27/05/2026
100% Human. No AI used in writing this post!
Vaccinations are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED by most vets. Many vets recommend ALL VACCINES, w***y nilly- both core, and non-core. (I don't agree with this!).
Being a holistic vet, I see a lot of clients who are (at the least) cautious about vaccinating their pets. I have also seen a lot of clients who have seen their pets injured by vaccinations. And a few who have lost pets because the vaccinations killed them, by triggering autoimmune diseases like immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia.
I am very minimal when it comes to vaccinating my own pets. Like a lot of breeders I've worked with over the years, I give my animals their puppy/kitten vaccinations, then no more. There is some risk in doing this, because sometimes the core vaccines last no more than 5-7 years.
So when should you vaccinate your pets?
And what vaccinations are really important, and likely to be useful?
This is where, when I'm helping people come to a good informed choice (which is a choice that you'll be happy with, no matter what the outcome is), I explore the RISK-BENEFIT ANALYSIS for this animal, in their unique circumstances.
The risk varies. For example, in Townsville, we used to have a serious PARVO outbreak every summer.
In Melbourne, Parvo is rare.
Distemper is vanishingly rare in cities, but if you are going out into the desert and your dog comes into contact with camp dogs, then the risk is significant. Likewise if you live where there are feral foxes.
If the risk is significant, then it may outweigh the risk of harm or injury from the vaccinations.
In any case, my strong advice is to always TITER TEST before revaccinating for all core vaccines. If you still have adequate antibodies, you won't need to re-vaccinate.
Some city dogs, if they have good parvo and canine hepatitis levels, but low distemper (because the risk of distemper in the city is generally very low) - then revaccinating may not be the best idea.
And I'll really want to avoid revaccinating ALL ANIMALS who have had ANY kind of vaccination reaction - even if they were mild.
Does this make sense to you? How do you decide around disease protection for your pets? Love to hear from you in the comments!
I help animals all over the world heal and be well + happy with holistic veterinary care, kind training, and energy healing. If you want me to help your pets, message me! Zoom and in person appts available.
