Product Description

Most pet owners aren't aware of the dangers in animal vaccinations that have been discovered in recent years. In this compact, easy-to-understand volume, John Clifton explains the very real risks involved every time a dog or cat gets a shot. The major veterinary associations now agree that vaccinations can trigger all sorts of maladies, from allergies to cancer - but most pet caretakers (and many veterinarians, it seems) haven't gotten the word. This is an important book for every pet owner to read. In a conversational, direct, non-technical voice it guides the reader in formulating an intelligent approach to animal vaccinations. Clifton lays out all the major issues: whether to vaccinate or not, which shots to give and which to avoid, how to know if and when a shot should be repeated. And, importantly, the risks in over-vaccinating. Holistic as well as orthodox medical opinions are presented. Despite the title, readers are not advised flat out to abandon vaccinations. Rather, they are encouraged to learn about the risks and benefits - and "stop the shots" until they are fully informed.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #98101 in Books
• Published on: 2007-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 104 pages

Review
"Well-researched and balanced...An important volume, one that was sorely needed in the pet community" -- Steven Diller, Author of Dogs and Their People: Choosing and Training the Best Dog for You

Easy to read...I hope all pet owners take a copy to their veterinarian...Maybe they can understand this book. -- Gary VanEngelenburg, DVM

From the Publisher
News from Optimum Choices January 2007

"Book of the Month"
In [a previous article], we talked about "Less is More" or how giving too much stuff or too many treatments to our pets does not always benefit them. This book talks about how giving too many vaccinations can be harmful to our pets. Despite the title, the author is not totally opposed to vaccination of pets, though he quotes some experts that choose not to vaccinate at all. He is primarily opposed to the over vaccination of pets, which occurs when our pets get their "annual booster shots". He agrees with most vets that there are certain core vaccinations that are important for most pets to get in their first year of life. However, there is no scientific justification for giving annual shots and they can cause health problems in our pets. The author quotes the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) which states "unnecessary stimulation of the immune system does not result in enhanced disease resistance, and may increase the risk of adverse post-vaccination events". Also, giving many different vaccines at one time, as is commonly done, is very stressful on our pets' bodies. Some of the health problems suspected of being caused by vaccines include cancer, paralysis, allergies, leukemia, liver damage, auto immune disorders, Parvovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza, leptospirosis and chronic renal (kidney) failure. The AVMA also states, "not all pets should be vaccinated with all vaccines just because these vaccines are available", but this is commonly done by many pet owners. The author mentions the studies at the University of Wisconsin's Veterinary Teaching Hospital showing that "vaccines for Parvovirus, distemper, and hepatitis protect for at least seven years." Unfortunately, many veterinarians are still vaccinating yearly and sending out reminder cards for "annual booster shots" because that is the traditional way of doing things and it typically produces about 50% of their annual revenue.

I particularly like his explanation of titer testing, which is testing the blood for antibodies to disease. This is a confusing area to understand because titers only measure one aspect of immunity to disease and a low titer does not necessarily indicate lack of immunity to the disease. The book covers in detail the vaccine recommendations of the official veterinary groups as well as opinions from more holistically oriented practitioners. Rather than dogmatically telling you what to do, the author presents information from many experts and suggests you do further research. He also has a list of "Do's" and "Don'ts" at the end with suggestions on how to minimize vaccination problems, such as not over-vaccinating a newly acquired puppy or kitten and not giving vaccinations close to periods of stress (such as going on vacation). Unfortunately, all shelters and rescue groups immediately vaccinate animals when they first get them, which also happens to be when the animal is under the greatest stress. Since vaccinations lower the immune system, this makes it easier for cancer and other immune system problems to get a foothold, though the ill effects may not be evident for years.

The one thing in the book that I would not agree with is his statement that nosodes are perfectly safe. Nosodes are homeopathic preparations made from the disease. While they are safe in that they contain no actual molecules of the diseased substance, classical homeopathic practitioners feel that using an inappropriate remedy can weaken the energetic and immune system of the animal. In classical homeopathy, an inappropriate remedy would be one that is not addressing the current and complete condition of the animal. So they would generally only use nosodes if the animal has definitely been exposed to a disease and is in danger rather than to prevent future disease (as vaccinations do).

The author has done a very good job of providing a clear and comprehensive look [at] vaccinations, a topic that can be very confusing and controversial. If you love your pet and want it to live a long, healthy life, we highly recommend you read this book.

Just Say No to Vaccines e-community, Dianne Sever Owner/Co-founder

"I am more than impressed!!! Clifton successfully and gently guides the reader through the intricacies of the process of vaccination while at the same time conveying an easily understood "picture" of the natural power that is the immune system. Through it all he somehow still keeps this complex topic easy to follow for the pet owner. In terms and analogies that are both effective, and CORRECT, he encourages the reader to venture outside the proverbial box. His message is clear, concise and fact based. This is the handy little book we breeders have been longing for and will be adding to our puppy buyers' required reading list. I urge everyone here to order their copy today. This book is a must have in any pet lover's home library."

Customer Reviews

Easy style describes difficult situation.
This book is a MUST read!
I had the pleasure of being a vet tech for seven years under an "old school" veternarian who NEVER PUSHED UNNEEDED VACCINES. Unfortunatley, when he retired I was left to work for his two "new school" collegues who pushed vaccines, experimental medications/anesthetics, used brute force instead of psychology.
I was in the front line when injection-site sarcomas were being tracked by the AAHA (right rear rabies!)...I've seen animals "crash" after vaccines (especially cats and ferrets). I've also seen how "old" vets treated vaccines (prevention) and how "new" vets now treat vaccines ($$- it's a business). Sad. Very Sad.
READ THIS BOOK...while it's not a pedagogical text on immunology and vaccines, it is an easy read for the non-technical that has a great reference section and will provide the caring pet owner with food for thought.

Enthusiastically recommended for animal owners and would-be owners
Despite its title, Stop the Shots!: Are Vaccinations Killing Our Pets? does not advocate stopping all pet vaccinations, and especially does not recommend stopping all vaccinations that protect from the most widespread and deadly infections like rabies, parvovirus and canine distemper for dogs, and panleukopenia and rhinotracheitis/calcivirus for cats. Yet award-finalist author and pet lover John Clifton logically and rationally argues against so-called conventional wisdom, such as vaccinating against diseases that pets will never be exposed to (like Lyme disease for a pet that does not live in or won't travel to an area infested with it) or the use of annual booster shots. Chapters discuss how vaccines work, the health detriments to over-vaccination such as increased risk of pet cancer or curtailment of the pet's immune system's ability to naturally fight off diseases, factors to keep in mind when deciding when the proper time is for a booster shot, and much more. Enthusiastically recommended for animal owners and would-be owners as an informative aid to decide the right amount of vaccines to protect one's pet and keep it as healthy as possible.

Compelling and Informative!
I found this well researched book extremely compelling and informative! I have no doubt that John Clifton's intelligent and objective data on the subject of vaccinations for pets will be responsible for the extended lives of our dogs and cats. While not espousing abolishing shots entirely, the author incorporates well documented studies and opinions of veterinarians, immunologists and other medical experts to exercise caution and restraint, rather, tailoring vaccination procedures to each particular pet and its environment. Moreover, he gives a logical plan on how to accomplish this, unlike other writings on the subject. Indeed, this is a courageous, concise,and readable volume, of value to animal lovers, pet owners and breeders alike.