Vaccines
In recent years, concerns have been raised about immune-mediated disease following vaccinations. However, there is still significant scientific controversy regarding the data available. While there is no doubt that annual vaccinations have helped eradicate the incidence of once common viral diseases such as canine distemper, hepatitis, and canine parvovirus, many dog owners and some veterinarians have begun to question both the need for annual re-vaccination as well as the long term consequences of vaccinations in general.
This section is provided as a means for learning about the issues surrounding vaccinations. Included here are links to various articles, documents and websites where indepth and significant information about vaccinations is available. Over-vaccination is fast becoming a very real concern within the veterinary community and for dog owners in general. It is important to learn about the issues; however, always consult with your veterinarian to discuss this further and DO NOT simply stop vaccinating your dogs.
Resources and Additional Information:
- AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines — Available in PDF format (540 kb) — The AAHA has developed Canine Vaccine Guidelines to aid practitioners in making decisions about appropriate vaccination protocols for patients. The AAHA assembled the Canine Vaccine Task Force in March 2001 which was assigned to gather and make information available that would help veterinarians in making decisions about appropriate care of their canine patients with respect to currently available vaccines.
- Vaccinations — by Wendy Volhard
- The Interrelationship of Vaccinations, Vital Force and Remedy Action — by Larry A. Bernstein, V.M.D. — Vaccinations from the homeopathic standpoint.
- A New Look at the Vaccine Question — by Richard H. Pitcairn, D.V.M., Ph.D.
- Homeopathic Alternatives to Vaccines — by Richard H. Pitcairn, D.V.M., Ph.D.
- Titers: What do they tell us? — By Christie Keith
- The Vexing Vaccine Issues — Controversy, confusion continue to surround vaccine guidelines. — From the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- Considerations in Designing Effective and Safe Vaccination Programs for Dogs — Published by the International Veterinary Information Service (IVIS) (www.ivis.org)
- The Vaccine Mezzanine — From the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. Includes information about the diseases for which vaccines are available plus FAQs and general information about vaccinations.
- Vaccination
- Principles of Vaccination — From the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Reference Books:
What Vets Don't Tell You About Vaccines - by Catherine O'DriscollRevised, expanded 2nd edition brings fresh information and explains why the author feels you can protect your pets from disease homeopathically, without risking their lives by vaccinating them yearly.
Vaccine Guide for Dogs and Cats: What Every Pet Owner Should Know - by Catherine DiodatiThis book provides information on all canine and feline vaccines, including several personal stories of vaccine damage and hundreds of studies documenting veterinary vaccine safety and efficacy problems. You can now make informed decisions about the health and welfare of your four-legged friends.
Note: This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website is intended as a source of information only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional care. Always consult with your Veterinarian about health related matters.
