Puppy Shots and Dog Vaccinations

By Michele Welton. Copyright © 2000-2010

Vaccinations . . . are they needed or not?

Only a few years ago, it was considered mandatory to bring your dog to the vet every year for his shots.

Times have changed.

Listen to what Dr. Christina Chambreau D.V.M. has to say about yearly vaccinations:

"Would you rebel if your doctor told you to get measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and hepatitis shots every year of your life until you died, instead of only a few doses as a child?"

The most current veterinarian's "bible" says . . .

"A practice that was started many years ago that lacks scientific validity or verification is annual revaccinations.

Almost without exception there is no immunologic requirement for annual revaccination. Immunity to viruses persists for years or for the life of the animal.

Only the immune response to TOXINS requires boosters (e.g. tetanus toxin booster, in humans, is recommended once every 7-10 years). NO toxin vaccines are currently used for dogs and cats."

Please read that again. Because it's important.

It's what Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy XI – the veterinarians' "bible" – says. It was written by Dr. Ronald Schultz Ph.D. (immunologist and Chairman of the Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine) and Dr. Tom Phillips D.V.M. Ph.D.

In plain English, it means . . .

. . . that the immune system has a "memory." Indeed, the immune system contains memory cells. Once those memory cells have been shown what to do against a particular disease (by one successful vaccination at 11-16 weeks old), those memory cells will produce antibodies against that disease whenever they encounter it – for years and years, probably for life.

Annual reminders are not needed.

In fact, annual reminders are mostly useless
because . . .

The same article in Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy XI goes on to say:

"Furthermore, revaccination fails to stimulate a secondary response as a result of interference by existing antibodies."

Again, in plain English, that means . . .

. . . booster shots don't work when your dog's system ALREADY has antibodies from previous vaccinations. Those existing antibodies neutralize the booster shot.

So why are vets vaccinating every year?

Dr. Phillips and Dr. Schultz end their article in Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy XI with this bombshell – the real reason why so many vets continue to insist that dogs require annual vaccinations:

"The practice of annual vaccination in our opinion should be considered of questionable efficacy unless it is used as a mechanism to provide an annual physical examination."

Now don't get me wrong – regular physical exams can be a good thing, especially for older dogs.

But ethical vets must stop using the false pretext
that "yearly shots are necessary"
just to lure us into their offices.

In fact, annual booster shots are harmful

"Well, even if yearly shots aren't necessary, they don't do any harm, right?"

Unfortunately, that's not true.

Listen to what Dr. Charles Loops D.V.M. has to say about the power of vaccines:

"The first thing that must change is the myth that vaccines are harmless. Veterinarians and animal guardians have to realise that they are not protecting animals from disease by annual vaccinations, but in fact, are destroying the health and immune systems of these same animals they love and care for."

Dr. Christina Chambreau D.V.M. agrees:

"Routine vaccinations are probably the worst thing that we do for our animals. They cause all types of illnesses. Repeating vaccinations on a yearly basis undermines the whole energetic well-being of our animals. Veterinary immunologists tell us that vaccines need only be given once or twice in an animal's life. First, there is no need for annual vaccinations and, second, they definitely cause chronic disease."

Dr. Roger DeHaan D.V.M. has this to say:

"We have been destroying the immune system. Over the years it has become increasingly clear that some vaccines are ineffectual or unnecessary, and some vaccines are dangerous, even causing symptoms of the disease they are supposed to prevent."

Listen to what Dr. Pedro Rivera D.V.M. says about vaccines causing chronic disease:

"Vaccinosis is the reaction from common innoculations. Reactions might take months or years to show up. In our practice, we've seen hypothyroidism, ear infections, immune-system diseases, joint maladies, and behavioral problems as reactions to over-vaccination."

Dr. Charles Loops D.V.M. says:

"Vaccinations represent a major assault on the immune system, [which] causes irregularities and abnormalities in the immune system, which then manifests as chronic diseases [ranging from] life-threatening conditions such as auto-immune crises to conditions destroying the quality of life of an animal, as in chronic skin allergies. What we are now seeing are generations of over-vaccinated animals."

Dr. Pat Bradley D.V.M. observes:

"The most common problems I see that are directly related to vaccines on a day to day basis are ear or skin conditions, such as chronic discharges and itching. I also see behavior problems such as fearfulness or aggression. Often guardians will report that these begin shortly after vaccination, and are exacerbated with every vaccine. In a more general and frightening context, I see the overall health and longevity of animals deteriorating."

Let's let the AVMA Journal sum this up

The AVMA Journal (#208, 1996) says: "There is no scientific data to support a recommendation for annual administration of vaccines. Furthermore, repeated administration of vaccines may be associated with a higher risk of anaphylaxis and autoimmune diseases."

In the same issue:

"There is little scientific documentation that backs up label claims for annual administration of most vaccines. In the past, it was believed that annual vaccination would not hurt and would probably help most animals. However concerns about side effects have begun to change this attitude. The client is paying for something with no effect or with the potential for an adverse reaction."

Don't be intimidated by your vet

Dr. Don Hamilton D.V.M. warns you NOT to fall for the guilt trip pushed on you by many vets:

"Another trend of the past few years is coercion of guardians into procedures such as vaccination. This coercion may be blatant, such as refusal to provide services, even emergency care, unless the animal is 'current' on vaccines.

Sometimes even critically ill animals are vaccinated upon admission for treatment.
More subtle means include induction of fear and/or guilt by asserting (as an authority figure) that companion animals are at risk if not vaccinated yearly, and that failure to comply is evidence of lack of caring.
Tactics such as this can create feelings of guilt in the guardian, leading to a fear-based decision to vaccinate an animal that is not at risk. This is unethical, if not outright malpractice, and refusal is an acceptable response."