The Truth About Vaccines – Canines
So much debate going on regarding vaccinations today, especially regarding children. But what about our pets? Do you wonder if vaccines can cause the same damage to your beloved pets? Vaccines are very beneficial to the health and well being of our pets but what is necessary and what isn’t? I am not a fan of over vaccinating children or pets but I do believe in basic immunizations to help prevent the spreading of disease, especially the ones we have worked so hard to eradicate through the years.
Please remember some of this blog is based on my own experience and opinions. I always recommend you do your own research and most importantly find a vet you feel comfortable with and believes in the same things as you.
As I stated earlier I don’t believe in mass amounts of vaccines but there are a group of core vaccines for dogs you should consider. The only one required by law in most states are rabies. Rabies are either a 1 year or 3-year vaccine. Check your area and with your local vet regarding the laws of this.
The most trusted information regarding your pet’s care can be found through the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association). They are the top association which represents veterinarians the way PSI (Pet Sitters International) supports pet sitters. Anything I share with you that are fact-based requiring supporting documentation will come from the AVMA, ASPCA, or the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association).
So according to the AAHA, published in September 2017, the following are the new Core and Non-Core vaccines for our dogs. I will do another blog about cat vaccines and illnesses.
Core (Canine) – MLV or Recombinant Canine Distemper Virus, MLV Parvovirus, MLV Adenovirus-2, MLV Parainfluenza Virus, Rabies
Non-Core (Canine) – Bordetella bronchiseptica (infectious bronchitis) and canine parainfluenza virus (flu), Bordetella bronchiseptica only, Leptospira (canine lyme disease), Crotalus atrox (Western Diamondback Rattlesnake)
Depending on where you live and the lifestyle your dog lives, generally by the senior age of 10 some vets will only want to give the rabies vaccine. Of course, each vet is different and you are not required by law to vaccinate other than rabies but some things to consider when not vaccinating is understanding the risk and what is prevalent in your area. I can tell you that my American Eskimo Sierra is now 13 years old and she has only been vaccinated for rabies since the age of 10. She does not go to dog parks, kennels or is around other dogs who could pose a threat to her. This is my choice and course of treatment for her. You decide what is best for your pets.