Comments on How Safe is Your Pet from “Just a Rabies Vaccine?”

Hi Dr. Falconer,
I am new to your website but found it doing research for my 3 1/2 year old beagle, Gus. I adopted Gus from a local shelter when he was about 1 1/2 years old. Gus came in as a stray and was not claimed by an owner so I became his person. I'm guessing Gus was not vaccinated as a puppy since no one came forward to claim him, so the shelter vaccinated him before I brought him home in Jan. 2014. We went to see our vet and since Gus had received all the required shots we wouldn't have to do anything until 2015 for boosters. So, come Feb 2015 Gus went in like a good soldier (lol!) for his boosters. He received the usual ones plus the 3 year rabies shot since the prior year the shelter only gave him the 1 year shot. Then in about late March/early April he began having allergy issues. He started with the scratching and it was so bad we took him back in to the vet and at that time got a steroid shot to "help". This seemed to do the trick and the scratching was minimal. Then in the fall the scratching stopped so we assumed it was just seasonal allergies.
Fast forward to March 2016 and Gus again marches in for his yearly boosters, minus the Rabies because he had that in 2015 right before the "allergies" started. Well, about a month later again (late April/early May) he starts with the scratching. This time it is 1,000 times worse! He is scratching non-stop, can't sleep because of the constant scratching, is dragging his belly on the carpet, and his skin on his belly is all but gone and a very irritated bright red. He is to the point where he is ready to break skin. So, again off we go to the vet. This time they give us something called Temaril-P. Of course he did great because it is a steroid/immunosuppressant. Once we started to wean him off it, guess what? Yup! The scratching came back. So he was placed on another round of this medication. It was at that time I started doing research on homeopathic medications and vets and came across your site.
Prior to reading your site about vaccinations, I had never made a correlation between Gus's supposed "seasonal allergies" and the timing of his boosters. I am now convinced that rabies or other vaccines caused these "seasonal allergies". I am looking for a homeopathic vet in my area and getting him in asap! This poor boy has been suffering and I am a big believer in natural/holistic remedies for me and my family. I always thought I was doing the right thing for Gus by taking him in and giving him his annual boosters. At least that is what we are taught to be good pet parents. But not anymore for this household!
Thank your for all the information on your website. I am sure I will be studying it and learning more.
P.S. I am also starting Gus on the Wysong diet and will be incorporating raw food into his diet as well.

Dr. Valconer,
I am desperate and need your help/advice. I rescued my beautiful kitty, Grant, 2.5 yrs ago when he was only 5 mos old. He came to me having his rabies vaccine and first round of shots.
He has developed Pica and had to have emergency surgery last January which cost me close to $5,000 as everything he had eaten had become compacted and he could no longer keep anything down. He has eaten portions blankets, IPHONE cords, plastic baggies, cardboard boxes, t-shirts, socks etc. When I see what his new 'taste' is I remove it but obviously it is too late as he has already devoured some of it.
I have tried essential oils, Reiki, NAET, animal communication, crystals...... and nothing has helped!!! From this article I have now discovered Sulphur and will try that as well. Do you have any ideas for me? I am desperate as I love my boy so and don't want to have him (or me) going through another surgery.
Thank you for your time.
Mary

Whenever I have used the 24hr/ emergency veterinary clinic, I fill out the form, confirm that vaccinations are current, I tell them that I don't have a regular vet at the moment.
I have had no problems receiving treatment for a pet.
In my experience, a veterinarian cannot condone/give you permission not to do something that is required by law (rabies vaccine). Unless the dog has a condition that meets the criteria for the waiver.
They may support your decision, off the record, but...
Just my 2 cents

