Search Results for: vaccinations

Routine Vaccinations for Dogs & Cats: Trying to Make Evidence-based Decisions

Introduction As part of my effort to practice medicine based solidly in scientific evidence, I regularly review my own practices and recommendations and make adjustments as seems indicated by new evidence. The quantity and quality of scientific research in veterinary … Continue reading

Posted in Vaccines | 69 Comments

Study finds maternal use of CAM decreases compliance with recommended childhood vaccinations

One of the concerns I have about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is that it tends to come packaged with a philosophy or point of view which is hostile to scientific medicine. Even if specific CAM interventions are themselves harmless … Continue reading

Posted in General, Vaccines | 2 Comments

Canine Vaccine Hesitancy: The Fight Against Anti-vaccine Misinformation Goes On

For many years now, I have fought against the encroachment of anti-vaccine misinformation and fears into veterinary medicine. I have written blog posts and journal articles on the subject, and I’ve discussed vaccine hesitancy in podcasts, on YouTube, and at veterinary conferences.  It has long been … Continue reading

Posted in Science-Based Veterinary Medicine, Vaccines | 6 Comments

Book Review- The Forever Dog: Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Companion Live Younger, Healthier, and Longer

Regular readers may have noticed I’ve become a bit obsessed with canine aging biology lately.  I’ve been reading everything I can get my hands on, from journal articles and textbooks to popular science books. I’ve also been writing about the subject … Continue reading

Posted in Aging Science, Book Reviews | 33 Comments

Seresto Flea & Tick Collars: The New Satanic Panic?

Like many vets around the country, I’ve had a sudden wave of panicked calls and emails from clients about a dramatic article that appeared in USA Today yesterday. The article essentially claims that the Seresto flea and tick collar is injuring and … Continue reading

Posted in General | 32 Comments

Anti-science vets and COVID-19

Veterinary medicine is ostensibly a science-based profession. The Veterinarian’s Oath taken by veterinary graduates in North America begins, “I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society.”1 The centrality of science and scientific evidence is similarly acknowledged … Continue reading

Posted in General | 7 Comments

Rabies Challenge Study Results Are In–What Do They Mean?

The subject of vaccination is one of the most common, and sadly most controversial topics I address on this blog. As I have said many times, vaccines have both risks and benefits, and the balance between these must be assessed … Continue reading

Posted in Vaccines | 9 Comments

New Delaware Rabies Law Undermines the Safety of Pets and the Public

Over the years, one of the most common subjects I have discussed on this blog is vaccination, including their risks and benefits and how pet owners can evaluate them to decide which vaccines are appropriate to give their pets. This is a far … Continue reading

Posted in Law, Regulation, and Politics, Vaccines | 34 Comments

SkeptVet TV: Vaccine Risks- Real & Imaginary

Research Studies Identifying General Vaccine Risks Gershwin LJ. Adverse Reactions to Vaccination: From Anaphylaxis to Autoimmunity. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2018 Mar;48(2):279-290.  Valli JL. Suspected adverse reactions to vaccination in Canadian dogs and cats. Can Vet J. 2015 Oct; 56(10): … Continue reading

Posted in SkeptVet TV, Vaccines | 7 Comments

Vegetarian Diets for Dogs & Cats

Pet owners frequently project their beliefs about human health onto their companion animals. Anxieties about purported harms from vaccines in children, for example, have spurred an anti-vaccination movement among vets and pet owners.1–4Beliefs in alternative medical therapies for people, such … Continue reading

Posted in Nutrition | 11 Comments