There is a deep, ingrained belief that we must follow conventional vaccination practices to protect our animals. Unfortunately, once vaccinated, there are no 100% guarantees that an animal will not contract that disease. The conventional community, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, is seriously reviewing the subject and coming to the conclusion that present practices may be flawed.

This is welcome news and should be taken with you to your vet should you need reinforcement against over-vaccination. I would like to make you aware that all 27 veterinary schools in North America are in the process of changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats.

Some of this information will present an ethical & economic challenge to vets, and there will be skeptics. Some organizations have come up with a political compromise suggesting vaccinations every 3 years to appease those who fear loss of income vs. those concerned about potential side effects. Politics, traditions, or the doctor’s economic well-being should not be a factor in medical decisions.

Dogs’ and Cats’ immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it most likely produces immunity, which is good for the life of the pet (i.e.: canine distemper, parvo, feline distemper). If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and there is little or no effect. The titer is not “boosted.”

Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune system related diseases. There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines.

Puppies receive antibodies through their mothers’ milk. This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks. Puppies & kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8 weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0-38%) will be produced. Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, DELAY the timing of the first highly effective vaccine. Vaccinations given less than 3 weeks apart may SUPPRESS the immune system. A series of vaccinations is given starting at 8 weeks and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 1 year 4 mo) will provide lifetime immunity.

Veterinary Medicine

The “Western” world has produced some of the finest medicine in the world. Modern science has provided some outstanding tools for diagnostic purposes, treatment of symptoms and supportive care. Conventional medicine views the body as a mechanical device and seeks to put a label on a problem through symptomatic description. Treatment is generally by surgery, drugs or both. Veterinarians are superbly schooled in the use of these conventional modalities. What seems to have been pushed aside is the old primary rule of medicine “Firstly, do no harm.”

I have learned to question some of what I have been taught and have gone on to trying to become a “healer” in the true sense of the word. I seek to determine the underlying cause of the symptom and may use one or several modalities to support and revitalize the body’s own method of healing. Do you truly believe that we can provide you a “magic bullet” to readily cure your animals’ problems? Suppressing the symptom does not mean that a cure has been affected.

There is no substitute for fresh, wholesome food, clean water, exercise, plenty of fresh air and avoidance of chemicals and drugs to the greatest extent possible.

Michel Selmer, DVM, is the director of the Advanced Animal Care Center in South Huntington, NY. 631-367-7387. AdvancedCareForPets.com.