I talk a lot about vaccine dangers, and I often mention a condition called vaccinosis.

Since vaccinosis isn't recognized by most traditional veterinarians and isn't something many pet owners have ever heard of before, I thought it would be helpful to do a short video to explain the condition.

Vaccinosis Defined

First, let's talk about what vaccinosis isn't.

It isn't an acute, often immediate adverse reaction to a vaccine. Adverse events, or hypersensitivities, whether mild (such as lethargy, flu-like symptoms, etc.), or severe (such as anaphylactic shock), that are clearly linked to a recent vaccination are widely acknowledged by the traditional veterinary community.

Unfortunately, these reactions are considered by traditional vets to be occasional aberrations that result from a basically safe procedure.

Vaccinosis, on the other hand, is a problem only holistic veterinarians seem willing to acknowledge. It is a reaction of a pet's body to vaccines that have been injected without the pet having experienced a notable adverse event or hypersensitivity. These are chronic reactions to not only the altered virus contained in the vaccine, but also to the chemicals, adjuvants, and other components of tissue culture cell lines – as well as possible genetic changes – that can be induced by vaccines.

Dr. Richard Pitcairn, who holds a PhD in immunology, defines it this way: "Vaccinosis is to be understood as the disturbance of the vital force by vaccination that results in mental, emotional, and a physical change that can, in some cases, be a permanent condition."

Dr. Pitcairn: Vaccines Create Chronic Disease

According to Dr. Pitcairn, vaccines intended to protect pets against acute natural diseases actually create chronic conditions with features of the disease the vaccine was supposed to prevent.

This transformation begins in the laboratory, where natural viruses are modified in order to make vaccines.

Whereas the natural virus would trigger a strong immune system response, the modified lab-created virus in the vaccine doesn't elicit much of a reaction by the animal's immune system. Instead, it creates chronic disease.

The delivery of a vaccine is also very different from how a natural disease develops in an animal's body.

Vaccines contain a number of toxic substances, including viruses, mutated bacteria, immune irritants, foreign proteins, and chemical preservatives. All of these toxins are delivered by injection directly into the blood and lymph, bypassing the usual first line of defenses, including the skin, mucous membranes, saliva, and so forth. So not only is the virus in the vaccine unnatural, the way it enters a pet's body is also very unnatural.

When you look at the situation from this perspective, it's easy to see how abnormal immune reactions are triggered by vaccinations.

Your Pet's Individual Risk of Vaccinosis

The strength and balance of every animal's immune system is different, so there's no way to predict – unless your dog or cat has had a reaction in the past – how much danger your pet is in from exposure to the modified virus contained in any given vaccine or the many toxic ingredients it contains.

That's why I strongly encourage pet owners to avoid all unnecessary vaccines and re-vaccinations [i.e., "booster" shots].

Symptoms of Vaccinosis

COMMON VACCINE REACTIONS INCLUDE:

Lethargy	Stiffness
Hair loss	Lack of appetite
Hair color change at injection site	Conjunctivitis
Fever	Sneezing
Soreness	Oral ulcers

Since the introduction of dog and cat vaccines, the traditional view of their use has been that they are safe and can be given as frequently as once or twice a year. This approach, tragically, has caused a tremendous amount of suffering for millions of pets.

• How long have you had your dog?
• Do you have written proof of vaccination/good health?
• Were there any previous complaints about your dog at your previous rental?
• May I contact your current/past landlords about your dog?
• Who would look after your dog when you're away?
• Has your dog been spayed or neutered, and is he/she housetrained?
• Do you make a point of cleaning up after your dog?
• How often is your dog alone at home?

• Screening applications: A few simple questions will help sort out responsible pet owners and tenants.
• A written agreement: This will ensure everyone has the same information regarding rules and regulations for pet owners.
• Realistic limits: The pet policy should have clear guidelines on the type and number of pets allowed per dwelling.

