The Whole Vaccine Story

THE WHOLE VACCINE STORY:

What are the dangers of vaccinating?
An immune system that is not in ideal condition cannot convert the intended effect of a vaccine into long-term immunity.

When a vaccination is given a variety of toxins are simultaneously injected directly into the blood stream:
-Live viruses –bacteria -toxins created by bacteria’s -phenols (stabilizer) -mercury (preservative) -aluminum salts and gels (to extend the reaction time, meaning your pet is less likely to react in 48 hours, preventing you from correlating future illness with vaccinosis) -dyes (to make it pretty) -formaldehyde (intended to kill live viruses, but spread unevenly can actually CAUSE illness/disease in the pet) –MSG (stabilizer)

There is no incident in nature that this would ever happen to your pets system, especially not several viruses at a time, as in the case of combo- vaccinations. In nature viruses, bacteria, and pathogens would first have to battle their way through the skin, hair, mucous membranes, digestive system, and immune defenses in the blood, giving the body’s immune system the opportunity and time to martial a defense against the invaders before reaching a level where illness or disease would be acute. Vaccinations are a direct assault on the body in the form of diseases AND toxins, often causing a severe overreaction and sickness.
Sadly, these overreactions are not always in the form of an anaphylactic, immediate reaction.

It is actually more common for them to manifest as chronic disease states such as:
-allergies -behavioral changes/aggression -diabetes -seizures -digestive problems -organ failure -arthritis -liver and kidney problems -cancer - tumors -death

Vaccines can often cause the disease/illness they are designed to protect against and in some cases vaccinations can produce an inability to treat the disease in the vaccination in the event they do contract it, as in the case of Lyme. Some vaccinations, such as Bordatella, actually shed the live virus from the vaccinated pets, causing infection in other animals for up to 7 days post vaccination.

Why haven’t I heard about this before?
Though adverse reactions are extremely common in pets, the majority of pet owners do not know that they are able to report reactions so documentation is limited. Also, vaccine manufacturers do not accept reported incidents as being “vaccine related” if the pet has not exhibited symptoms in less than 48 hours, even though vaccines take up to 45 days become effective and can cause problems for even longer than that and certain ingredients in the vaccinations are specifically put in them to postpone to reaction time.
Veterinarians are also not counseled by vaccine companies to hand out informational pamphlets when vaccinations are given regarding what circumstances pets SHOULDN’T be vaccinated, symptoms of adverse reactions, and where to report reactions.

What are the benefits and who should get vaccinated?
In the rare event that your pet is heavily exposed to diseases from wildlife, stray animals, or travel to certain countries they may actually need vaccinations. Puppies and kittens can be given vaccinations to develop immunity but ONLY after eight weeks of age, only if they are healthy, and only if they are not given in combination (one vaccine at a time with at least two weeks between each to ensure safety and decrease the likelihood of adverse reactions). After the first set of shots ALL pets should only be vaccinated again if a titer proves that the pet has not developed immunity.

What are my alternatives to vaccinations?
Most pets don’t need alternatives to general vaccinations because the initial set creates full immunity. You can prove this by having your vet run a titer blood test. In the case of diseases such as heart worm (yearly exposure to mosquitoes over 80 degrees) or bordatella (a pet’s common cold with over 100 strains) or Giardia (a bacteria in water) where there is no ability for the pet to become immune, naturally boosting your pets immunity with a good quality diet and supplements like goldenseal and bee pollen is sufficient.
In the case of more severe diseases that your adult pet is not likely to contract such as distemper, parvo (both “puppy” diseases because adult pets develop immunity) and rabies, prevention is best. Keeping your pet leashed or indoors, away from wildlife, stray dogs, puppies and kittens under 6 months old and other questionable situations would be adequate.



What if my vet pushes vaccinations even if my dog isn’t high risk or is unhealthy?
In the state of Colorado the only vaccination that is mandatory is rabies. Even in the case of rabies if your pet has had an adverse reaction to a vaccination in the past or if they have a chronic disease state of any kind that compromises their immunity you can get a vaccination exemption from your vet. Even slightly ill, senior, or recently vaccinated pets should NOT be vaccinated.

