We must stop over-vaccination! - Page 5 - Chihuahua Forum : Chihuahua Breed Dog Forums

Stewbs · #33 01-24-2013, 12:48 PM

Why is heartworm prevention bad? I am caring for my girlfriend's Mega-Chihuahua (12 lb boy) right now and I was considering putting him on heartguard or similar because I now live in Florida... he used to live in PA where it is not needed.

Background: I am a medical doctor (disclosing bc not trying to ambush anyone)

MMS · #34 01-24-2013, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewbs

Why is heartworm prevention bad? I am caring for my girlfriend's Mega-Chihuahua (12 lb boy) right now and I was considering putting him on heartguard or similar because I now live in Florida... he used to live in PA where it is not needed.

Background: I am a medical doctor (disclosing bc not trying to ambush anyone)

Heart worm preventative is bad b/c it is poison. So, you are poisoning your dog just in case he may contract the parasite... which the majority of dogs will not even come into contact with in their lifetime.

This is off a website pushing the use of the preventative:

DogAware.com Articles: Heartworm Prevention in Dogs

Heartworm preventatives work by killing heartworm larvae that have already infected the dog, but before they can mature into adult worms that cause damage. When you give your dog heartworm preventative, you are killing any larvae that have infected your dog within the last one to two months. Any larvae that have been in your dog longer than 60 days are more likely to survive the treatment and go on to mature into adult worms.

Also, your dog may become infected the day after you give heartworm preventative, the drugs do not provide any future protection at all.

ljwilson · #35 01-24-2013, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erinself

I am so glad I came across this post. I am wondering at what age should they get their first puppy vaccines? Is an all-in-one ok for them? I think that is all the place I am going does. They are a non-profit place that does low cost vacs and neutering. I know there are some scary illnesses that are quite common for dogs that these vacs can prevent so I want to get them done at least initially. Some people think I am a horrible mom but I do not vaccinate my children. The incidences of the diseases these shots are supposed to prevent are either so rare or not serious enough to risk the many many potential problems that come from the vaccines, which are much more common than the actual diseases. If you look at it like this: there is a (say .o125%) chance (not exact number, don't have it memorized) that a child will get pertussis. Only possibly 10% of those cases cause serious problems. But there is something like an 8% chance that a child can get problems like Autism and paralysis from these vaccines! So, yeah, I don't vaccinate my children. That said, parvovirus, rabies, and heartworm are much more common so I do believe dogs should get them initially. Anyway... enough rambling... what age should I get the initial puppy vaccines done?

Just so you know, the man who did research saying that children can get autism from vaccines was proven that he faked all of his research. People can't get autism from a vaccine. This is a huge myth that a lot of people still believe.

Rubyannie · #36 01-24-2013, 02:43 PM

I only ever have my dogs vacs done as puppies, then one booster only. I've had various breeds for 30 years and they never contracted any canine deseases. I think over vaccinating causes more harm than good.

erinself · #37 01-24-2013, 02:49 PM

That's what they say.... but I personally know children who were perfectly normal, happy little children one week and then after being vaccinated they were never the same. Also there are more children who die every year from complications due to the pertussis vaccine in the US than have died in the history of pertussis in England, where they do not vaccinate for it- and our kids still get pertussis! Not going to debate it I just wanted to add to this conversation but I have done a ton of research and I believe it is what is best for my children and myself.

Stewbs · #38 01-24-2013, 03:23 PM

Have you ever seen a baby in critical care because his mother was a carrier of pertussis (which can sometimes only manifest as mild cold-like symptoms in adults) and ignorantly refused his vaccine? I have. It was awful and could have been prevented.

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Zorana1125 · #39 01-24-2013, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewbs

Why is heartworm prevention bad? I am caring for my girlfriend's Mega-Chihuahua (12 lb boy) right now and I was considering putting him on heartguard or similar because I now live in Florida... he used to live in PA where it is not needed.

Background: I am a medical doctor (disclosing bc not trying to ambush anyone)

I hate to say it's bad, but it may not be necessary depending on where you live. I went to a vaccine/heartworm seminar given by a holistic vet and he told us his recommendation for our area, basically to give it from April to October every 45 days. Drug companies push every 30 for more $$$$ and it's easier to remember. Studies have been done to show the 1/2 life and effectiveness of every 45 days.
Being that you like in Florida, may need to give them year round.
Check this link out if you have time, I have this book and it is a really good start into learning about dog food, vaccines, titers, heartworm, ect

http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/0...cation-safety/

Also, I am a pharmacist so I am pro drugs when we and our pets need them.

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KrystalLeigh · #40 01-24-2013, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zorana1125

I hate to say it's bad, but it may not be necessary depending on where you live. I went to a vaccine/heartworm seminar given by a holistic vet and he told us his recommendation for our area, basically to give it from April to October every 45 days. Drug companies push every 30 for more $$$$ and it's easier to remember. Studies have been done to show the 1/2 life and effectiveness of every 45 days.
Being that you like in Florida, may need to give them year round.
Check this link out if you have time, I have this book and it is a really good start into learning about dog food, vaccines, titers, heartworm, ect

http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/0...cation-safety/

Also, I am a pharmacist so I am pro drugs when we and our pets need them.

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It's the same thing here. We only medicate during the hotter months and we're in one of only a few high risk areas in Canada for heartworm.

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