Annual Vaccines - Not for My Dog

Dr Jean Dodds Protocol Adopted by veterinary Schools

For many years a vaccine research scientist and practicing  California veterinarian, Dr Jean Dodd, DVM has been at the forefront of the wars against over vaccinating dogs.

A resource to dog guardians and veterinarians, Dr Dodd’s protocol has been adopted by all twenty seven North American veterinary schools.

Veterinary schools are now teaching that over-vaccination of dogs commonly called once a year booster is unnecessary, and may be harmful  to your dog’s health. 

There is a movement with regard to rabies vaccines as well that may extend the coverage period from 3 years in most states to as many as 10 before another vaccine is  required by law.

There is pushback from some vets who oppose the potential loss of income…their priority being their wallet and not the well being of your dog. Another reason to find a holistic vet to care for Fido.

The following is excerpted from Dr Dodd’s information as pertains to dogs… Read it and remember if a vet tries to push you into have multiple or annual vaccines for your best pal…

NEW PRINCIPLES OF IMMUNOLOGY

"Dogs …. Immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus (MLV) vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces an immunity which is good for the life of the pet (i.e: canine distemper, parvo, feline distemper)……..

Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.

"There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines."

Puppies receive antibodies through their mother's milk. This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks. Puppies…. should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8 weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0-38%) will be produced. Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, delay the timing of the first highly effective vaccine.

 Vaccinationsgiven 2 weeks apart suppress rather than stimulate the immune system. A series of vaccinations is given starting at 8 weeks and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 1 year 4 months) will provide lifetime immunity.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DOGS

Distemper & Parvo *"According to Dr. Schultz, AVMA, 8-15-95, when a vaccinations series given at 2, 3 & 4 months and again at 1 year with MLV,….. memory cells…. survive for life, providing lifelong immunity."

Bordetella Parainfluenza: Commonly called "Kennel cough".

Recommended only for those dogs boarded, groomed, taken to dog shows, or for any reason housed where exposed to a lot of dogs. The intranasal vaccine provides more complete and more rapid onset of immunity with less chance of reaction. Immunity requires 72 hours and does not protect from every cause of kennel cough. Immunity is of short duration (4 to 6 months).*

Rabies- There have been no reported cases of rabid dogs or cats in Harris, Montgomery or Ft. Bend Counties [ Texas ] but there have been rabid skunks and bats so the potential exists. It is a killed vaccine and must be given every year.

Lyme disease-Lyme disease is a tick born disease which can cause lameness, kidney failure and heart disease in dogs. Ticks can also transmit the disease to humans. The original Ft. Dodge killed bacteria has proven to be the most effective vaccine. Lyme disease prevention should emphasize early removal of ticks. Amitraz collars are more effective than Top Spot, as amitraz paralyzes the tick's mouthparts preventing transmission of disease.

Vaccinations NOT RECOMMENDED

Multiple components in vaccines compete with each other for the immune system and result in lesser immunity for each individual disease as well as increasing the risk of a reaction.

Canine Corona Virus is only a disease of puppies.

It is rare and dogs get well in 3 days without treatment.

Cornell & Texas A&M have only diagnosed one case each in the last 7 years. Corona virus does not cause disease in adult dogs.

Vaccinating for Profit
Most vets recommend annual boosters and most kennel operators require them.

For years, vets have misled clients into thinking that the inherent value of an annual office visit was in the "shots".

Little emphasis is given to the importance of a physical exam for early detection of treatable diseases. ….

CONCLUSION
Dogs…. no longer need to be vaccinated against distemper, parvo,….. every year. Once the initial series of puppy….. vaccinations and first annual vaccinations are completed, immunity from MLV vaccines persists for life.

DOGS Initial series of puppy vaccines
1. Distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parinfluenze - 3 sets one month apart
concluding at 16 weeks of age.*
2. Rabies at 16 weeks of age (later is better)
3. Bordetella within last 4-6 months

First annual (usually at 1 year and 4 months of age)*
1. DHP, Parvo, Rabies
2. Bordetella within last 4-6 months 2 years or older

1. Rabies within last year
2. Bordetella within last 4-6 months
3. DHP & Parvo given anytime over 6 months of age, but  not necessarily within the last year.

Recommended: Physical exam for transmissible diseases and health risks.