Vaccines, and your dog | Casey’s Corner

We all take risks every day, even people who are risk averse.

Maybe you would never consider parachuting out of an airplane at 3,000 feet or going white-water rafting … but would you walk across the street? Drive to your favorite market? Eat in a restaurant? Every one of those activities involves a certain amount of risk: yes, you could get hit in the crosswalk, have a car accident, or get food poisoning … but the odds are that none of these things will happen.

When it comes to vaccinating your dog, however, it’s critical to assess the risk of not vaccinating before you make a decision. Misinformation campaigns and conspiracy theories are around every corner on social media, and that extends to the subject of vaccinating your dog.

You can find hundreds of posts from pet caretakers describing nightmarish adverse and allergic reactions to canine vaccines … but before basing your decision, and possibly the life of your dog, on these comments, look for the evidence behind them. Research legitimate, unbiased scientific studies and opinions before rejecting vaccines.

No medication is without risk, but with very few exceptions, the benefits of vaccinating your dog outweigh those risks. While any dog can have a reaction to a vaccine, just as humans can, in the vast majority of cases, that reaction is mild, and resolves itself with time. In fact, vaccinations protect your dog from devastating and life-threatening diseases, and also protect the lives of other dogs with which your pup comes into contact.

Having said all that, which vaccines do most reputable veterinarians recommend? The so-called “core” vaccines — those that every dog should receive — are adenovirus (which causes canine hepatitis), distemper, parvovirus, and rabies. (Many veterinarians also consider parainfluenza vaccine as part of this “core” group.) All these diseases cause enormous suffering for the dog, and often death. Rabies, as you know, is 100 percent fatal, and vaccination for it is mandatory in California.

There is some disagreement however, even among veterinary professionals, about the necessity of “non-core” vaccines. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) provides guidelines about the advisability and/or necessity of other vaccines for your dogs, based on where they live, their age, and their lifestyle. Before deciding for or against any of these vaccines, it’s important to consult with your own veterinarian.

Here in California, these non-core vaccines include:

— Leptospirosis, which can infect both pets and humans exposed to contaminated outdoor water sources, can cause kidney and liver failure.

— Western diamondback rattlesnake, often recommended for dogs in areas where rattlesnakes are prevalent, including Butte County. The “rattler” is the most common venomous snake in California, and can be found from sea level to the high Sierra.

— Bordetella, which causes kennel cough, is commonly given to dogs that frequent dog parks, are routinely groomed, or interact with other dogs on a regular basis.

— Lyme disease, transmitted by the bite of the blacklegged tick, was once unknown in California but is now endemic in several regions. At one time, dogs living in rural areas such as ours where this tick is especially prevalent were often vaccinated; today, owever, a number of veterinarians discourage it, citing research showing that only 5-10 percent of dogs infected with Lyme disease show any symptoms; in addition, the disease is easily treatable with antibiotics and seldom causes long-term complications.

A better option is for pet caretakers to use preventative flea-and-tick medications, which are highly effective against these insects. My advice? Before you decide what vaccines are right for your dog, talk with your veterinarian. Your dog’s life could depend upon what you do.

Joan Merriam lives in northern California with her new Golden Retriever Frankie, her Maine Coon cat Indy, and the infinite spirits of her beloved Goldens Joey and Casey. You can reach Joan at joan@joanmerriam.com. And if you’re looking for a Golden, hop on over to Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue.