posted on August 5, 2001 11:06:12 PM new
I switched vets last summer based on some issues that kinda were related to my concerns (not about vaccinations)about the level of care and, frankly, openness of the staff.
The vet who now sees my two dogs (children) has many qualms and opinions about over-medicating. He is not a young man, has been in his practice for many years and is very-well respected locally by his peers.
He advises all pet owners to have their animals vaccinated regularly, but he places limits.
For example, the previous vet said the teeth cleaning should be annual. They also knocked out my bigger dog for grooming, and he always looked a mess when they presented him "Voila" style.
The old vet dispensed a heart/flea pill, which was quite costly for a dog weighing over 80 lbs, even on 6 month intervals.
The new vet eschews those double-dollop pills: he still prescribes the heartworm medication, but recommends a flea repellant oil that is used between the shoulder blades of the animal every one to three months. He says many of the drugs for pets are toxic and he is trying to lessen that. He only believes in teeth cleaning if severe gingivitis has set in, since animals must be put under for the procedure.
posted on August 5, 2001 11:48:12 PM new
Hello bunnicula You said, blondesense: rabies vaccinations are available only through vets --unlike the 6-in-1 shots. That is because states use them as a requirement for licensing.
That is not true for all states. I have in front of me a catalog (the one I referenced in my above post - Jefferspet) and they sell rabies vaccines. They have a disclaimer when a person orders this vaccine, and it lists approx. 30 states that this vaccine *cannot* be shipped to as (and I quote) "These states have laws prohibiting the shipment of rabies vaccine."/end quote.
It also states that says that some state and local laws require that the rabies vaccine be administered by a licensed vet only and make it illegal for you to vaccinate your own animal. They recommend you check your own state and local laws.
I also feel it's very unfair for you to say those who hold different opinions than yours do so because of ignorance. To me, that's insulting to all the vets who feel otherwise. Many, on this thread alone, have shared that their vets feel the 'new think' is that some vaccines are not necessary or that when they are, not to the degree that was previously thought. The young vets seem to be favoring less medicating.
Please don't think I don't feel you have a right to your opinion, that is not the case. But I do feel strongly that when many 'new age' vets are saying these things to their dog/cat owners, this doesn't make the vets ignorant. Just another persons opinion.
posted on August 6, 2001 06:34:07 AM new
Has anybody tried the new 6 month heartworm shot? I haven't had a chance to talk to my vet about it to see what it's all about yet.
My dogs have health insurance. I almost dropped it this year because money was so tight for us, but all my dogs are seniors so my husband said we should keep it. Now one of them has kidney failure, and I'm SO glad we kept the insurance up.
posted on August 6, 2001 08:16:14 AM new
We used to vaccinate all our pets when we lived in 'farm country' up here, we got the vaccinations from the feed store, and I do believe it included rabies.
But I can see where there are places that wouldn't allow this. I don't even know if they still allow it here. We did this over 10 years ago.
