Most pet parents assume that standard vaccination (between 4-5 shots annually, often administered all at once) is par for the course of owning a companion animal in America. Few of us have gone to veterinary school, so it seems reasonable to put blind faith in the experts; but how often does your pet really need this preventative treatment, and what are the possible drawbacks of yearly vaccination?
Like all medical procedures and treatments, vaccination is not a one-size-fits-all outfit. The Indian Council of Medical Research states that “Vaccinations should be need-based and all vaccinations are deemed non-universal.” So, which vaccinations are right for your pet? That depends on several factors, like geographical location, living situation, and your individual pet’s medical needs. For example, your dog is unlikely to get ‘Kennel Cough’ if they’ve never been boarded and you don’t intend to board them in the future – in this situation, the Bordetella vaccine, which can have serious side-effects, is likely to do more harm than help.
Many pet vaccinations are known to have such adverse effects, ranging from diarrhea and lethargy to epilepsy and death; a chemical called “adjuvant,” found in some cat vaccines, is believed to have a direct link to feline cancer, and is therefore administered in locations on the body that can be easily amputated if a tumor does form.
If there are so many potential drawbacks, one might ask why we vaccinate our pets at all? In some states (39 for dogs, 31 for cats) a rabies vaccine is required by the government. Once a pet-owner is already at the vet, they’re more likely to be convinced that additional and recurring vaccines are required. The issue isn’t necessarily vaccination itself; annual boosters and combo-shots pose a far-greater threat to animals. Ronald Schultz, DVM, University of Wisconsin-Madison, suggests that canine immunity can last a lifetime after just one initial vaccination.
The best way to protect your pet against the potential dangers of vaccination is to do your homework! Never allow your animal to receive a vaccination about which you do not have full disclosure and information about possible side-effects, from both your vet and an outside reputable source, such as a medical journal or other scientific publication, and be wary of receiving multiple shots per visit or annual boosters for diseases to which your pet is unlikely to be exposed. When it comes to your pet’s medical needs, you can be too safe, but you can never be too educated!
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