Dr. Falconer, I have been a subscriber to your newsletter for about a year now. I can't even begin to tell you how much you've enlightened me about vaccinations and homeopathy! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge of these subjects with us!
I have been having an internal struggle regarding rabies vaccine for my two rescue dogs - one a border collie mix (male) and the other an australian shepherd mix (female). My male will be 5 years old in October and we have been "flying under the radar" so to speak on his vaccinations (he hasn't had any boosters since we brought him home from the local humane society in 2010). We are facing the same issue with my female who was due for her vaccine boosters in March. She was only a year old when we adopted her in 2013 - of course the shelter gave her vaccinations while she was in their care and we have no idea if she was ever vaccinated prior to that. We are somewhat rural, but the county we live in does still require rabies vaccinations. I haven't checked yet because we moved recently, but they may accept a titer (although I doubt it because they are somewhat like the gestapo around here when it comes to other stuff). Anyway, sorry it has taken me a bit to get to the point, but is there any way to get a titer outside of taking them to the vet? I know titers can be expensive and since I have two dogs, I was hoping I could alleviate some of that expense by going an alternate route. Obviously, I keep quiet about the fact that my dogs aren't "current" on their vaccinations, but in case anything should ever happen, I would at least like to have their titers in-hand. My other fear is that if/when I do have to take them to the local vet for anything, they will ask me if they are current on their vaccinations. I am afraid that if I say no, they will report me to the humane society. I hope not, but since we moved, I haven't established them with a new vet yet. I would LOVE to take them to a holistic vet, but conservatism runs rampant in these parts and folks just don't believe in that stuff. In a community of 650,000+, we have TWO holistic vets (and I had to do a LOT of research just to find THEM). Of course neither of them is anywhere near where I live now, so I would have to take the whole day off of work just to take my dogs in for a routine appointment. Anyway, sorry to complain. Your blogs and articles are all SO valuable, especially for those of us who have very few holistic resources for our pets.

I agree. All okay, for now. Thanks

That's the thing, like I said I went to 3 vets (refused to sign the waiver) one of them a specialist said "Why are you going all over the place, from vet to vet?" I said, because I am trying to get a waiver signed for my sick dog. He said, no one is going to sign it, just don't give her the rabies shot...he would not put this in writing.
I spoke to a homeopathic vet over the phone (he was kind enough to call me back), he said he wouldn't sign it, however if the dog has a neurological condition such as seizures you might have a chance on getting the waiver signed.
@Crystal, I hope you have better luck than I did. http://www.thedogplace.org/VACCINES/Rabies-exemption-form-states-2012.asp

Hi Dr. Falconer,
I found your website after searching all over last week. I was at my parent's house and had my teacup Yorkie along and the Dog Enforcement Agent came in a big truck with his pad and paper to "write me up" for not having a rabies shot for my dog. My Yorkie is 2 years old and only three pounds, and I do NOT want this shot for him. He did "write me up" along with my mother for her two dogs, and we absolutely disagree with this procedure. What are the options and how do I refuse this shot without being charged or worse, having our pup taken away??? He gave us a postcard to send in when we get the shot. Please give any advice you can… My Yorkie is a happy and healthy dog with such vibrant life. I don't want to endanger him with a needless shot. Also…what is your recommendation for a natural flea control?
Thanks,
Crystal F.

FYI, the website i listed is a natural rearingsite with two directories. One directory is a listing of roth food suppliers, herb suppliers, holistic practitioners and veterinarians, pet sitters and boarding kennels that do not require vaccines and that will feed raw food, book lists, etc.
the other directory is a raw feeding/ natural rearing directory listing of breeders. Mostly dogs, some cats and even a few bird breeders.
these lista have been an ongoing compilation of mine since 1993. One should still do their due diligence when contacting any of these suppliers or breeders.

I forgot to add to my post above...
I dont *THINK* my vet sends postcards, just email reminders. However, the vet I go to, is NOT the same one she got her rabies from... I went somewhere else to titer her and got it done there and just transfered her paperwork, but never got her (nor any of my dogs ever have) been licensed with the county.MY vet doesnt send postcards, so I am hoping neither does the other vet....
My Papillon also displayed nervous and scared behaviors around new dogs and people 1 month after the rabies shot... Took lots of training to fix.
I do my own grooming and have family watch my dogs if need be. No need for current proof of vaxx.

