3 minute read
Vaccine Quiz!
Vaccine Quiz
Advertisement
By Alina Sherman
1. Vaccinated dogs are healthier, right?
a. True - they’re protected from a host of diseases. The more the better!
b. False - vaccines show absolutely no bearing on overall health.
2. Who determines the vaccine schedule for canines and felines in Canada?
a. The Canadian Veterinary Association models off of a published expert recommendation of vaccination schedule by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
b. Canada has its own research and clinical body of veterinarians who put out a nonbiased independent clinical guideline on vaccinations.
3. I just got my puppy at eight weeks, and my vet says it’s time to start their core boosters!What should I do?
a. Listen to every word your vet says, and ask no questions. They are the foremost authority on pet health, right?
b. Ask which boosters your vet recommends, and if they follow the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) guidelines.
c. Do further research, and find out vaccines between the age of 8-12 weeks may not be effective and can actually cause damage to your dog’s health. Wait until 12 weeks of age to administer vaccines.
4. Can problems arise with vaccines that are administered too early (between six to eight weeks of age)?
a. Yes, antibody production is not triggered as the immune system is too young.
b. Yes, they destroy maternal antibodies given, potentially leaving a pup less protected.
c. Yes, they can overload the immune system if the booster was not initially needed.
d. All of the above.
5. Do vaccine doses vary by body weight - like in humans?
a. Yes, the same science is applied.
b. No, a ten pound Chihuahua would be administered the same dose as a one hundred pound Mastiff.
6. Why would my vet recommend annual boosters? Is this safe?
a. Many vets believe it’s an easy way to ensure their clients bring their pets in annually for a checkup.
b. They may follow a profits model of practice.
c. They are ignoring the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)’s recommendation that boosters are not needed annually, as revised guidelines say every three years.
d. All of the above.
7. What is the best way to ensure my pet has antibodies and will be protected?
a. Titer Testing every year (a simple antibody test, showing either a positive or negative antibody result).
b. Continue vaccination boosters yearly. More boosters equals more protection.
8. I don’t want my dog to get sick. Is it possible to over-vaccinate my dog?
a. Yes, all vaccines have the potential for adverse reactions, from simple lethargy to autoimmune disease, seizures or death, as many vaccines contain Thimerosal (mercury based additive).
b. No, the more vaccines, the more protection.
9. My vet says my dog needs all of its core and non-core vaccines. What should I do?
a. Follow the guidelines of your individual veterinarian’s office, ask no questions.
b. Do my own research to find out: core vaccines protect against viruses like rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and canine hepatitis. They have been proven to give a dog immunity for years or a lifetime. Non-core vaccines like leptospirosis (lepto ), lyme, and kennel cough are either more dangerous, are not very effective, or last as long.
10. Is the rabies vaccine safe and legally required to be administered every year?
a. Rabies vaccines may legally be required depending on local laws.
b. Rabies vaccines can be administered every 3 years, and antibody testing has shown many dogs remain protected for a lifetime after just one dose.
c. Rabies vaccines are the most harmful to your pet’s health, and even pets with health conditions who are contraindicated for further vaccines may be legally required to have a booster.
d. All of the above.
11. Should I get the canine coronavirus vaccine?
a. Yes, the more vaccines the better the protection.
b. No, even the AAHA does NOT recommend this vaccine be administered to pets, under the premise that it will limit or prevent COVID-19 in a pet.
Answer Key:
(1)b, (2)a, (3)c, (4)d,(5)b, (6)d, (7)a, (8)a,(9)b, (10)d, (11)b.
