To Vaccinate Or Not To Vaccinate

[wolfsoul]

I do not vaccinate. My dogs recieve parvo, distemper, and rabies nosodes until they are 8 months old and then I titer annually. I think a few of you don't understand what a titer is -- a titer will tell you if a dog is immune to something, but it won't tell you if a dog ISN'T immune to something. A low titer score does not mean the dog isn't immune -- it just means it hasn't been recently exposed to the virus. My last titer for Visa was very high for parvo (1:400,000), but was very low for distemper (1:3). Parvo is shed in vaccines which means she is constantly exposed to it. Distemper is not, and since it is a rare occurance, she is never exposed to it and therefore titers low for it. The only way to know if she is immune is for her to come in contact with the virus and have her not become sick or to titer her right after she is in contact with the virus. Titers have alot of disadvantages. I use them because the clubs I am a member of accept them and I prefer not to vaccinate.

 

[Ladychaos]

I vaccinate the first three 7 in 1 set of shots, bordatella, and rabies. Then I just vaccinate for rabies after that. I don't like vaccines. I only give them the bordatella if they are staying at a kennel or around lots of dogs in a small enclosed space, which is very uncommon for my dog. its really up to the owner. i personally feel vets tell us to overvaccinate to make more money -shrug- but im not a vet.

 

[AGILITYSHOWPAPS]

Jordan is correct about the titers and how they work. I was just about to post when I read what she wrote. My vet was one of those who pushed for new laws regarding vaccines. The knowledge about vaccines was out there long before state legislators revised their laws.

Anyway, my vet believes in doing the puppy boosters and then every 7 years. From the research that is out there, he says he feels totally comfortable telling his clients every 7 years. Not all vaccines last forever. I think some of my friends have gotten a bit hysterical over vaccines. . . probably because they don't have a medical background and you know the saying, "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing" I have friends who simply won't vaccinate at all because they think vaccines cause cancer and so forth. I think that's a bit extreme. But, every 3-7 years should be a good balance.

I will also add that my vet thinks titers are pointless. They will not tell you if your dog isn't immune. So, he suggests every pet owner be informed. I say you can sit in the library for weeks or just go to a great vet who will do the research for you. According to my vet, every 7 years is safe and there is no need to titer. He thinks clients are just wasting their money and stressing the dogs for no real information.

have a great day
A

 

[Ladychaos]

agilityshowpups i need your vets number lol! i like his advice. I dont titer either... i just dont have the extra money to spend on it as bad as that sounds. My dog has had so many medical problems and the vet still cant figure out the problem!!! The money i am saving from not titering will pay for his doggie dermatologist visit -sigh-

 

[AGILITYSHOWPAPS]

My vet is wonderful. . . I really, really respect his knowledge and how he listens to what I have to add.

I'm sorry about your baby. Have you thought that it could be a hormonal problem. Sometimes low thyroid levels attribute to skin problems and overall poor well being (fatigue, lower immune system, etc)

I hope you can find out what's wrong and fix it.

best to you and your doggie,

oh, have you tried the BARF diet. . . it might help.

ana

 

[Ladychaos]

We can't afford the BARF or a raw diet quite honestly. We are testing out California Natural: chicken and rice since it has a short ingrediant list. We have already done blood testing and urine testing. He has no thyroid problems, no diabetes, and no cushings. He also has no ringworm, or mange of any sort. At first he was diagnosed with demodex so we treated him with ivermectin and he tested positive once, more treatment, and then tested negative three skin scrapes in a row. then they diagnosed him with a yeast problem and an ear infection, now we have to go back and re-check for the yeast... we have spent over 1,000 bucks on his medical bills alone! yay for dogs lol.. sorry if i took over this topic...

 

[Ladychaos]

oh and no chance of any fleas or ticks as the cat is completely inside and on frontline, and coal is on advantage... I plan on switching him to advantage multi for heartworm preventative.