I'm sure most folks have heard of the controversy regarding the necessity of vaccinating children. The question under debate is whether those vaccines are the cause of a number of childhood diseases that have apparently increased significantly since widespread vaccinations began (for example, autism.)
You may not be aware there is a lot of questioning in the pet world over the same issues.
People are questioning whether their veterinarian prescribed flea and tick medications are doing more harm than good, and whether the heartworm medication is truly helpful. Home remedies, both time tested and new, are either appearing on the market or being mixed up in home kitchens.
I regard all this questioning as goodness. It makes us better protectors and providers for our pets. Questioning also helps the vets and researchers include new ideas and medical concepts into their work.
One set of questioning focuses on the rabies vaccine. The argument goes that the initial rabies vaccination produces the desired antibodies in the pet's system--so why are there required booster vaccinations throughout a pet's lifetime?
I have heard there is a small but growing movement of people who are not submitting their pets to booster rabies vaccinations.
What are the factors that go into a decision like this?
These days it's sometimes hard to know whether to follow accepted medical/veterinarian procedures, or to walk an independent course. Wellness and alternative medicine practices can sometimes be difficult to evaluate.
One very important decision factor was recently brought to my attention while I was at a North Carolina Natural Sciences Museum gathering that included a number of veterinarians, vet students and members of the public.
Toward the end of the evening there was a short discussion on rabies vaccinations. A vet student asked this very question:
If the protective antibodies are already in a pet's system, why should that pet be required to submit to booster rabies vaccinations every few years?
The unscientific answer was surprising.
If your dog has not had the required vaccinations, and your dog is exposed to rabies, your dog will most likely be put down--by law. You will probably have no say in the matter.
Without
required vaccinations, groomers can refuse to clean your dog, boarding
facilities can refuse to care for your dog if you need to leave town.
And, if there were an emergency evacuation, your un-vaccinated dog may
have a hard time being sheltered (reminder: be sure to carry a copy of your dog's vaccination records in your disaster kit.)
I was fascinated how quickly the issue moved from the science of rabies vaccinations to the laws protecting people from this dreadful disease.
I'm interested to hear your thoughts on this matter.


