Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Durango Animal Hospital

2461 Main Ave

Durango, CO 81301 US

970-247-3174

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Virtual Office Tour
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
    • Services
    • Meet Our Team
  • Canine Rehabilitation
  • Pet Memorials
  • Contact Us
  • Veterinary Topics
    • Pet Health
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Finding Your Pet
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Exotics
        • Amphibians
        • Birds
        • Reptiles
          • Lizards
          • Turtles
      • Small Mammals
        • Ferrets
        • Rabbits
        • Domesticated Animals
        • Pocket Pets
          • Chinchillas
          • Guinea Pigs
          • Hamsters
          • Hedgehogs
          • Rats
      • Livestock
        • Cows
        • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
        • Goats
        • Pigs
        • Poultry
        • Sheep
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Children and Pets
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Behavior & Training
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Cats
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Pet Dangers
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Equine
      • Newsletter Archive
        • Fun with Pets
        • Unbelievable Pets
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Visiting the Vet >
  • Why the Controversy About Pet Vaccinations?

Why the Controversy About Pet Vaccinations?

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Visiting the Vet

As with anything, pet vaccinations can be too much of a good thing. Similar to parents who are learning more about vaccinations for children, veterinarians and pet owners alike are beginning to question some of the standard wisdom when it comes to protecting pets. There are certain fatal diseases against which every pet should be protected, but the questions now relate to some of the newer vaccines, how often pets should be vaccinated, and whether it is appropriate to vaccinate all pets against all diseases.

In Healthy Pets, Dr. Karen Becker conducted an in-depth interview with Dr. Ronald Schultz from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, a pioneering expert in the field of veterinary vaccines. Dr. Schultz explains that puppies and kittens are different from human babies when it comes to the need for vaccinations. If the mother cat or dog has been vaccinated, some level of protection is passed on to the puppies or kittens for the first few weeks of their lives. Once a human baby has been vaccinated against a certain disease, the immunizations are not repeated again.

Dr. Schultz recommends a vaccination protocol that calls for pets to receive initial puppy or kitten shots. They should then be vaccinated again at one year of age. After that, he recommends booster shots every three years or so. The core vaccines which he believes every dog should receive include distemper, parvo, adenovirus, and rabies. For cats, his recommended core vaccines include panleukopenia, calici, herpes, and rabies.

The ASPCA also discusses some of the benefits and risks of dog vaccinations. Similar to Dr. Schultz, they provide a list of core vaccines and also include non-core vaccines which are based on the individual dog. These may include protection against Bordetella bronchiseptica, Borrelia burgdorferi and Leptospira bacteria. For cats, the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) also recommends that serious consideration be given to the timing and need for receiving a full battery of vaccinations.

Pets usually tolerate vaccinations quite well; however, if you should observe any unusual symptoms in your pet after an injection such as a fever, sluggishness, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What does this mean for you as a pet owner? It means that you need to become an advocate on behalf of your pet’s health. Take steps at home to keep your pet healthy, visit your veterinarian on a yearly basis, and become educated on the benefits of pet vaccinations.

Sources:
Healthy Pets
ASPCA
AAHA

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Behavior & Training
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Cats
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Pet Dangers
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

Prescription Refill Request

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
    Learn More
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
    View Forms

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Friday:

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am

12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Wow! Thanks to all the staff at Anderson Vet Clinic. I feel like you all truly love what you do! My kitty, Lola and I always have such a pleasant experience when we come in. Fortunately, it’s usually just for a check-up, but I would not leave Lola in anyone else’s hands but yours. Thank you for your caring commitment!"
    Maya Smith / Los Angeles, CA
  • "I have benefited tremendously from the care my pet received from Dr. Anderson."
    John Doe / San Diego, CA

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • April Newsletter: Tips on Keeping Your Cat Calm through the Night

    Is your cat disturbing your sleep? Check out help your kitty stay calm. ...

    Read More
  • April Newsletter: Signs Your Dog May Have Bloat

    Do you know the signs that may mean your dog has bloat? ...

    Read More
  • March Newsletter: Care Tips for Your Pocket Pets

    Do you follow these pocket pet care guidelines? ...

    Read More
  • March Newsletter: First Time Pet Owner? Here's What You Need to Know

    Bring a pet home soon? Take a look a few things you should know. ...

    Read More
  • Caring for Your Older Pet

    Many of the same problems that affect people as they age, such as arthritis and diabetes, can also affect your pet. Making a few changes to the way you care for your furry friend will help you ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy as the years go by. Look for Common Signs of Illness Changes ...

    Read More
  • February Newsletter: Weird Things Your Cat Does and What They Mean

    Looking for an explanation for your cat's strange behaviors? ...

    Read More
  • February Newsletter: Where to Start When Training Your Puppy

    Is your puppy ready to be trained? ...

    Read More
  • January Newsletter: National Bird Day

    Got any plans for National Bird Day? ...

    Read More
  • January Newsletter: Don't Forget to Vaccinate Your Pets this Year

    Is pet vaccinated? ...

    Read More
  • December Newsletter: Cold Weather Tips for Your Pets

    Are your pets ready for winter weather? ...

    Read More

Contact Us

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map