The Immunization Debate
For the past 20 years a debate has been brewing about vaccination. While the medical practice is still considered valid, there is concern about how often we are vaccinating our dogs. Where once the norm was to give your canine companion a yearly vaccination against a variety of diseases, doubt has set in.
Vets are beginning to question the frequency of shots. This is opening up a debate on how often you should give your dog shots. The question is also being asked about on what vaccinations your dog may actually need.
What is a Vaccine?
A vaccine is a medical substance consisting of antigens. Antigens are any substance that stimulates a response in the immune system. Its intent is to protect against any further exposure to a specific disease. This is called immunization. The injection of the antigen into the body is called vaccination.
Common Canine Vaccines
Dogs receive vaccinations against a number of diseases. Some are generally common wherever you and your dog may live. Some are more regional. Some vaccines were once only given regionally. Today, the spread of some diseases or health problems has resulted in wider spread immunization programs.
Among the many vaccines, several are considered core or essential shots. These are the vaccinations for rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. These can and will affect all dogs. In many localities, the rabies shot is mandatory. Other vaccinations are given only to those dogs whose situation or location requires it, e.g., against Lyme Disease.
Pros And Cons Of Vaccination
There are both pros and cons of giving your dog vaccinations. The most obvious positive of giving your dog vaccinations is protection. Vaccinations are protective measures. They help your dog fight against diseases. They are safe to administer but, as many would argue, there is a health risk. In fact, some vaccinations can be linked to health problems in certain breeds.
Vaccinations can and do cause allergic reactions in some dogs. In rare cases, there are also seizures. Increasingly veterinarians are finding problems with certain types of dogs. Among these are Akitas, Dachshunds, Old English Sheepdogs, Weimaraners and West Highland Terriers.
Practices
Originally, vets combined many of the antigens into a single shot. This was called the DHLPPC or DALPPC. The letters stand for the bacterial or viral infections the vaccines were immunizing against. Concerns soon arose that the combination would cause an overload of the system. The shots were then divided into 2 different vaccinations.
The period of booster or renewal shots has begun to increase. At one point vaccinations were scheduled on an annual basis. Since then, after the dog has received its booster at a year old, shots can be given once every 3 years. Your vet may recommend instead a 2-year period. Some vets instead rely on a titer test to determine the amount of antigens in the dog’s system. The theory is if there is enough within the dog to protect him or her from the disease, there is no need to vaccinate for that specific year.
Conclusion
Vaccinations remain a necessary part of maintaining a healthy canine companion. They are part of a preventive protective system. What is of concern is the specific regime of administration. While it is generally agreed vaccinations are required to keep your pet safe from certain diseases, the frequency of the shots has come increasingly into question. No doubt the debate will continue. Take the time to research and talk to your vet before you decide upon your own stance.