Vaccines

Minimize them and tailor them for your individual pet rather than relying on blanket protocols. The annual vaccine program was never based on scientific studies. Instead, studies have shown that one distemper vaccine protects most dogs for their entire life. Rabies is required by law, usually every three years. Leptospirosis and bordetella vaccinations are exceptions, because their immunity is very short lived (less than six months) but you have to be certain the benefits will outweigh the risks.

We have seen a link from over-vaccination to many diseases including cancer, immune-mediated and allergies. In fact, in 1999, the World Health Organization rated veterinary adjuvants (ingredients in certain vaccines) three out of four—four being the most carcinogenic.

In the words of Dr. Ronald Schultz (a veterinary immunologist who dedicates his career to vaccine research), “Vaccines themselves do not cause autoimmune disease, but in genetically predisposed animals they may trigger autoimmune responses followed by disease.”

Dr. Donna's book The Last Chance Dog contains an in-depth description of vaccines and their risks.

Sadie's Story

"As a puppy, Sadie's original family signed her up for pet health insurance at a pet hospital through a big-box pet store. And it seemed like a good deal, too. An annual fee buys you unlimited visits to the clinic. It was through the family’s good intentions but lack of knowledge that Sadie received 23 vaccinations in her first two years.

"Sadie's vaccination history shows she was vaccinated for Parvovirus and Corona virus five times in about two years. She was also vaccinated for Bordatella, Lyme disease and Giardia three times each in about a year, and received two Leptospirosis and Rabies vaccination in the same period. he received three separate vaccinations and was given dewormer on one visit. She was also vaccinated for Corona virus four times in three months.

"When my family adopted Sadie at the age of two, she was showing clear signs of internal distress. She itched constantly. I took her to two veterinarians and spent over $1000 on diagnostics and prescription food. Nothing worked. Her immune system was acutely reactive and the only option we knew of at the time was the desensitization route through a veterinary dermatologist. We proceeded with tests.

"Miraculously, I read The Last Chance Dog by Dr. Donna Kelleher the night after the dermatology testing. I read the book cover to cover in one night and knew there had to be a plan and solution for Sadie. I tracked Dr. Kelleher down, and she never hesitated in taking us on as clients. Maybe she could tell from my voice that this was the last bit of hope for Sadie.

"At first we had to visit Dr. Kelleher every week for five weeks because Sadie needed to clear out a lot of junk. Through a homemade diet of turkey (the only protein source she could tolerate,) NAET, acupuncture, herbs and salve, Sadie began to heal.

"Sadie is now practically allergy free, and we are closely bonded. She has progressed to agility classes, and I even bought a dehydrator on Craigslist to make her turkey treats. Occasionally, she gets a mild reaction of itchy skin and stinky poo and we visit Dr. Kelleher. And guess where else she shows it? With a scabby sore on her old vaccination spot!"

Read more client stories.