Vaccines for Dogs: Should You or Shouldn’t You?

When it comes to vaccinating our dogs, it’s a topic that often sparks debate. There are real risks involved, and as a responsible pet owner, you should approach vaccinations with caution and consideration.

Understanding the Risks

While vaccines can be incredibly effective in protecting your dog from serious diseases, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. Some vaccines can cause side effects, ranging from mild reactions like swelling at the injection site to more severe issues. It’s crucial to weigh the benefits against the risks and make informed decisions about what’s best for your dog.

Supporting Your Dog’s Immune System Without the Side Effects

There is something I strongly recommend for supporting your dog’s immune system and helping them fight off diseases—without the potential nasty side effects of some vaccines. I’m talking about Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Canine ADVANCED PLUS Health Formula.

This formula is designed to help boost your dog’s immune system, supporting their overall health and well-being. By using a natural supplement like this, you can provide your dog with the immune support they need to stay healthy, without exposing them to the risks that sometimes come with vaccines.

Vaccines can play an important role in protecting our dogs from serious diseases, but it’s essential to make careful decisions. As always, consult your veterinarian to discuss what’s best for your pet’s health.

The Risks of Over-Vaccination in Dogs and My Advised Vaccine Schedule

As a former holistic veterinarian, I’ve seen firsthand how over-vaccination can lead to chronic health issues in pets, including allergies, immune disorders, and even cancer. While vaccines play a crucial role in protecting our furry family members from serious diseases, there’s growing evidence that less can sometimes be more. Here’s what every dog parent needs to know about vaccination and its potential risks.

1. Too Many, Too Often

Did you know that your dog could be receiving up to 6–7 vaccines per year if they’re getting “non-core” vaccines along with routine boosters? This over-vaccination not only puts stress on their immune system but also increases the risk of vaccine-related side effects. It’s essential to assess whether all these vaccines are necessary and whether they are providing the protection your dog truly needs.

2. Are All Vaccines Effective?

Not all vaccines provide strong or lasting protection. Here are some examples:

• Lyme Disease Vaccine: The effectiveness of this vaccine is questionable, particularly in areas where Lyme disease risk is low.

• Leptospirosis Vaccine: This vaccine needs to be given annually, yet it has one of the highest incidences of side effects. Additionally, it may not be as protective as you’d expect because there are over 100 strains of Leptospirosis, and the vaccine only protects against 4-5 of them.

3. Long-Lasting Immunity Is Real

Recent studies have shown that many core vaccines provide immunity for much longer than previously thought. For instance:

• Canine Parvovirus Vaccine: This vaccine can protect dogs for up to 7 years, yet it’s often still administered every 3 years. In fact, many dogs may even enjoy lifelong immunity from this vaccine.

So, why overdo it when your pet’s immunity is already strong and long-lasting?

4. One Size Does NOT Fit All

Here’s something to consider:

• A 150 lb. Great Dane and a 5 lb. Chihuahua receive the same vaccine dose.

Smaller dogs often experience more severe side effects, likely because the vaccine volume is disproportionate to their size. It’s clear that a more tailored approach is needed to avoid unnecessary risks and better match vaccine doses to your pet’s individual needs.

5. Real Risks of Vaccine Side Effects

Vaccine reactions are more common than most people think, even if some veterinarians or online sources downplay them. Just look at the rising incidence of cancer in our dogs. Here’s a breakdown of possible reactions:

Acute Vaccine Reactions:

• Discomfort and swelling at the vaccination site
• Mild fever
• Decreased appetite and activity
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Hives
• Swelling of the muzzle, face, neck, or eyes
• Breathing distress
• Collapse

Long-Term and Severe Reactions:

• Immunosuppression
• Behavioral changes
• Weight loss (cachexia)
• Lameness, immune polyarthritis
• Atopy (environmental allergies)
• Uveitis (eye disease)
• Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)
• Thyroiditis (immune system attacking the thyroid gland)
• Glomerulonephritis (kidney disease)
• Myocarditis (heart disease)
• Post-vaccinal encephalitis or polyneuritis
• Seizures

What’s the Solution?

To reduce the risks associated with over-vaccination, I recommend a minimal vaccination approach that focuses on the following principles:

• Administer only core vaccines (such as rabies and parvovirus) when necessary.
• Space out vaccines to reduce stress on your dog’s immune system.
• Discuss titer testing with your vet to measure your dog’s immunity levels before giving boosters.

My Recommended Vaccination Strategy

Core Vaccines for Puppies:

• Canine Distemper Virus
• Parvovirus
• Rabies Virus (if required)

Puppy Vaccination Schedule:

• 8 weeks: Distemper & Parvovirus
• 12 weeks: Booster for Distemper & Parvovirus
• 6 months: Rabies vaccine (if required)

After the First Year:

• One additional booster for each core vaccine, or you can opt for a titer test first.

For Adult Dogs:

• Many core vaccinations provide long-term immunity, meaning frequent boosters may not be necessary.
• Your dog’s health isn’t about simply checking off vaccination boxes – it’s about doing what’s best for them.

P.S. In summary, I advocate for vaccinating much less, particularly after the first year of life, focusing on the core vaccines that are most essential for your dog’s health.

P.P.S. Vaccines are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to your pet’s long-term health. In fact, they may even be harming your dog. My complete supplement for dogs contains key ingredients to support your pet and help prevent diseases in the first place.

Check out Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Canine ADVANCED PLUS Health Formula to give your dog the best start in life!