|
For one, the immune system of your pet is
stressed by these vaccinations. Occasional dogs
develop allergic reactions, facial edema, enteritis,
lethargy, fevers, pruritis, nausea, coughing. We
also suspect that vaccinations can trigger certain
autoimmune diseases such as Adison’s disease on
dogs. Occasionally these reactions are life
threatening. Vaccines contain many ingredients
besides the dried virus.
Some of these, antibiotics and adjuvants
(enhancers) are implicated in vaccine reactions.
When these vaccinations are given they are best
given subcutaneously with a TB syringe with 25-gauge
needle. This small needle is less likely to carry a
plug of skin into the injection site causing
swelling and inflammation. In dogs that have had
prior history of vaccine reactions I often do not
give yearly vaccinations. I feel the risks outweigh
the benefits.
If I am suspicious that a dog might have a
reaction to a particular vaccine I pre-administer
antihistamines (Benadryl) and give a minute test
dose of 0.05ml. If the dog is normal thirty minutes
after the test dose I give it the remaining
one-milliliter. I limit yearly or every two-year
vaccinations for the four “core” diseases to “higher
risk dogs”. Higher risk dogs are dogs that roam or
take unsupervised strolls; dogs that play with other
dogs not from their household, dogs that have
contact with wild animals, or swim and drink from
pools puddles and streams.
Other higher risk dogs are coprophagic (eat
stool). Others are more at risk because the attend
obedience classes, dog shows, field trials, and
large grooming and boarding facilities. About half
the dogs I see fall into this higher risk category. | 
