May 20, 2011
My 12 week old puppy is scheduled for his next round of shots today. He just had vaccinations 3 weeks ago but I'm scared if I don't take him that I'll cause him harm. What should I do?
Full Question:
Dear Mr. Frawley,HELP!
I have a beautiful 12 week old purebred black German Shepherd puppy named Kincade. Against my better judgment I had him vaccinated at 9 weeks for Parvo and Distemper. I am in the process of moving, but presently live in an apartment and was terribly afraid he would pick up something since I cannot control the environment. He has had no reactions thus far and I feel very blessed and am praying he is fine.
So he is supposed to go in for his next round of shots TODAY! And I don't want to take him! I don't understand why he needs the same shots 3 weeks later. It seems unsafe and redundant. But because of where I live I am terribly afraid that if I don't vaccinate him I may harm him. I have read and read, but I need some advice. I know you don't vaccinate your dogs at all and I completely understand and hope I can do the same, but I imagine you can control your dogs' environment very well considering your home and lifestyle, whereas I presently cannot. What should I do? He is scheduled for more shots at 16 weeks too of course. This is my very first puppy and I want him to be healthy and happy and well but I am lacking the expertise to know when he is sick or needs help... I am not adept at recognizing canine health problems. This also makes me fearful of not getting vaccines. I am staunchly protective of any person or animal in my care, it's just my nature, but somehow I found myself bowing to the vet's suggestions at his first visit and he got some shots I didn't want, like hepatitis and parainfluenza virus. I am afraid I will be ramrodded again.
Kincade is incredibly smart, learning quickly and exhibiting great prey drive (though he is a biting monster...any suggestions PLEASE??!), he is beautiful and regal with tremendous potential and I feel so lucky to have found him. He is and will always be on a RAW diet with added oils and supplements and I have read so many of your articles and just received your videos...trying to implement your techniques and follow your methods. As you can see, I am devoted to raising my pup right and taking good care of him, but I am not sure what to do about these vaccinations. I just want to do right by him. Please help!
Thank you so much!
Jessica
Cindy's Answer:
Due to the volume of mail we receive, it's not always possible to answer the same day. I apologize for the delay.
Either way, it's best to do your research for the pros and cons of vaccination or NO vaccinations for you and your pup. Merely following a vets advice OR following our advice doesn't educate you on how vaccines work and what is best for the overall health of your dog.
I'm not a big proponent of telling folks what to do, but would rather encourage you to sort out the scare tactics and misinformation from solid fact. Vaccinations every 3 weeks is excessive and dangerous. Regardless of whether you did or did not vaccinate your puppy again this week. Here are the books I recommend, Shock to the System and Vaccine Guide for Dogs and Cats.
Do lots of reading and research, and make decisions that feel right for YOU and YOUR puppy. We choose not to vaccinate based on years of experience with raising dogs, and years of experience working in the veterinary field. If one of my dogs has a medical problem, I am more than capable or recognizing that problem early and treating the dog for any illnesses myself (with vet supervision). I can give injections, draw blood, analyze fecal samples and give IV fluids. Most dog owners can't do this. I will also say that I don't sequester my dogs in order to protect them from disease. My dogs go everywhere I do, and start attending training sessions and seminars very early. I DO NOT take them to dog parks, vet offices, pet superstores. If I am at a dog event with a puppy, I make sure to keep them away from the communal bathroom areas designated for the dogs and I don't allow them to make physical contact with dogs from outside our family.
I would also mention that if you have a vet that is pressuring you into something, then I'd find a new vet. Many vets seem to forget that they work for YOU, they are offering a service based business. If you don't get the service you like or are comfortable with, then find one that is a better fit for you and your pup.
Here's an article on puppy biting.
You can try using the search function on the website to find the answer to any additional questions. It is located in the left hand corner of every page on our website. Simply type in your search terms or key words and you will be directed to articles, question & answers, free streaming videos and posts on our forum.
I hope this helps, enjoy your puppy. Cindy
Either way, it's best to do your research for the pros and cons of vaccination or NO vaccinations for you and your pup. Merely following a vets advice OR following our advice doesn't educate you on how vaccines work and what is best for the overall health of your dog.
I'm not a big proponent of telling folks what to do, but would rather encourage you to sort out the scare tactics and misinformation from solid fact. Vaccinations every 3 weeks is excessive and dangerous. Regardless of whether you did or did not vaccinate your puppy again this week. Here are the books I recommend, Shock to the System and Vaccine Guide for Dogs and Cats.
Do lots of reading and research, and make decisions that feel right for YOU and YOUR puppy. We choose not to vaccinate based on years of experience with raising dogs, and years of experience working in the veterinary field. If one of my dogs has a medical problem, I am more than capable or recognizing that problem early and treating the dog for any illnesses myself (with vet supervision). I can give injections, draw blood, analyze fecal samples and give IV fluids. Most dog owners can't do this. I will also say that I don't sequester my dogs in order to protect them from disease. My dogs go everywhere I do, and start attending training sessions and seminars very early. I DO NOT take them to dog parks, vet offices, pet superstores. If I am at a dog event with a puppy, I make sure to keep them away from the communal bathroom areas designated for the dogs and I don't allow them to make physical contact with dogs from outside our family.
I would also mention that if you have a vet that is pressuring you into something, then I'd find a new vet. Many vets seem to forget that they work for YOU, they are offering a service based business. If you don't get the service you like or are comfortable with, then find one that is a better fit for you and your pup.
Here's an article on puppy biting.
You can try using the search function on the website to find the answer to any additional questions. It is located in the left hand corner of every page on our website. Simply type in your search terms or key words and you will be directed to articles, question & answers, free streaming videos and posts on our forum.
I hope this helps, enjoy your puppy. Cindy
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