What is required and how often?
Most vaccinations are unnecessary, unless your pets’ specific lifestyle requires. Vaccinations for diseases such as giardia, bordatella, leptospirosis, corona virus, and distemper are unnecessary and often more damaging to the body, short and long term, then the benefits of the vaccination.

Where do I report an adverse reaction?
-http://vaers.hhs.gov/index
-http://www.nvic.org/reportreaction.aspx
http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/SafetyAvailability/ReportaProblem/VaccineAdverseEvents/default.htm

How do I learn more?
Hero’s Pets carries an excellent book called VACCINE GUIDE FOR DOGS & CATS by CATHERINE J.M. DIODATI, MA for $13.95
www.fda.gov lists recalls on vaccinations, foods, and other products (pet & human)
www.truth4dogs.com is a website dedicated to educating the public about vaccinations and pets.


Written by Chelsea Kent at Hero’s Pets
8086 W. Bowles Ave, Unit N
Littleton, CO 80123
303.972.1926
www.HerosPets.com
herospets@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/heros.pets

Rabies Vaccinations: How to vaccinate safely

Rabies is the ONLY vaccination that is mandatory in the state of Colorado. You are not required to have additional vaccinations administered and you should NEVER vaccinate a pet that is in less than perfect health.

Rabies Vaccination: 13 Ways to Vaccinate More Safely

www.truth4dogs.com

Peaches Displaying Her Rabies Vaccine Reaction

Note: this is an expanded version of an article by Jan Rasmusen previously published by DogsNaturallyMagazine.com

Animal Control sends a notice stating that your dog’s rabies vaccination is due. Some of us will vaccinate readily. Because it’s legally mandated, it must be safe, right? Besides, what choice do we have?

Others of us panic, desperate to avoid the shot at any cost. We remember what happened the last time our dog had a rabies vaccination. We wonder, will our dog survive another?

World-renowned pet vaccination scientist, Dr. Jean Dodds, wrote recently: “Rabies vaccines are the most common group of biological products identified in adverse event reports received by the USDA’s Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB).”

An adverse reaction to a rabies vaccine may exact a high price – to your dog’s health and your wallet. Here’s what you need to know to make vaccinating your dog safer:

1. Learn to recognize adverse reactions. Short-term reactions include vomiting, facial swelling, fever, lethargy, circulatory shock, loss of consciousness and even death. (If your pet appears distressed, contact your vet immediately.) Reactions occurring days or months after vaccination can be difficult to recognize. They include:

• Fibrocarcinomas (cancer) at the injection site

• Seizures and epilepsy

• Autoimmune disease

• Chronic digestive problems

• Allergies

• Skin diseases

• Muscle weakness or atrophy

• Pica (eating inappropriate materials, including feces)

• Behavioral changes (aggression, separation anxiety, compulsive behaviors and more)

If you suspect a health or behavior problem may be connected to a vaccine, you may have to convince your vet. It’s common to hear “it couldn’t be the shot” or “a reaction like that is impossible.” Even the drug’s manufacturer (to whom you should immediately report the reaction — giving them the brand and lot# — may deny the connection. Insist on seeing the product’s package insert, viewable on-line or from your vet. Also know that long-term reactions aren’t usually documented or even studied. Note: a vaccine reaction, especially one supported by your vet, may entitle you to compensation for medical expenses from the drug manufacturer.

2. Vaccinate healthy dogs only. Vaccinating an unhealthy animal can exacerbate illness and do irreparable harm. Also, immunity may not develop after vaccination because of the dog’s compromised immune system. This is especially dangerous as you may presume immunity that does not exist. Pets with autoimmune disease or cancer are obviously “not healthy,” but neither are pets suffering from stress from a move or surgery, a virus or infection, or allergies or skin problems or any other condition compromising health. (Never allow your pet to be vaccinated during surgery.)

