Is Your Dog's Yearly Rabies Vaccine Really Necessary?
Over the past ten years or so, researchers have been testing how long the vaccines last. And, it looks like we have been over dosing our pets. The finding demonstrates that one rabies vaccine can provide immunity for "a proven" seven years maybe even for the dog's life time. I first heard this year's ago, and I have not given any of my pets annual rabies shot since, just the "core" vaccines. They are all healthy and happy. Today most professionals accept the findings as fact, as demonstrated in The American Animal Hospital Association 2006 Canine vaccine guidelines.
It suggests, "there is no scientific basis for the recommendation to revaccinate dogs annually since current vaccines provides years of immunity". Other research has found revaccinating with the vaccines we know work for seven years or more does not increase your dog's immunity to that disease. In addition, over doing it can cause side effects ranging to anything from fever, sore joints to liver and kidney failure, it is rare but can happen.
Even with all the evidence, which shows the rabies vaccine last for years most cities and counties have not changed their ordinances and the ones that have only extended it by a year or two. Like my county, it is required every three years. However, I still get those yearly "reminders" from the vet. I guess they hope I am a sucker and do not know the new rules. Or, that I am one of those people that still do it yearly. I think that is shady business dealing.
The costs of vaccines are outrageous, and keep going up. It is not surprising though, since they have to make up for the lost income somehow. They have to be losing a lot of money, last time my dog got a rabies shot it was 13.00 dollars. It used to be 8.00 just a few years back, and that was over priced.
I do not want to diminish the importance of the "core" vaccines, they are very necessary to your puppy or kitty's health. Do Not Skip them. Make sure your pet is old enough to be vaccinated. You can do all but the rabies at home. The 7-in-one shot can be bought at most Wal-Marts and feed stores. Ask someone that works there or a friend with pets if you are not sure, the box is usually clear as to what it is for. However if you are not comfortable giving your dog a shot get someone else that can or go to the vet. You do not want to freak out with the needle in the dog you may hurt him.
The exception to revaccinating is when a disease present in your area. In addition, do not forget to worm your pets too. They will love you even more for keeping them healthy
Published by Niki
A short biography huh, well none of my stories are short and most people wouldn't believe them anyways. I had some crazy stuff happen to me. I'm a Cha Cha Guide, blogger, freelance writer/web designer,... View profile
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11 Comments
Post a CommentThe old equine medical and surgery manuals of the 1950s stated clearly that every rabies vaccine given took 1-3 years off an animals life. The vaccine has not changed since. Insurers of show horses would deny coverage if regular rabies shots were given. Our cities and government will always be more interested in earning a buck. Always. And unfortunately given many vets know they will realize a 70-80 percent drop in income if the shots were given even only 3 years they are certainly not going to step forward to the governments to protect our animals. Most killed vaccines have a life span of 5-7 years. Live vaccines while not as safe last for life. Such as your polio vaccine - we just got one. Money is the determining factor - always.
If you dont want to expose your animal to unneeded vaccines tell the city your dog ran away and dont register them any more
2 Anonymous, what the hell does that even mean
you are a complete god there isn't even a word for your level of absolute ignorance.
yo halloween, i think he was just talkin rabies :p
Thank you all for the great info, it relieves my mind to believe that one rabies shot will do. My cat Casey (aka Casey Son) was bitten by a raccoon on our back porch, any way, he is 5 yrs and neutered, I mentioned neutered because that is the only time he has been to the vet. At that time he got his shots right? WE use two different vets and neither vet keeps records past 4 years so I have no proof of his shots, meanwhile, I took him to get check to see if he was actually bitten. They said yes, but since I no proof of his shots and they don't either he will have to be quarantined for 6 mths or put down. Well, you know my decision he is my son, now I have to build a cage to met the requirements of the health dept. which means a double wall that is 18" apart with another holding cage for him when I clean the litter box and the (Penthouse ) as I like call it. Fortunately I can put this fortress in my room in the airconditioning. And after all is made the county health inspector will come
em... I would never skip out my dogs vaccines. Especially parvo. It could save his/her life.
the 7-in-one shot I mention is the same one that a vet would give your puppy, it is for thing like distemper and paravio (I don't think I spelled that right?)and your dog needs those ones.
I live in a county that recently changed the rabies vaccine requirement to every three years, so I'm fortunate. But Tiffany is right, my vet now charges more for the 3-year vaccine, even though it's exactly the same as the 1-year, to try to make up for any loss of income.
Many people, including vets, think that (among other things, like poor-quality commercial pet foods) frequent vaccinations have caused the increase in cancers, behavior problems, and autoimmune disease in dogs and cats that we are all witnessing. I don't know if I'd recommend that 7-in-one vaccine you mention, because giving an animal a powerful combo shot like that can wreak havoc on his health. It's better to do it in stages, and to avoid yearly shots altogether, as you suggest.
In response to nicole:
Why? Just because the vet says so? If the "law" says every three years, I do not care what the vet says. They are just trying not to lose money, with lies. My vet charges three times the price for the three year vaccine, when the old one-year ones work pretty much for the dogs life. In the end it is a personal choice.
Most vets have been doing 3 year rabies, and are now starting 3 year for the core vacc too. But if your vet does this, you still need to bring in your dog yearly for an exam