Pet Shots Spook Pet Owners- a Guide to Pet Vaccinations

Has your pet experienced a bad reaction after having a shot for Rabies, Distemper, or Parvovirus? The pet groomer will not accept your dog because a shot is overdue. Does your condominium, apartment complex, or homeowners’ association require proof that your pet is up to date on all the necessary shots and vaccinations? Traveling and need a health certificate?

Increasingly, pet owners today are concerned about their pets receiving standard vaccinations every year and are seeking alternatives and answers. Pet parents have begun seeking veterinarians who offer more natural, non-traditional treatment protocols. Holistic and naturopathic vets emphasize nutrition, natural supplements, and lifestyle rather than adding more prescriptions to their pets’ routines.

Pet owners no longer adhere to the “one-size-fits-all” approach. Nowadays, pet parents seek personalized protocols to enhance their best friends’ health and wellness, including vaccinations.

Many informed pet owners opt for titers to prevent over-vaccination of their pets.
A titer is a blood test that shows if an individual has a protective level of immunity against a specific disease. Titers are available for Canine Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Distemper, Leptospirosis, and Rabies Virus. When the titer result is positive for a particular disease, pets can skip that vaccine, as it is considered unnecessary. Feline titers are available for cats

Dr. Carol Osborne – Integrative Veterinarian

Carol Osborne, an integrative veterinarian knowledgeable in both holistic and traditional medicine, recommends testing puppies after they have completed their initial vaccine series to ensure adequate protection. Instead of automatically re-vaccinating dogs and cats, she advises conducting titer tests to avoid over-vaccination. Osborne recommends titers testing at one- to three-year intervals depending on your dog’s age, health status, and vaccination history. Many dogs require evaluation every three years; however, working dogs, such as search and rescue dogs and police dogs, as well as those at elevated risk and immunocompromised dogs, should be evaluated more often.

Osborne advocates for knowledge and education, providing pet owners with the tools they need to make informed decisions. She states, “It is our responsibility to stay updated on the latest research, enabling us to empower pet owners to make evidence-based decisions without feeling pressured to adhere to traditional, outdated protocols.”
Accepting titer results often faces skepticism and confusion.

Accepting titer results often faces skepticism and confusion. 

Confronting groomers, boarding facilities, and airlines with a titer instead of a traditional vaccine certificate is frequently met with resistance or, in many cases, refusal to accept the animal. Conventional veterinarians may be reluctant to adopt or embrace titers due to their inability to stay current with the latest scientific advancements or a lack of understanding resulting from outdated educational backgrounds. Dr. Osborne advocates appropriate, not excessive, vaccination. Holistically dosing vaccines and offering mercury-free options minimizes the risk of toxicity and adverse reactions.

Most aspects of pet healthcare can be targeted and individualized, just as they are for people. Elderly pets, immune-compromised animals, and those suffering from chronic health conditions are, by definition, vulnerable. As a result, they are more susceptible to experiencing setbacks from excessive vaccines and unnecessary year-round pesticide ingestion from toxic flea and tick products. Once pet owners understand the benefits and risks of vaccines and other pet products and procedures, they become empowered to make informed decisions based on their pet’s best interests, rather than adhering to outdated data and tradition.

Today’s world is evolving at an unprecedented rate. According to Osborne, “keeping our pets’ health and wellness at the forefront requires veterinarians to embrace all the tools available to help pets and their people enjoy the healthiest, happiest days together for as long as possible.