To Vaccinate Grown Dogs & Cats Or Not? NOT!!

I was gratified that people really listened to the advice I gave in the “Ask Tracie” segment when I came on Martha’s TV show January 16th (view my two segments on the show here). Some people were confused about my firm advice not to constantly re-vaccinate adult dogs and cats – which has been the correct healthy advice conscientious vets have given for quite some time. The reason NOT to constantly revaccinate is that continually bombarding an animal’s immune system with an illness to which it already has immunity (if it got the two sets of puppy or kitten shots) can lead to cancer and generally undermines the pet’s immune system.

Imagine if we had to have German Measles boosters every year – or smallpox – or any of the childhood diseases to which we were immunized as children? It makes no sense! Our bodies – and those of our animal family members – have a cellular memory of having been vaccinated young against these diseases. They carry that protection for life. It has been YEARS since the American Veterinary Medical Association changed their recommendation form yearly to every 3-year vaccinations, so yearly vaccinating is already an out-of-date practice that NO well-informed vet should be doing. But beyond that, there is no medical or logical reason to vaccinate an adult dog or cat every three years, either. Instead, you check the blood levels of immunity with a “blood titer” test every year until the animal is about 5 years old (to be super-safe) and then no need to check again, you’re good to go! Dr. Marty Goldstein, Martha’s own holistic vet – who has his own show on Martha’s channel of Sirius/XM (“Ask Martha’s Vet” on Monday nights) – recently had the brilliant research vet Dr. Jean Dodds on his show on the topic of vaccinations. Their recommendation was the same as mine: give the first kitten or puppy shots at around 8-9 weeks, then the second set around 12-14 weeks but NEVER both the Parvo and distemper in one shot, which is what vets usually do for peoples’ convenience. It’s too much of an assault on a little creature’s system – demand shots that are separated. Then you’ll get a rabies shot later – and continue getting them as required by law in your state, either every year (which is horrible for the animal) or every 3 years, which Dr. Dodds is in the middle of proving is way too often, as well. Her “Rabies Challenge Fund” is testing a 5-year vaccine to show it is effective and then they will study a 7 year rabies vaccine, so that the laws can all be changed to protect society but also protect our pets’ own health.

Here are some of the emails I got after the show – I hope the above answers you all! And thanks for checking in, it’s great to know you’re out and really listening!

HANK wrote: I saw you on Martha Stewart today and you mentioned that cats and dogs should only have 1 vaccination. Do you mean Rabies and Distemper also? And if it’s rabies — why do law enforcers insist that your pets get vaccinated regularly. I enjoy seeing you on all the shows. Thank you.

CAROLYN in North Carolina wrote: I saw you on Martha Stewart yesterday and would like you to clarify the fact that cats do not need vaccinations after a certain age. Does this include rabies? I have one indoor and one indoor/outdoor kitty so shouldn’t the one that goes outside get a regular rabies shot?

BRANDY wrote: So, I’m just wondering why you think you know more than a veterinarian. If they recommend vaccinating yearly, then they probably have a good reason (and a lot of scientific research) for doing so. Is there something you know that veterinarians don’t? Thank you so much for your response.

MARIA wrote: I totally agree with you about cats getting inoculated. I don’t want it at all. In Pennsylvania it is mandatory but in New Jersey I don’t know. I would like to get a copy of what you said about inoculating cats. If it is possible can you send me a copy? I would greatly appreciate it.

UPDATE: Update: More On Purebred Cats On Martha Stewart TV Show

I was astonished to get this letter from Gem, who thought the cats I was showing on Martha’s TV show might be for sale. Here’s what she wrote:

Hi Tracie: I am inquiring if the Maine Coon cat you had on Martha today is for sale?

Our Maine coon passed away and it is a sad story. we adopted him from the local shelter, the SPCA.. We have a beautiful farm in New York and would love another big friend.

Thank You from Gem

I wrote Gem back:

I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s so hard to lose the four-legged beauties who share our lives.

NO! Tigger was not “for sale” (he’s actually the cat of the actor Chazz Palmintieri, whose beautiful wife Gianna brought him all the way into New York City for the show – they are clients of Dr Marty Goldstein, whose radio show “Ask Martha’s Vet” is on Martha’s channel on Monday nights).

None of the kitties were for sale, they are all beloved family members, including Martha’s new cat Frost, whom she has just adopted from the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF). I always advocate that people find a pet for themselves by first going to their local shelter, as you did when you found your first Maine Coon cat. Go to www.Petfinder.com – put in your zip code and (in your case write in Maine Coon cat) and you will see any shelters near you that have a Maine Coon for adoption. Over 30% of all animals at shelters are purebred so the chance of finding what you’re looking for is pretty good. Let me know what you find – and send me a photo to post on my website and call into the show Wednesday a nights with any questions. My website www.TracieHotchner.com tell you all you need to know.

Thanks for getting in touch.