Hesitancy around vaccines has spilled over to pet owners in recent years, sparking concern about the resurgence of rabies, a virus that’s nearly always fatal.
Some pet owners argue against vaccinating dogs – over concerns that vaccines shorten the canines’ lifespans or beliefs that vaccines can cause autism in dogs. But autism’s spectrum of symptoms is uniquely human and experts say anti-vaxxing campaigns among dog owners are especially dangerous considering the public health consequences of rabies.
“While, thankfully, we don’t see a lot of rabies, the consequence is disastrous,” Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, told USA TODAY. “It’s essentially 100% fatal. So having a rabies vaccine for your cat and dog is really, really important on many levels.”
The autism in dogs part got me as well.
I know what you mean about some people and the cost though, vet bills are $teep!
Thinking back to when we had pets when I was a kid (1960s) we never took them to vets etc. unless ot was absolutely necessary. We couldn’t afford it and we didn’t know better. Now, I spend more on my cat’s teeth than I do my own!
Veterinary cost is insane in Canada. At least in the USA you can order rabies shots and administer them yourself. Here there’s no way to acquire them except via a vet, which means you’re usually in for $200+ for a shot that’s worth $5.
I’ve heard of people close to the border hopping across with their dog to slam a couple shots into them.
I’m so glad to run a farm as I have access to basics like penicillin and some mid-grade vet knowledge. When the dog bashes himself up and gets infected I can just dress it myself instead of bringing him in to pay $500 for the same thing.
Yeah, just Old Yeller them.