Dog Vaccination Schedule &
the Necessary Dog Vaccinations 

Holistic veterinarians, however, question the effectiveness of vaccines.  They argue that vaccines can actually have a negative effect in several situations, such as:

• Vaccinating when your dog is too young, sick, weak or malnourished
• Using the wrong schedule
• Giving a vaccine to a dog whose immune system is weak due to genetics, drugs or a previous disease

They also argue that there is no guarantee that vaccines will work and that their effectiveness relies on several factors such as health, diet and overall lifestyle.

We have some great veterinarian-approved dog vaccination schedule guidelines for you to follow if you choose to take that route, but you should always consult with your vet first as each dog’s needs can be different.

Are dog vaccinations safe?  How do conventional and holistic veterinarians opinions differ?

Which vaccinations are most common?

What is the best vaccination schedule?

Are Dog Vaccinations Safe?  Do Conventional and Holistic Veterinarians Agree?

Any foreign substance introduced to your dog’s body carries a risk of an allergic reaction, but most dogs respond well, at least initially, to dog vaccinations as long as you use an appropriate dog vaccination schedule, IF….

….your dog is healthy.  As mentioned above, weak or unhealthy animals may actually become sick from the vaccines themselves. 

 The 10 second speed talker’s disclaimer at the end of a dog vaccine commercial would go something like this:

“Uncommon mild and short-term reactions include:

• Fever
• Sluggishness
• Reduced appetite
• Temporary pain and swelling where the dog was injected

In the extremely rare case that your dog experiences repeated vomiting or diarrhea, whole body itching, difficulty breathing, collapse or swelling of the face or legs, consult with your veterinarian immediately.”

While conventional vets would call side effects uncommon, many holistic veterinarians believe that vaccinations can have negative long-term effects on your dog.  They suggest addressing problems as they arise through natural treatment options such as nosodes.  Nosodes are a homeopathic remedy made from the products of natural disease, such as taking secretions from a sick dog, sterilizing, diluting and preparing a solution and injecting it into an at-risk dog.

If you are like me, you have heard about vaccinating your dog so many times that you are afraid to not use them.  (Rabies vaccines are even required by law, for crying out loud!  Incidentally, rabies vaccines are usually required to protect humans, so even though many holistic vets feel that they can be harmful, you may not have a choice depending on local laws.)  So is there a middle-of-the-road option?


Holistic veterinarians recommend the following if you decide to vaccinate your dog:

• Use single vaccines instead of complex vaccines.  Below you will see complex vaccinations like “DHLP-P” that combine many vaccines into one.  Holistic vets recommend administering each vaccine one at a time.  Single vaccines may or may not be available in your area, so reach out to a holistic veterinarian if necessary.

• Only use “inactivated” or “killed” vaccines instead of “modified live.”  They are usually safer since they are certain not to grow inside your dog’s body.

• If you own a puppy, use a reduced vaccination schedule (see schedules below).  Immunized puppies may be good to go for several years or even their entire lives.

• Do not vaccinate before 16 weeks of age.

• Avoid annual boosters.  While this is a common practice, there is no scientific evidence that this is necessary.  And don’t be surprised if your conventional vet disagrees – reach out to a holistic vet for verification as this is the latest official veterinarian opinion from the experts in the field of veterinary immunology.

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Which Dog Vaccinations are Most Common?

The right vaccinations for your dog depends on their age, breed, diet, exercise, surroundings and interactions with wild and domestic animals.  There are two types of vaccines: Core and Non-Core.  Core vaccines are administered to most pets in a certain area, while Non-core vaccines vary based on each dog’s situation.  Work with your vet to determine what’s best. 

Following are the most common Core vaccines:

• Adenovirus type-1 causes infectious hepatitis. (often required by law)
• Adenovirus type-2 causes respiratory infection.  (often required by law)
• Bordetella (B. bronchiseptica) may contribute to kennel cough.
• Coronavirus is a highly contagious intestinal disease causing vomiting and diarrhea.
• Distemper is a widespread and often fatal disease.
• Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection which may lead to kidney damage.
• Parainfluenza is another cause of kennel cough.
• Parvovirus is an often fatal disease of the intestinal tract.  (often required by law)
• Rabies is almost always fatal.  (often required by law)

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What is the Best Dog Vaccination Schedule?

There are several variations of a good dog vaccination schedule, and your holistic veterinarian will be best suited to make the determination for your dog.  Some vaccines work for life and others last less than a year.  

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Back to Illnesses & Remedies from Dog Vaccination Schedule

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