Do you really need to vaccinate your dog?

In non-medical terms, they work in the same way that human ones do. The dog is injected with a small, but weakened dose of fragments of the the actual disease, that it is going to prevent. As a consequence, the dog's immune system reacts to this invasion by producing antibodies.

These cling to the microorganisms, that cause the virus, and destroy them. However, a footprint is left by the viral agents. Any consequent attack is quickly recognised, and similarly dealt with by a better informed immune system.

The milk from its mother gives a puppy a high degree of immunity from disease. But protection starts to decline from 6 weeks of age and is virtually non-existent at 20 weeks. Immunization against the above mentioned viral diseases are given in a single shot, usually administered at 12 weeks of age.

Are there any side effects to vaccinating my pet?

Reactions can occur, just as humans have reactions to immunisation. Today's vaccines are thoroughly tested, and undergo numerous safety trials, but problems can arise in a small number of pets. Usually this lasts for 24-48 hours and is characterised by a loss of appetite, and sleeping more than usual.

Only on rare occasions does a more severe allergic reaction occur. This can involve facial swelling, sometimes diarrhoea, and/or vomiting. The essential thing to do if this does happen is not to panic--but do contact your vet immediately.

Its because of concerns about the vaccination process that the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association have published complimentary recommendations, and changes to their canine vaccination guidelines. The core advice offered to veterinarians by these two organisations are:

Decisions concerning a dog's immunisation schedule needs to take in to consideration the dog's age, its current health, its breeding, also its local environment and lifestyle. They pointed to scientific evidence that some vaccines afford more than a single year of immunity. And that annual boosters can cause vaccine-site infections, auto immune problems, and suppression of the immune system.

What are the alternatives to vaccinating my dog?

Most responsible homeopathic veterinarians would agree that using homeopathic nosodes alone as a way to prevent disease is not a strategy that they would advise.

So, should I immunise my dog?

The most relevant, and individual advice, about your pet's health should begin at the vet's doorstep. It's there that you will be able to work alongside a health professional to ensure that your dog's vaccinations, and future health care, are in the best possible hands. That's a no-brainer.