To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That's become the burning question of many dog owners in this day and age. I'm not a veterinarian Red Chris Bosh Jersey , just a regular pet owner like yourself, but would like to impart the information I've found regarding regular vaccinations for animals. You can then make your own decision.


I came across much of this information when researching information on vaccinations for children, of all things. What I found shocked me. So, I figured if this is what is being injected into young babies and children Red Ryan Anderson Jersey , I had to ask myself - what is being injected into our pets? Here is what I've found.


Why Do We Vaccinate Our Pets?


In centuries past, most animals were allowed to have the run of the roads with little supervision. Over the years leash laws have been enforced and most pet owners keep their dogs leashed or fenced within their yards. If taking your dog for a walk, the majority of areas require you to keep your pet on a leash (although there are more open no-leash areas springing up). Still, most canines are now supervised or owners face a fine for allowing them to run loose.


Vaccinations are given to "prevent" your dog from contracting particularly harmfulfatal infections from other animals. The vaccinations given come in two forms - killed viruses or non-pathogenic (modified live versions) of the virus. The vaccinations are designed to sensitize your pet's immune system and causes it to produce anti-bodies should your pet be exposed to certain viruses. The modified live vaccinations are "suppose" to provide a longer and better immune response over the killed vaccines.


However Red Dion Waiters Jersey , in some recent studies it's been found that most vaccinations will provide so-called immunity for 5 years and often longer. I say "so-called" because these vaccines don't actually prevent the animal from getting the disease and in many cases, may actually cause it.


When Are The Recommended Vaccines Given?


Just like human babies, puppies (and kittens) when first born are provided with a natural immunity from their mothers for the first few weeks. The initial vaccination shots are then usually given between 8 and 12 weeks of age, with boosters routinely given yearly thereafter.


If you choose to vaccinate your dog - or if it is currently required by law in your area - then You should only vaccinate your dog if it is healthy. If your dog is sick or has a chronic illness Red Alonzo Mourning Jersey , it is advised that you postpone any vaccinations until they are well.


Should your dog require surgery in the near future and is due for their shots, you should have them vaccinated several weeks beforehand, not at the time of surgery. Their bodies will be under stress at that time and the vaccination itself can cause major problems.


If you choose to have standard vaccinations given by your veterinarian, be sure to request that they be administered separately as opposed to a multivalent vaccination (combination). In this way Red Jimmy Butler Jersey , you can monitor any side-effects that may occur and know which vaccine has caused it.


Government laws will usually require you to vaccinate your dog for parvo virus (a mutation of feline distemper which causes heart disease), canine distemper and rabies. However, the rabies vaccination should really not be given at the same time as other vaccinations.


Many homeopathic veterinarians recommend that you do not vaccinate for leptospirosis, hepatitis or parainfluenza and that you vaccinate only every 2 to 3 years instead of giving them yearly shots in order to reduce the risk of side effects.


The Problems Associated With Traditional Vaccinations


Controversy has grown over whether to vaccinate or not because of the potential side effects caused by many vaccines. Some are not very effective and others can have short and long-term serious side effects. A study in the United Kingdom by Canine Health Concern in March 2001 has found that 1 in 10 dogs suffer from side effects from regular rabies vaccinations which is contradictory to the vaccine-manufacturers claim that less than 15 adverse reactions occur out of 100 Red Goran Dragic Jersey ,000 companion animals vaccinated.


It's been noted that yearly vaccines can increase the frequency and severity of side-effects, most notably the problems that involve the animal's immune system. Vaccinations are designed to stimulate the immune system in an unnatural way and your dog's body could potentially over-react to the stimulus causing allergies and skin problems. More frightening is the fact that the over stimulated immune system can cause your pet's body to produce anti-bodies against itself (autoimmune disease). Traditional vaccinations have also been shown to increase the likelihood of infections in pets from ear infections to bladder problems to cancer.


What's In Those Vaccines?


Well, aside from the live or dead virus, most people would be shocked and horrified to learn what else is included in those "safe" shots.


For example Authentic Glen Rice Jersey , did you know that vaccinations (for both animals AND humans - yes, these poisons are being injected into your children too) contain Thimerosal, which is made up of ethyl mercury. This is a highly toxic metal that affects the neurological system in all animals. It can also affect the immune system, motor coordination Authentic Shaquille O'Neal Jersey , increase behavioral dysfunctions, and appears to be linked to autism in humans.


Here's an eye opener. Uranium is the most poisonous substance known to man... mercury comes in second. Once it enters the body through ingestion, injection or inhalation, it continues to accumulate. In other words Authentic Tim Hardaway Jersey , human and animal bodies cannot easily clear mercury from their systems.


Aluminum is another toxic metal found in vaccinations, which many of us know has been linked to Alzheimer's.


Formaldehyde is used as a preservative and a tissue fixative. Think about that for a moment. Formaldehyde is