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HomeCareExploring the Anti-Vaccination Movement for Canines

Exploring the Anti-Vaccination Movement for Canines

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A significant discussion is brewing among dog owners about their pets’ health. While not new, the canine vaccination debate is one that deserves a closer look, especially when considering canine vaccine side effects.

Chihuahua and small dog owners hold opposing viewpoints on the issue, and making an informed decision is a critical part of pet ownership. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), pet vaccinations teach their immune system “how to recognize and fight off certain disease-causing agents.” The AVMA recommends “core” vaccines for all dogs, unless there’s a medical reason to avoid them.

Core and Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) describes these core shots as Parvovirus, Adenovirus-2 (Hepatitis), Distemper, Leptospira, and Rabies, the latter generally required by law.

Puppies follow a vaccination schedule from 8 to 16 weeks, with doses 2-4 weeks apart. In adulthood, the AAHA recommends annual vaccination, or once every three years, depending on your vet’s recommendation or legal requirements.

Non-core vaccinations, such as Bordetella (kennel cough) and Canine Influenza, are based on a pet’s location and exposure risk. 

a person in pink gloves holding a needle to a dog
Some pet owners worry about exposure to preventable diseases. Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.

Concerns About Canine Vaccine Side Effects

However, skepticism surrounds the safety and benefits of vaccinating dogs. Connecticut vet Dr. John Robb believes the typical vaccine schedule can lead to health problems, especially in small pets like Chihuahuas.

As reported by The People’s Voice, potential canine vaccine side effects, “vomiting, tumors at the injection site, immune diseases and even death from anaphylaxis” are concerns. For Dogs Naturally Magazine, Dana Scott writes, “A 160-pound Mastiff and a 10-pound Chihuahua both get the same amount of vaccine […]. Unlike every other veterinary drug, 1 ml of vaccine is given to every dog, regardless of his size,” further stoking the flames for dog anti-vaxxers.

Titre Testing as an Alternative

Dr. Robb is confident titre testing can be used to detect whether a pet’s existing antibodies are sufficient to fight disease, which may help address the Chihuahua vaccine controversy. He also founded Protect the Pets, to advocate for “veterinarians to make decisions that are in the best interest” of animals, prevent over-vaccination of pets that “can lead to illness or death,” and educate pet owners about potential dangers of vaccination. This alternative approach is gaining traction among pet owners who worry about canine vaccine side effects in their small dogs.

a person holding a syringe and a needle
Small dog owners focus on the potential dangers of vaccination and canine vaccine side effects. Photo by Hannah Barata.

The Debate Over Vaccination Risks

According to Consumer Reports, Stephanie Liff, D.V.M., owner of Pure Paws Veterinary Care in NYC, has received vaccine push-back from 3 percent of her patients due to pet owner vaccination concerns.

However, vaccine advocates stress the importance of regular shots to avoid future illness. The AVMA says that stimulating antibody production to counteract bad agents in advance can “prevent or lessen the severity of future disease.” It’s their belief that periodic vaccines can improve your pet’s quality of life. This would ideally limit the spread of animal diseases among the other pets in your home and the community. 

Are Dog Vaccines Safe?

Consumer Reports also writes that what was once “100 [rabies] cases per year at the turn of the century [is now] just one or two per year” in domesticated pets. The same article deems dog vaccines to be safe, stating that the side effects are generally mild, and allergic reactions are uncommon.

“The risk of a bad reaction is rare, according to [Lori Bierbrier, D.V.M.],” a veterinarian and medical director of the Community Medicine program at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). These can range from vomiting and diarrhea to swelling and difficulty breathing, and the AVMA recommends an emergency vet visit in such life-threatening cases. Still, some owners remain concerned about canine vaccine side effects, especially for toy breeds like Chihuahuas.

Personal Stories and Online Discussions

Online anecdotes reveal opinions from both sides of the spectrum. Some feel their pets succumbed to the dangers of vaccines. Others believe their pets were harmed by what they consider irresponsible owners with unvaccinated dogs.

Below The People’s Voice article, one user is “convinced that’s what killed [their] very healthy 8-year-old German Shepard. He suddenly dropped dead one week after receiving vaccines.”

Several others agree with this sentiment, while another laments, “As an […] ER/Crit Care vet, I have hospitalized, treated, and unfortunately euthanized many horrible cases of unvaccinated puppies with parvo virus.” The same user writes that proper vaccination could’ve prevented their deaths. 

a man and woman looking at a dog
Advocates on both sides of the argument have important questions and concerns. Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko.

Catherine O’Driscoll, who wrote “Why I Don’t Vaccinate My Dogs At All,” for Dogs Naturally Magazine, describes an epidemic of chronic health issues. She notes a rise in allergies and autoimmune diseases among dogs caused by “the introduction of modified live virus vaccines.” After losing her own vaccinated pets to cancer and leukemia, she decided to avoid them altogether, saying she’d “rather risk viral disease […] than have them suffer from the epidemic and fatal illness that is gripping the canine population.” She believes that more research is needed to fully understand canine vaccine side effects and how they impact different breeds.

In the Reddit thread “Majority of US dog owners now skeptical of vaccines,” commenters debate the hot topic. “Unvaxxed dogs would be euthanized in my state […] I don’t think people realize how serious this can be,” one user says. Another writes, “Parvo will kill your dog and rabies will 100% kill you.” Others describe the horrible after-effects their pets have suffered. “My cat developed [an injection site sarcoma] and had to have her leg amputated to avoid the cancer spreading,” one recalls. Both sides appear unwavering in their opinions.

How to Talk to Your Vet About Vaccination

So, how can you have a constructive conversation with your vet about vaccinating your Chihuahua? Educating yourself on the core vaccines and their efficacy, risks, and benefits is always a good idea. Your pet’s background, activity level, age, and how often they encounter other animals should also be discussed with your veterinarian. If you have concerns, bring those to your vet to illustrate your point of view. They can help tailor a vaccination schedule to your pet’s specific needs, ultimately providing proper protection and the best possible outcome for your furry friend while addressing concerns about canine vaccine side effects.

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Jolie Lindholm
Jolie Lindholm
The daughter of unique custom home builders, Jolie Lindholm grew up in small towns on Long Island before settling in Florida for college. While there, she met her husband and partner-in-crime—and their Chihuahua Ziggy, who rules the roost. Her sci-fi, tragedy, and thriller flash fiction stories have found homes in several publications like Shotgun Honey and 365 Tomorrows. When not weaving tales, she’s a journalist, an English tutor, a musician, and a proofreader for Bored Panda. Always ready to explore new worlds—on the page and in real life—she brings creativity and imagination to every project she tackles.
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