50 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • JANUARY 2022
PRESS PETS
VETERINARIAN GIVES PET VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS
PETS GET VAXXED, TOO
BY ALLISON MATOS
Covid-19 has everyone talking about
vaccinations for people — what is the
right timing or the proper dosage? Pet
owners, however, have been asking
veterinarians these questions for years.
So how do we fi nd the right balance for
keeping our four-legged friends safe
and at their best?
Dr. Lynda Loudon has been an emergency
room veterinarian on Long Island for
20 years and continues to see the eff ects
of over-vaccination for autoimmune
diseases, cancer, and other chronic
illnesses. “Unfortunately, research is
lacking regarding how long our pets are
actually provided immunity following
vaccination. This leads to over-vaccination,
which can lead to deleterious effects
on the pet’s immune system. Every
pet is diff erent and vaccine protocols
should be tailored to the individual. A
large-breed, healthy show dog traveling
and interacting with many other dogs
Here in New York, after the one-year booster, your dog requires vaccination
for rabies every three years. (Getty Images)
daily should not receive the same vaccine
protocol as a toy-breed dog with
chronic disease who is indoors 90% of
the time,” says Loudon.
She suggests vaccinating puppies with
two rounds of parvo and distemper
vaccine at 8 and 12 weeks, as these
infections can be life-threatening for
your dog. These vaccines are typically
included in a 5-in-1 shot which also includes
three additional vaccines, which
puppies do not need. She recommends
a titer (a blood test that checks the level
of antibodies to that particular infection)
aft er the second round of parvo
and distemper to be sure your puppy is
protected. “Every puppy I’ve ever tested
aft er just two rounds has been covered,”
says Loudon. She also recommends that
the rabies vaccine be given at 6 months
of age with a booster 1 year later. Rabies
vaccination laws vary by state. Here in
New York, aft er the one-year booster,
your dog requires vaccination for rabies
every three years. If your dog has had a
reaction to a vaccine or has an immune
mediated disorder, then the animal
should never be vaccinated again. In
these cases, your veterinarian can write
a letter to the state requesting a waiver.
“I believe in science and vaccines, and I
also believe we need to vaccinate our
pets in a way that makes sense and
doesn’t harm them,” she says.
The best course of action for pet owners
is to speak with your veterinarian
about what vaccines are best for your
pet. Do your research and ask questions.
Together you’ll help your pet stay safe
and healthy!
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