3. Ask for a rabies vaccination exemption. If your dog has documented health problems, ask your vet to apply for a rabies vaccination extension or exemption. Many localities permit them even if state law doesn’t specifically allow them. If your vet won’t apply for an exemption, go elsewhere. You may want to contact a holistic vet who may better understand the dangers of vaccinating an unhealthy animal. If local law forbids exemptions, change the law. Numerous states are in the process of adding exemptions to their laws. Click this link to check your state’s rabies law and pending exemptions. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/rabies-laws

4. Don’t vaccinate against rabies within three weeks of other vaccinations or medication for parasites. Multiple vaccines given at once greatly increase the chance of reactions. Multiple vaccines are especially risky for small dogs. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/30/vaccinating-small-dogs-risks-vets-arent-revealing/

5. Make sure your dog gets the correct vaccine. If you’re vaccinating a puppy, make sure your vet administers a one-year vaccine initially (as late as legally possible) and a three-year vaccine (or whatever is required in your area) thereafter. The one-year and three-year vaccines are virtually identical medically – but not under the law. A one-year shot must be followed by re-vaccination a year later. Note: the one-year shot is not safer than the three-year (except that it may contain fewer adjuvants).

6. Vaccinate at the safest time. Vaccinate in the morning, early in the week, and don’t leave the area for at least an hour if possible. Watch for reactions for at least the next 48 hours. Reactions occurring when the closest vet’s office is closed can prove disastrous, even fatal.

7. Tell your vet you want a Thimerosol-free vaccine. Thimerosol (mercury) in vaccines has been linked to adverse reactions. Merial, for one, makes one- and three-year thimersol-free rabies vaccines: IMRAB® 1 TF and IMRAB® 3 TF. Make sure you see “TF” on the label. (If your vet doesn’t carry the vaccine, you may have to vet shop to find the vaccine you want. You might also ask why the vet why he/she doesn’t carry it.)

8. Find a vet trained in homeopathy to vaccinate your dog. Certain homeopathic remedies given before, during and after vaccinating can lessen the chance of ill effects from vaccination. Click the link to find vet referral lists. http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet

9. Report all vaccine reactions to your vet and make sure they’re recorded in your pet’s file. Have the vet sign relevant pages, get copies and put them in a safe place. (Vets lose records, retire and move away.) Also report the reaction to the drug’s manufacturer. (You’ll need the vaccine lot number.) Vets are notoriously bad at reporting reactions, but exemptions to rabies vaccination and drug safety require documentation.

10. Don’t vaccinate within a week of travel. Pets experiencing reactions on route can die for lack of immediate medical assistance. (Find a list of emergency clinics by area at http://www.vetsnearyou.com/ml2/?v=352875029&u=0880F1AAC5EF9BA40210818080F807184B&gclid=CKOmmcXvm6QCFQY-bAodawLaEg (I cannot guarantee the clinics’ expertise, but at least this is a place to start.)

11. Keep copies of vaccination records and titer tests in your car(s) and license tags on your dog’s collar or harness. Otherwise, you may be forced to re-vaccinate if your pet bites someone, runs away and is taken to a shelter or if you have to board your pet unexpectedly.

12. Do not administer a rabies vaccine yourself. It will not satisfy legal requirements and you’ll have to have a vet vaccinate again. You will also be unprepared to deal with a potentially life-threatening reaction. Similarly, a vet’s office may likely be a safer place to get the vaccine than a mobile clinic.

13. Support the Rabies Challenge Fund. http://www.rabieschallengefund.org/ World-renowned scientists, W. Jean Dodds, DVM, and Ronald D. Schultz, PhD, are working as volunteers to increase the interval between rabies boosters by proving that the vaccine gives immunity, first, for five years, and then for seven years. (The study is in year four now.) They’re also working to establish a blood “titer standard” to provide a scientific basis to avoid unnecessary boosters with a simple blood test. This nonprofit group is supported solely by dog lovers and dog groups.

Before the next notice from Animal Control arrives, do your homework. A little time spent learning about the rabies vaccine can mean the difference between your dog’s wellness and serious illness.

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Get Our DVD: W. Jean Dodds, DVM and Ronald D. Schultz, PhD spoke at our Safer Pet Vaccination Benefit Seminar in March. A DVD of the event will be available shortly. Sign up for more information at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/saferpet . Learn more about rabies vaccination at www.truth4dogs.org and about vaccination in general at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/shots and at http://www.truth4dogs.com .

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Read more about Peaches and her skin disease caused by rabies vaccine reaction (called Ischemic Dermatopathy http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog4dogs/2009/07/01/rabies-vaccine-skin-reaction-ischemic-dermatopathy/ ).