• Specific parameters: It is useful to set specific parameters concerning which common areas pets are and are not allowed to go, when dogs must wear leashes and whether any types of pets must be confined to tenants' apartments.
• Assurance of cleanliness and healthy pets: Responsible pet owners will agree to immediately clean up after their pets and take all necessary sanitation precautions. They will also have a medical record of their pet to show all required vaccinations have been administered.
• Written disciplinary procedures: Written procedures which are jointly agreed to and state clearly what actions will result in a warning or some sort of punitive action will reduce disputes and make for better relations between the property management and tenants.
• Predetermined emergency arrangements: Property management may wish to have on hand details of local vets in case of emergency, especially in a situation where you are not immediately available.
• Available services: An outline of the locations and availability of parks, pet washing services and other amenities in the local area may be included.
• An agreement on cleanliness of premises: Tenants should readily agree to undertake to keep the property in excellent condition and free from animal odors and hairs.

Summer weather is here and with it will come thunderstorms [and fireworks]. Thunderstorm phobias can send dogs hiding under their beds or cowering and shaking in fear, much to the concern of their owners. Fortunately, there are some holistic approaches that may help to calm your dog during summer storms.

• Phosphorus 30c – This remedy is good for all noise phobias. It can be given once or twice a day.
• Borax 6c – This remedy is specific for fears of thunderstorms and can be given twice a day.
• Aconite 30c – This remedy addresses fear in general and can be given every fifteen minutes during a storm. Continue only until you see improvement. If you do not see improvement, try another remedy.
• Aurum Metallicaum 30c – may also be given once or twice a day to combat most noise sensitivities.
   

1. The only vaccine required by U.S. law is rabies. 15 states currently offer exemptions to animals with serious health problems and more are adding exemptions. Not all states require cats and ferrets to be vaccinated. Note: Because laws change with little fanfare, not all veterinarians know the current regulations. Click here to see a list of U.S. state laws. Double check with your city and county Animal Control.
   
2. There is little or no research showing that annual revaccination for core vaccines boosts immunity. Studies do show that core vaccines shouldn't be given any more frequently than every three years – not every three years.
   
3. Mature dogs and cats rarely die from vaccine-preventable infectious disease and thus may not need vaccinating.
   
4. A simple blood titer test can prove immunity for core vaccines. Though more expensive than vaccinating, titer tests need not be repeated often or perhaps even ever (according to many experts).
   
5. When cats, and small to medium-sized breed dogs, receive multiple vaccines in one visit (a common practice) they become "significantly" more likely to have a reaction. Each vaccine can increase risk by as much as 27%. A "7-way" canine vaccine plus Bordetella plus rabies means 9 vaccines at once!
   
6. Treatment for vaccine reactions can cost hundreds, even thousands, of dollars over the pet's lifetime and may ultimately prove ineffective. Who pays? You do! Only rarely will vaccine makers pay vet bills.
   
7. Groomers, trainers and boarding establishments may have vaccination requirements that have more to do with liability than pet health. Many of these caregivers haven't been made aware of the newest vaccination recommendations. Conversely, some enlightened proprietors accept titer testing in lieu of vaccination. It pays to shop around!

• Reactions reported more than 72 hours after vaccination (thus eliminating reactions taking longer to develop or be discovered, such as injection site cancers, autoimmune diseases, skin diseases and other major conditions);
• Reactions that occurred but were never reported by clients;
• Conditions not recognized by the vet as vaccine reactions;
• Conditions not selected for this study (seizures weren't on the list, nor were countless other common reactions);
• Conditions not recorded by the vet. The 2007 World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Vaccine Guidelines reports "gross under-reporting of vaccine-associated adverse events...";
• Reactions in dogs also getting a heartworm shot, presumably because of the increased risk of reaction (currently, vets are warned not to give Proheart 6 with a vaccination).

Factors Increasing the Risk of the Vaccine Adverse Reaction

Why Does a Dog's Weight Have Such a Big Impact?

How Do You Avoid Reactions to Vaccines?

• Combination Shots for Dogs: Weapons of Over-Vaccination
• Titer Test: Don't Vaccinate Your Dog Unnecessarily
• Vaccinating Dogs: 10 Steps to Eliminating Unnecessary Shots
• Vaccinating Unhealthy Pets: Beware Reactions & Vaccine Failure