Recently, I had a client whose dog had a bad reaction to a vaccination. Although vaccinations are now a regular part of vet care for our pets, it’s a topic that has its share of controversy. In this article, I want to talk about the protective value of vaccines, as well as some of the negative effects attributed to them, and what to watch out for if you do decide to vaccinate your pet.
Many of us think of vaccines as a safe and necessary part of pet ownership. In the city of Fremont where I live, pet ownership requires proof of vaccination as part of its licensing system. But, like any medical treatment today, vaccinating pets has its advocates and opponents.
Opposition to vaccines in general has existed since its discovery and use, and in the last few years, more and more vets and pet owners have raised concerns about pet vaccinations and how necessary they are. Some even question their safety, claiming they might actually cause illnesses.
In general, the pros and cons are:
