ARE PET VACCINATIONS NECESSARY AND ARE THEY SAFE ?

Vaccination protects pets against a variety of serious diseases which in the case of dogs usually include Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza Virus and Leptospirosis. Other vaccines may be used to protect against Rabies or Herpes. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies which protect against infections encountered in the environment. Sick or very young animals should not be vaccinated as the vaccine may not “take”. Depending upon the vaccines chosen it is usual to re-vaccinate for canine distemper every two years and a give a “booster” for infectious hepatitis every other year.

Adverse reactions can occur varying from rashes and irritation near the site of injection (usually treated with antihistamines) up to serious reactions and shock needing urgent treatment with cortisone and/or adrenaline injections.

Fortunately these are very rare but signs of sleepiness, raised temperature or other illness following vaccination may indicate the need for emergency treatment In a healthy pet the “annual booster” visit to the surgery may be the only opportunity the vet has to give a “check- up” examining eyes, ears and teeth and listening to heart and lungs.

WHAT ABOUT HOMOEOPATHIC VACCINES THEY HAVE NO SIDE EFFECTS?

Quite true but unfortunately they do not work either.  Research has shown that homoeopathic “nosode” vaccines neither stimulate immunity nor give any protection against disease.