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| courtesy Chuckumentary via Flickr.com Annual Vaccinations? Maybe Not! |
Why does it matter?
Vaccines jolt the immune system. This jolt creates an
immune response in the body which builds antibodies against an altered,
non-infectious bug. These antibodies should be protective if there is
exposure to the live version of the germ. However, the jolt that helped
create protection can be problematic. Autoimmune diseases, tumors,
thyroid disease, and allergic or anaphylactic reactions (shock) are complications
that can occur soon after vaccinations, or much later.
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Ask your veterinarian about vaccinating every 3
years for Distemper and Parvo, or titering to avoid re-vaccinating individuals
with “protective” titers.
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Discuss your dog’s lifestyle with your vet to design
a customized vaccine protocol.
•
If your dog has ever had a prior vaccine
reaction, make sure your veterinarian is aware of that.
•
Vaccinate your adult dog for rabies every 3
years, or the maximum interval allowed by law. All states now have 3 year licenses
after the second vaccine is administered, but county and city laws may differ.
Check out rabieschallengefund.org
to learn about a grassroots movement seeking to extend the rabies booster
interval from 3 to 5 (and then 7) years!
What about drugs? A wise old veterinary professor once quipped,
“If a medication doesn’t have side effects, it doesn’t have effects
either.” This is true for everything from aspirin to
antibiotics. Think about the drug commercials on TV which end with 10
seconds of serious warnings!
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Make sure your veterinarian is aware of all
drugs and supplements your dog receives, especially when writing a new
prescription. If your dog is on chronic medications, such as thyroid
medication or arthritis medication (NSAIDs), periodic bloodwork is recommended
to monitor organ systems and/or blood levels of the drug.
•
With your veterinarian’s help, work to find the
lowest effective pain medication dosage to minimize side effects.
•
In some situations, supplements may be used in
place of, or along with drugs to allow lower drug dosages.
•
In terms of potential for toxicity, drugs fall
on a spectrum. Some are much safer than others. Ask your vet to
educate you on the common side effects of any medication your dog receives.
•
Side effects of drugs can often be counteracted
with herbs. An example of this would be using milk thistle along with drugs
known to insult the liver.
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Understand that adverse drug reactions many not
occur immediately. Sometimes they occur after the dog has been on the drug
for years.
I’m convinced that vaccinations and medications are a
double-edged sword. Both are an integral part of maintaining
health. Both also hold the potential for harm.
Yes, I am opening a can of worms. But I couldn’t write a
series on helping our dogs reach their maximum health and longevity potential
without touching on these issues. Be informed. Be intentional. Be
observant, with the ultimate goal of partnering with your veterinarian in
weighing the risks versus benefits of anything you administer to your dog.
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