby girl!!

Isn't it great when you love your vet and your vet loves you!!

My girls get their rabies every 3 years (it's the LAW here) and their DPL every year. I've discussed with my vet the ongoing debate re: the necessity of certain annual vaccinations. He said that titering is an option (though as the article below states, results are not always reliable) and he strongly believes in taking each "case," individually, i.e. taking into consideration, the dog/cat's "age, health, environment and lifestyle."

Many of the reported cases of tumors resulting from vaccinations have been attributed to the drug companies over use of the adjuvant agent added to the drug to increase the effectiveness of the vaccine. Dr. Paul menitioned this to me last year and the article below cites that as a causative factor also. Different companies vary in the amount of adjuvant they add to their vaccination sols. and my vet uses only those with the lowest percentage.

I insist that my dog's are vaccinated for leptospirosis as this has been the cause of several dog's deaths here on rural Cape Cod. They drink from puddles and pools and streams contamainated by urine from wild animals. A newly improved, safer and more effective form of the "lepto" vaccine has been developed in the past few years. I had until recently vaccinated against Lyme disease as well, although it was deemed to be only perhaps, 50% effective. My vet says the newer vaccine now is up to 80% effective. But, he also mentioned that using Advantix (as opposed to Frontline) is actually as effective as the vaccine, so I skipped the Lyme vaccine this year. I only recently started vaccinating for kennel cough. Although they have never been kenneled, all kennels here require it to have been administered 10 days prior to boarding (I would board at my vet's) and in case of an emergency, this would be my only option. I wouldn't feel comfortable with a live in dog sitter. It is true that the cornovirus is constantly mutating (as are many human viruses) and vaccinating does not assure the dog's immunity. But it does help to descrease the liklihood of infection and the degree of severity.

This is a GREAT article ( with lots of info. from the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association) on the pros and cons of vaccinating your pet! It gives equal "time" to both sides of the issue!

Pros and Cons of Annual Vaccinations