If your pet is about to receive a vaccine or your pet is prescribed a drug, there is one simple step you can take to be better informed. Ask your veterinarian to explain to you the side effects. And by the way, do this with your doctor too.
I realize this is almost too simple to discuss, but recent events have brought this to my attention and I felt it needed to be ‘put out there’ as a good reminder.
Not too long ago I was in the Emergency Room from a bad fall (flat on my face on concrete – ouch). The hospital wanted to give me a tetanus shot which I agreed to, however just before the shot was to be given they tell me there are two other vaccines in the injection. I flatly told them no to the two additional vaccines. In an entire hospital there was not one tetanus shot without the addition of additional vaccines. I took my chances with tetanus.
My Mom recently went to the doctor for some pain issues with her feet. She’s healthy in every way but her feet give her a big problem; a burning sensation that is quite painful. The doctor prescribed a drug and as it turns out, from one dose my Mom began to suffer some of the less serious side effects. At that point I researched what the additional side effects could be…they were so startling she decided to live with the pain in her feed and stopped taking the drug.
My Mom didn’t realize she should ask – thank goodness I had enough wits about me at the time to ask about the tetanus. All of this made me realize that a mantra all of us should include in our visits to the veterinarian and to the doctor is to ask them to explain the side effects of each drug/vaccine they prescribe. Not the pharmacist (in case of humans) – the doctor.
The side effects of the drugs or vaccines being prescribed deserve to be explained to all patients or their guardians. Ask. Each and every time. I’m not suggesting you to refuse the drug or vaccine for your pet or yourself, I’m suggesting you get all the information and then make your decision. Ask and then decide.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author, Buyer Beware
Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
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Andrea
April 8, 2013 at 5:26 pm
Yes and you should know the duration of immunity (DOI) for the pet’s vaccinations. So many vets over immunize and there is no reason for it and it’s so deadly for our pets. It’s really important to know this and not over vaccinate and kill your pets immune system just because your vet says you should.
http://peterdobias.com/community/2012/10/study-on-duration-of-immunity-to-canine-vaccines/