Vaccinations

You are ultimately responsible for your decision on whether to vaccinate or not. This page consists of links to books and other resources to help people learn about their dog's immune system, how vaccinations work, and which ones to avoid.

Please, ask more questions, read the research and then follow whatever vaccination protocol that you are comfortable with. We will not be held liable for which ever route you choose to take. The fate of your pup is in your hands.

We are always gathering information on vaccinations. The research now suggests that many (if not most) vaccinations are not needed, helpful or cause problems later on in the dog's life. Some vaccinations may cause more damage than the illness they were meant to prevent.

Because of our research, we choose minimal vaccines (no more beyond the puppy vaccinations for parvo and distemper).

We recommend minimal vaccinations if allowed by laws in your area.

Parvo and distemper are very deadly and wide-spread diseases in dogs. It is important to get your pup protected against these two diseases --- at the right time, and verify that immunity was provided.

Titer Testing

Your vet will test your puppy's immunity levels to determine the proper time to vaccinate. Giving an injection too early, while the mother's immunity is still present will make the injection a waste of time and money.

Mother's immunity is estimated by a lab test called a titer. The titer test is the main key to judging the optimum time to vaccinate each specific puppy.

Verifying Immunity

Remember, a shot does not mean immunity will be provided. It must be verified by a titer test. While a titer does not verify immunity it shows the level of activity of the immune system from which your vet can make a more informed judgment.

Never allow your puppy to get a series of injections if immunity was gained by the first shot.

Further Reading

In the meantime, here is a good vaccine protocol to follow: W. Jean Dodds, DVM

Want to go even farther? Check out this book:

& What Vets Don't Tell You About Vaccinations by Catherine O'Driscoll

A highly recommended eye opener by a highly respected author! This book will definitely make you think about what we are putting into our pets without question! It's time to learn!

While you are waiting for the above book to arrive, you can get a head start by visiting the following web site, Pet vaccine myths, written by the above author.

Here's another site to check out: Dispelling the Vaccination Myths. This site involves human vaccinations, but I'm sure the same thing goes for our dogs, if not more so.

Two books to help you make informed decisions on vaccinations:

& Natural Immunity by Pat McKay

& Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs by Don Hamilton

Your dog/pup (or you yourself) must be healthy to even consider forgoing vaccinations. But then, you should never vaccinate a sick dog either (as stated on most vaccination inserts)!

This means; feed a raw diet for optimal health, get plenty of exercise and sleep, and don't pollute the body with chemicals. You cannot expect a dog that is fed a cheap commercial dog food to be strong enough to fight off diseases. I rely on the homeopathic, holistic and naturopathic advice/remedies I receive from friends and books. I am confident that Roxy will not spend much time at the vet's office. I am not saying that she will never be ill, just that I believe I am doing what is best for her (and my children) by building up their immune system, rather than weakening it with vaccines.

Foregoing vaccinations involves many decisions. Here is an excellent article written by a wonderfully helpful lady: Caber Feidh Scottish Deerhounds by Christie Keith

How about some history lessons? NaturalRearing.com provides great information on the history of vaccinations and how current studies do not support vaccination claims.

The immune system is where it's at! Here is a great explanation of the immune system and how it works at NaturalRearing.com: The immune system part 1 lays down the foundation in a language anyone can understand. The Immune System Part 2 deals with some basics of the "Cell Mediated" immune system. The Immune System Part 3 addresses the nutritional foundations for maintenance, balance, and enhancement of the immune functions.

A cute way to understand the immune system is to watch the animated movie "Osmosis Jones". I loved it! Kids may find this movie funny, but may not understand many of the jokes which are geared toward the older crowd.