I discussed in a previous article the problems with vaccines for dogs and cats today and the confusion that many pet parents face. Should you give vaccines to your cat or dog, and if so, how often, and what diseases should you vaccinate for?

Most conventional veterinarians would advise “vaccinate for all diseases, and administer booster shots every year”. I do not advise this approach.

Most veterinary schools are now advising alternate vaccine protocols, in light of the new evidence. They are suggesting fewer vaccines, less often. Research is now showing that vaccine immunity is lasting much longer than previously believed. In fact, a vaccine given at 1 year of age (or less) may provide a lifelong immunity. Draw the analogy to people and the Tetanus vaccine: it needs to be boosted once every 10 years or longer, and this may be similar with our pets.

Vaccines do help prevent serious illness and disease, in truth. But they should be used with caution - never take the issue lightly. Before you decide to vaccinate your pet, consider the risk. For example, if your cat is an indoor-only cat and will never be exposed to other cats or non-vaccinated animals, the risk of infection is quite low. But if you have a dog who is often boarded at the kennel or is frequently at a busy dog day care, then he may have a high risk of exposure to many diseases.

The decision about vaccinating your dog or cat is an individual one, and it should be guided by your own research before you go to your veterinarian. Take the time to speak with several veterinarians and others in the pet health industry in your local area, and find out what the common diseases are, and what your cat or dog could be exposed to.

If you would like to know more, visit one of my sites - see the resource box below for a link to VeterinarySecretsRevealed or TheOnlineVet - and send me an email with the request. I’ll send you my Vaccine Report, with my recommendations. In the meantime, all the best wishes to you and your furry children!