My rescue Great Dane had every shot out there in 2012. We fosteref until adopted. She needed a dental bad. One year later the vet would NOT do surgery without a new rabies shot. Ever since her coat has been bad - oily, shedding, dandruff and smelly. No more vaccines ever. She is on a raw diet now but still no improvement.
My 1 yr old papillon had a vaccine reaction to her parvo shot at 13 weeks. Vet dismissed it of course. Titered her and her parvo numbers were sky high. The highest they have seen. She got her rabies at 5 months. At 10 months old she started scratching her ears and mouth bad. I believe its vaccinosis. She is on raw now too. At 15 months old she has been on raw for 5 months. All natural free range, no hormones, gmo, steroids or antibiotics. Her mouth itching has stopped but her ears have not. I am NOT vaccinating her again. My state (Arizona) wont accept rabies titers so i am hoping to get a DO NOT VACCINATE put on both my dogs records.
I had a lady yesterday ask me to educate her on no more shots. I do in home dog boarding and grooming and vaxx records arent required. She is so happy.

Several years ago I rescued a dog from the side of the freeway, she was bright, playful and happy. Then I took her for her rabies shot and soon after she became very highly strung, worries about everything, doesn't like to play as much and is often fearful of her water bowl. Its heartbreaking. I gave her Thuja before and after the vaccine but it was still too much for her tiny body. The area she was given the shot swelled up like a golf ball, she is a Jack Russell mix.
I was trying to be a good citizen and license my dogs. I feel very guilty now.
I avoided vaccines for all my animals after that. To be honest I try and avoid Dr Whitecoat all together and keep my animals healthy holistically. Last year I adopted a dog from the shelter, he was very scared at the shelter but once I brought him home he did fine. Until he had been here about a month, then he became fearful of everything, feathers, crickets, bags, you name it and especially strangers. It was if he has suffered brain damage, he had no time to calm himself, he would just go straight into fight or flight. With a lot of training and understanding he is getting better but now, after I'm reading these comments, I'm wondering if his delayed terror was due to the rabies shot they gave him when I adopted him?
Sigh...

I am relieved to read here that a young dog can build up immunity to rabies by being exposed to other already vaccinated dogs. We have a young pup (10 months) who, other than the distemper and parvo vaccines that he received thru the rescue group prior to joining our family at 8 weeks of age, has received no further vaccines. And he won't be, either. I contacted provincial officials (we live in Canada) several months ago and learned that there are only 5 cases of rabies in the entire province each year and those 5 are found in either bats or raccoons. So the risk is negligible and not worth exposing him to the vaccine. But I did wonder if he could build up natural immunity so am glad to hear that he can. I realize that I could have him titered (and that would be valuable information to have) but I wouldn't vaccinate him anyway, even if the value proved "non-protective" and am really tired of being bullied by the vets here. My deep appreciation for posting this very important information.

I am scared to death to give our 16 week old springer spaniel pup any more vaccinations. He had his first one at 6 weeks when he was still with the breeder. Took him home at 7 weeks, he was still lethargic for a few days. I have been educating myself on homeopathy and the dangers of vaccines, and planned to do only his 12 week shots and be done with them. He was around his litter mate at 11-1/2 weeks for a day, and the puppy had just received his 12 week shots a little early. 2 days later, our puppy seemed disoriented, weak, and slept MOST of every day for 5 days. We had traveled to a remote area of the state to a little seaside town, so veterinary care would have been 2 hrs. away. I truly thought he was going to die.
Dr. Falconer, I've been trying to find SOMEONE to advise me on what to do from here. HELP, PLEASE. There are no holistic veterinarians within 350 miles of us, and if I take him to a mainstream vet, I can't trust their reccomendations any longer. He's apparently healthy and active now at 16 weeks.

