We are now in our fifth year of doing antibody titers instead of the traditional vaccine protocol of yearly boosters for Distemper and Parvo, and Panleukopenia for the cats. We have found that most pet's vaccines are lasting 3-5 years, and we recently had a 16 year old cat that had sufficient protective antibodies 15 years after its last vaccines! By doing this simple blood test you can cut down on the number of vaccines that your pet receives over a lifetime by more than 75%. This leaves your pet's immune system unstressed and ready to deal with other things that come along!
Most kennels and grooming facilities are educated and familiar with the practice of antibody titers. They usually welcome a pet with such a conscientious health care program. In the event that the kennel of your choice does not accept titers, we have a list that we can recommend to you, or we have pet sitters available out of our office!
Part of your vaccination protocol is keeping your pet current on rabies vaccines. Every time your pet is late for a rabies vaccine, they are at risk. Keeping your pet in a three year legal status is the best way to insure that they get the least number of vaccines over their lifetime, and that they are fully protected in the event of a bite wound or possible exposure. Teach children about not approaching stray or wild animals, especially wild animals that seem unusually friendly.
Finally, when your pet does need to be vaccinated, there are some things you can do to make sure they have a minimal reaction. Follow routine vaccines with homeopathic Thuja 30C, and follow each rabies vaccine with a dose of Lyssin, 200C. Make sure you never allow an unhealthy pet to be vaccinated, as their immune system won't be up to the job of antibody response. Finally, make sure you observe your pet for several hours post vaccination, and watch for any signs of allergic response ( facial swelling or respiratory distress).
Most of you are doing a wonderful job improving your pet's nutrition. We are still recommending feeding a good quality kibble ( Lifespan, Wellness, Wysong) with fresh, raw organic foods. We have a few options that make feeding easier...
We now carry fresh raw frozen dog and cat foods. We have Steve's Real Food, and Bravo. There are more brands that are giving animals the evolutionary diet that they need. For 30 million years dogs have been eating raw food. It was during a food shortage during WWII that processed food for pets originated. Dogs and cats need less carbohydrates and more good quality protein. Whole Foods in Bellingham ( exit 18 off of route 495) and Framingham grinds free range, chicken necks and backs into a pre ground, easy to feed mixture. It can be purchased in bulk in 1 lb. blocks and can make adding the benefit of raw meat and bone to your pet's diet a snap. We have Celestial pets vitamin/mineral mixes and enzyme formulas for cat and dog they are easy to use, just add to raw food. Wellness has now added tasty treats to their popular line of food. These are especially great for pets with food allergies, as they come in a vegetarian yogurt formula, and the popular fish and sweet potato formula for our itchy friends!
Most of you know that Dr. Roman is very involved in areas of public concern and bioterrorism. In February 2001 Dr. Roman attended a lecture on bioterrorism, specifically the issues of anthrax, nerve gas and nuclear reactor leaks. She has been actively lobbying congress and attending meetings at our statehouse to raise awareness of the need for certain life saving drugs to be available to the public in case of these disasters. She has also been organizing the holistic community and now has available homeopathic "survival kits". These are designed to treat the symptoms of small pox, anthrax, and nuclear exposure. You can call our office for more information.