Pet Vaccinations

To vaccinate or not vaccinate your pets--that is the question.
I have always believed that vaccinating my dogs and cats against distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parainfluenza was important and necessary to protect their good health. However, recently I've begun to question whether or not it is right for them.

Vaccinating your dog:
Many veterinarians are divided into two groups on this subject. Some still believe dogs should be vaccinated every year for all infectious diseases, whether or not the dog still has immunity and if they have exposure to them. Others believe in a more natural approach, and that vaccinations are actually poisoning the dog and are causing more diseases than they prevent.  Many dogs have developed tumors as well at the vaccination site, and are also showing anaphylaxic reactions to the vaccines. Some have reported dogs becoming aggressive after repeated vaccinations. It's believed that the immune system becomes compromised from exposure to too many viruses and causes an allergic reaction.

Vaccinating your cat:
Most veterinarians already agree that cats should now only be vaccinated every three years for distemper, and if they have no exposure to feline leukemia, that they not be vaccinated against it because of the number of cats that developed sarcoma (cancerous tumors) at the vaccination site.  Something else to be aware of for your cat - there is now a mutated strain of the calicivirus called VS-FCV that can kill a healthy cat in 24 to 48 hours. The vaccination for regular calicivirus doesn't protect your cat from the mutated strain. It is very contagious, and can be passed cat to cat by contact, and you can bring it into your home on your hands, clothes and shoes. Symptoms are sneezing, high fever, mouth ulcers, nasal and eye discharge, anorexia, hair loss around face and feet, and facial and limb edema, but sometimes there are no symptoms because the virus strikes so quickly. There is a special vaccine for this strain, so talk to your vet about it.


One suggestion I've seen is to talk to your veterinarian about running an annual blood test called "titers" which shows how much immunity your dog still has to these diseases, and therefore helps determine if a booster is needed or not.  Whether you decide to vaccinate your dog and cat, taking steps to boost their immune systems will go a long way in protecting their health.

I've been on the fence on this issue ever since I heard about the controversy, as I don't want to needlessly expose my pets to problems from the vaccines, but I want to be sure they're protected. How do you feel about it; have you made any decision as to whether to allow vaccination every year or not?