October’s Pet Tips!
Tip List:
Are we over-vaccinating our pets? MUST READ!
Halloween Tips for the 4 legs
Are we over-vaccinating our pets? YES!!!
Vaccines have been in the news a lot lately as it pertains to childrens vaccines and the onset of Autism, among other ailments. Many people believe that these ‘boosters’ are not needed, and are done far to frequently. I bet everyone (including myself!) thought that most vaccines, with exception of rabies, were supposed to ‘last’ a year, which is why you bring your dog in for his ‘annual’ booster…right? Well we were ALL wrong! Some of the vaccines contain diseases that are no longer even in exisitence…
These booster vaccinations are now suspected of creating vulnerability to illnesses and conditions- anemia, arthritis, seizures, allergies, gastrointestinal and thyroid disorders and cancer. As these vaccines for Canine Parvovirus (CPV) and Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) were much needed and many diseases were prevented, an industry was born. Thus selling veterinarians on the concept that if the shot was good, more are better…following label instructions for yearly boosters.
Veterinarians from University of Pennsylvania to University of California at Davis noticed a connection between the marked increase of cancerous tumors under the skin as a result of rabies and feline leukemia vaccines in cats. Combined with other research, vets now suspect that combined effects of multiple vaccinations could be risk factors for other ailments and chronic diseases and illnesses in cats AND dogs.
Veterinarians have found that the vast majority of dogs retain immunity for many years after the the vaccine is given. Adverse reactions to vaccines can occur up to days after, delayed reactions 10-45 days after. Long term effects can result in permanent damage to the dogs immune system. Also, vaccines can be very harmful to a chronically ill dog.
How can a responsible dog owner decide on a safe and effective vaccine schedule?
Ask your vet for a Titer test! The Titer test, tests a sample of your dogs blood for the presence and strength of the your dog’s immunological response to a viral disease. If your dog has satisfactory levels of vaccine titers, your dog is considered immune and NOT in need of further vaccination against the disease at that time. The 2 Titer tests you should ask for are for CPV and CDV (parvo and distemper), they both are ‘proper markers’ for your dogs immune system. Be sure your vet orders VACCINE TITER TESTING not, disease titer testing.
Most dogs get their immunity from both vaccines and being exposed to the disease in a natural environment, unless of course you have a dog that NEVER goes outside…in which case probably got the immunity from the vaccine only. Having your dog vaccinated for rabies is the law , and 3 year rabies vaccinations are administered now for dogs. Unless your vet finds a direct reaction to the rabies vaccine in your dog, and is willing to go through the motions of animal control and state laws, your dog MUST be current on rabies vaccinations. Rabies is a fatal disease, and should be vaccinated against.
The Titer test is fairly inexpensive, and well worth it for your peace of mind, and more importantly your dogs health. Titer testing is not a ‘guess’ at immunological response in a dog. In dealing with CDV and CDP there is ABSOLUTE CORRELATION between being immune or susceptible. It’s worth your pet’s well-being!
Please note that dogs and cats that are sick or ill should NOT be vaccinated until they are in 100% good health, as these vaccines can make them significantly more sick.
Halloween Tips for the 4 legs
As Halloween approaches, and our neighborhoods are riddled with scary monsters looking for some treats, keep these tips in mind for your pal, so he can enjoy too!
1. Chocolate is DELICIOUS and potentially fatal to dogs. Be aware of little ones leaving their treats around for Fido. Should he indulge, contact your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY! Poison Control 888.426.4435 For more information on toxic foods and plants click here
2. It’s fun for all of us to dress up and scare away ghosts, but not our pets! Pets don’t know and can’t understand costumes and they get very frightened from masks, make-up hats and whatever else monsters are wearing this year. It can make even the MOST docile, friendly dog anxious and act-out in an fear-aggressive manner. Keep your pets at home and a safe distance away from trick-or-treaters!
3. Decorations and Jack-O’-Lanterns are tempting for pets to get their noses into. Needless to say, it’s too easy for them to get hurt if left unsupervised, whether it’s in a tangle of crepe paper or a singed coat from an open flame. Always keep these Halloween favors out of your pet’s reach!
4. If your dog has the personality and temperament to accompany the kids trick-or-treating, there are a variety of costumes available in pet-friendly sizes. Just make sure the costume doesn’t interfere with his ability to breathe, see, hear, move, or bark. Always make sure the fit isn’t constricting, and keep an eye out for signs your dog may be getting stressed out.
5. Halloween season is a time of mischief and pranks, and too often dogs and cats become unwilling participants. Keep your outdoor pets well supervised in the yard or, better yet, keep them indoors and safe from neighborhood hooligans at night.
** Have some questions? Contact us and we’ll put your question up next month!
***All WALKIES’ Pet Tips are for informative use only. WALKIES’ is not a licensed veterinarian. For ALL health questions, issues and diagnosis’ please contact your veterinarian.
