Vaccinations are a hot topic for pet parents

While there is little question that vaccines can protect pets against potentially fatal diseases such as rabies, distemper and parvovirus, the number of vaccines and the frequency with which they are administered, along with the health risks they pose, are up for debate.

Dr. Ronald Schultz, a highly respected immunologist and chair of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Pathobiological Sciences, is responsible for much of the research, over the last 30 years, into vaccinations.

According to Dr. Schultz, there is increasing evidence that some vaccines provide immunity well beyond one year and that repeated vaccination doesn’t result in enhanced resistance to disease but instead, can expose dogs to unnecessary health risks.

Vaccines have been linked to injection site sarcomas (cancer) in cats and dogs, as well as autoimmune diseases including inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune hemolytic anemia, allergies, arthritis, tumours, seizures and dramatic changes in behaviour. Also, vaccines can cause, although rare, severe allergic reactions in some pets.

Things you need to know

With that said, this research has prompted many veterinarians to take a new approach to vaccinations in their practices. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering vaccinations for your pet:

  • All dogs are different as is their risk of exposure to disease. Discuss with your vet what kinds of vaccines your pet needs as well as their risks and benefits and the likelihood of exposure to each disease.
  • Most veterinarians agree that dogs should be vaccinated against those diseases that are widespread, cause serious illness and are highly contagious such as distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis and rabies.
  • Pet parents may consider other vaccines depending on their pet’s unique set of circumstances such as living in a multi-dog household, time spent outdoors, exposure to wildlife, age, overall health, travel and time spent at a kennel.
  • In general, puppies will receive a series of vaccinations by six months of age and then a booster a year later. Instead of annual vaccinations, new protocols suggest core vaccines be given every three years for healthy pets.
  • Before re-vaccinating your pet, you can ask your vet to perform a “vaccine titre test” to determine if your pet is still protected from previous vaccinations. This will help you decide, along with your vet, how often and if any particular vaccine should be given.
  • The rabies vaccine is required by law in some Canadian provinces but not in Alberta. (Check with your provincial veterinary association for details.) It is now recommended to ask for the three-year vaccine instead of one-year.
  • Do not vaccinate your dog if he has ever had a serious life-threatening reaction to vaccinations or if his immune system is compromised.

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This page has been reviewed by our Panel of Experts for accuracy. Our Panel of Experts is comprised of practitioners with varying specialities and perspectives. As such, the views expressed here may not be shared by all members of our Panel.

The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.