Vaccinations are a hotly contested topic in their uses among humans and pets. This article of course deals with the latter. Yes, there are warnings galore against vaccinations and their particular side-effects. Some research suggests that immunizations are not needed annually after either one or two years (possibly dependent upon species, location, or other factors). Still, a Titer blood test should be done in order to determine whether or not your pet really needs an immunization. It isn’t this article’s intention to advocate for or against. It would be wrong and irresponsible to factor your choice based on one source. You as a conscientious owner would do well to perform as much research as is humanly possible on the matter. Pros, cons, articles discussing new breakthroughs in vaccinations, etc. It’s a touchy subject, and not one to be taken lightly. After all, your pet’s life may depend upon your decision one day.
Heartworm, Hookworm, Roundworm, Fleas, & Ticks
The debate over heartworm, roundworm and hookworm medications and their use is far-reaching and highly contested. Really, what it boils down to is this: You are Buffy’s best advocate. If you can’t make up your mind about what to do for her, no one will. Granted, there are certain parts of the world (the tropics for instance) where not guarding vigilantly against heartworm in particular is definitely asking for trouble and possibly a tragically shortened life for Buffy. This is well known. For the unknown quantities, your vet certainly knows about the area in which you live, and will be a veritable font of information. Just ask him or her. He or she can easily help you decide, based on different factors, what your best options are.
Fleas and Ticks – Annoying Pest and More
Whatever one may feel about vaccinations and most other medications, one thing the controversies can’t touch is the ubiquitous threat presented by fleas and ticks. Ticks are disease carriers to be avoided like…well, like the plague. They are additionally, an irritant to Buffy’s skin. They’re quite similar to a human case of head lice. If left untreated, they will not only infest Buffy, but your home. They burrow into the carpets and will assuredly find their way into your clothing, furniture – anywhere that affords them a safe shelter and ready meal, which you, your family, and your dog are serving up like a buffet. If that analogy concerns you, don’t delay in combating this particular nuisance. Handle it when the problem is still small, before it becomes something worse, to say nothing of far more expensive.
Fleas thrive in warm climates. The colder it gets, the sooner they perish. In warm climates/times of year (for those locations that actually have discernible seasons), use a multi-purpose flea and tick collar for your dogs. Conversely, you can ask your vet what he or she thinks.
Over-Vaccinations
Are we over-vaccinating our pets? Some would say yes. Humans do not get annual vaccinations, so why should our pets? Immunity lasts for years, or the life of the animal, whichever comes first. Still, some vets will heavily advocate routine vaccinations out of a fear for an outbreak of (for instance) canine parvovirus. Some considerations a pet owner can make in regards to vaccinations are these:
1. Is the disease serious, perhaps even life threatening?
2. Is there potential risk for the animal to be exposed in the first place?
3. Is the vaccine for the disease is known to be effective?
We cannot ask our pets what their thoughts are, so we as dutiful owners must consider every option, for good or ill, respecting the gravitas of the matter. If we don’t, we may put our pets at risk.