We were great dog custodians! Took them to the vet every year, fed expensive kibble etc. Then my 4 yo lab developed a tumor. It was diagnosed as a lipoma via needle biopsy. 2 weeks later pre op to have it removed. They offered her rabies so I wouldn't have to come back the following month. Not knowing any better, I agreed. 2 weeks later, her walnut sized benign tumor was the size of an orange. Vet called me back to OR (I was a paramedic) and showed me the mounded handful of malignant fatty tissue she pulled from my 4 legged baby. Her lipoma had turned into liposarcoma in 2 weeks time and invaded her uterus, colon, bladder and everything in between. TWO WEEKS! She was so eaten up with cancer that the vet said there was nothing more that could be done. "Take her home, say goodbye and bring her back when you're ready. But she only has a week - maybe two."
I went holistic and kept her comfortably alive for almost 2 yrs (no documented cases of liposarcoma going past 90 days) until I screwed up and gave her comfortis for a particularly stubborn flea infestation. It was 4 years ago July 14th. My heart still aches for her.
Her brother will be joining her next week. He is riddled with tumors and in a lot of pain tho I never vaccinated him after her diagnosis.

That is what someone said (that lives in Canada) on another forum, don't know if it is true. Anyone know?

The rabies vaccine is not mandatory in Canada.....something to think about.

Thanks Will, I think i will give the Lyssin a try. I have the Homeopathy book for cats and Dogs which is slowly becoming my bible!
I have 5 Standard Poodles, 3 of which are adults who were vaccinated till two years ago when one suffered a reaction. My vet at the time denied it was the vaccine that caused the reaction even though it had been administered just 12 hrs previously and symptoms were text book! The vet practice also had no system of reporting vaccine reactions! Something which I have discovered is comman place in a lot of practices here in UK! This led me to question the validity of the safety data on vaccines and was the reason I started looking into vaccinosis and the pros and cons of vaccination. The UK Veterinary culture is still geared towards yearly boosters and vaccination takes place regardless of the current health of the animal, in fact in a lot of cases a poorly animal is seen as in more need of being vaccinated!! These practices have led me to forgo vaccination and in place try a more natural route. My home bred pup has had no vaccinations at all and at 7 months is doing very well. My imported pup, who unfortunately had to be given the puppy vaccinations and rabies vaccine in order to enter the country, is now on a more natural regime too and along with my adult dogs I feed only a raw balanced diet. I use Colloidal Silver as an antibiotic replacer, raw, organic Apple Cider Vinegar, a boric acid, gentian violet and Isopropyl alcohol mix for ear cleaning, pumpkin seeds for worming to which I will be adding DE over the coming months and many other small changes in the quest to do the very best for my dogs.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that my Polish boy shows a steady improvement over the coming months and I appreciate all the suggestions and help to that end.
Thank you :-)

I am in the UK. Where the rabies is not given as a routine vaccine however any dog or other pet coming into the country from abroad must, by law, have the rabies vaccine at least 3 weeks before travel and entry into UK.
I recently imported a Standard Poodle puppy from Poland and it a month after arrival he started to exhibit symptoms of fear agression, he became reactive to cycles, people but especially other dogs when out of the house on his lead. His tail which normally would be erect and confident would drop completely and he would be constantly looking around as he walked as if he were being stalked. I started treating with Belladona but this made no difference so then swapped to Thuja and also extensive behaviour. Work. His fearfullness has improved slightly and we are continuing with desensitizing treatments too.
When we visited Poland to see him as a 6 week old pup he was extremely confident and outgoing. We are hoping that with perseverence we can see that confidence once again emerge.

Dr. Falconer, I enjoyed your play-script style for this blog. Had it been 50 pages, however, I would have stopped reading. Since I'm dyslexic, it took a little effort to follow but it was entertaining and informative. I saw myself in the picture; I'm emotionally ready for my county to try to force me to vaccinate my dogs.

My concerns about titers: I have been told that if my dog is licensed and registered as unvaccinated because of a titer test or waiver, then if he does bite someone and they see he has not had a rabies vaccine, then they will cut of his head to examine his brain for rabies. That is, no quarantine. Don't know if this is just scare tactics or not and don't want to test the waters. If its for real, then registered and unvaccinated it not very safe for your dog should he bite and the person bitten reports the bite. Better to plant lots of bushes so no one knows you have a dog, bring you car into the yard for dog to board out of sight and keep him quiet and hidden as much as possible so no one knows you even have a dog.