Pet Parents Say YES to Rabies?!

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• Rabies + Autism = ??? … No

• High-speed dog chases… to Metallica?

• “The Squeeze” aka The Internet’s Best Dog News in 60 seconds.

• The Last Laugh: What we're laughing with. Not at.

Pet Parents Say NO to Vaccinations!?

"Rabies is not a big deal, right?" Wrong.

A recent USA Today report has startling data revealing that more than half of dog owners are skeptical about the rabies vaccine. Yes, you read that right—more than 50% are questioning the necessity of a vaccine that prevents a viral disease which is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

The Structure of the Skepticism 

Why is this happening? For some, there's a surge in misinformation surrounding dog vaccines, including the false claim that vaccines can cause autism in dogs. An article by The New York Times in 2018 had already pointed out the absurdity of this idea. Vaccines are developed and tested rigorously to ensure their efficacy and safety, both for humans and animals.

So, what's the reality?

Required Vaccinations Vs. Optional Ones 

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), there are "core" vaccines that every dog should receive, which include vaccines for canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis, and of course, rabies. Then there are "non-core" vaccines like those for Bordetella bronchiseptica, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Leptospira bacteria which might be recommended based on your dog's exposure risk.

When to Get These Vaccines? 

Puppies should begin their vaccinations at six to eight weeks of age, and this initial series should be completed by 16 weeks. After that, boosters should be given at regular intervals throughout the dog’s life, with the rabies vaccine often required every 1-3 years, depending on your local laws.

The good news is that there is a lot of literature on the subject, including the expertise of any veterinary office that you could walk into. The AKC has a handy chart, seen below:

Why Vaccines Are Important 

Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight specific diseases. This preparedness can make the difference between life and death in the face of exposure. Not vaccinating your pet not only risks their health but could also create a public health issue. Rabies can be transmitted to humans and is fatal if not promptly treated.

The American Medical Veterinary Association has a list of 6 reasons to vaccinate your pet:

1. Vaccination prevents many pet illnesses.

2. Vaccination can help avoid costly treatments for preventable diseases.

3. Vaccination prevents diseases that can be passed between animals and from animals to people.

4. Unvaccinated pets are at risk from life-threatening diseases found in wildlife, such as rabies and distemper.

5. Reputable pet boarding, daycare, and training services require vaccination against certain diseases to protect all participating animals.

6. Many local and state laws require that household pets—including indoor-only pets—be vaccinated against certain diseases.

Dispelling Myths 

It's crucial to get the facts right. Vaccines do not cause autism in dogs. There is zero scientific evidence to support this claim. Furthermore, veterinarians advocate for vaccines not because they have an agenda, but because they are trained in animal healthcare and understand the devastating consequences of these diseases.

So, Is Skipping the Rabies Shot a Revolution or a Risk? 

It's a risk—a high one, at that. Dog owners may think they're doing the right thing based on faulty information, but the consequences can be dire. Rabies is fatal, both to animals and humans. It’s also illegal in 40 out of 50 states to not vaccinate a pet. Skipping a simple vaccine could endanger lives. In the end, we strongly advocate for responsible pet ownership, which includes regular vaccinations. Always consult with your veterinarian about the right vaccine schedule for your furry friend and make informed decisions for their long-term health and well-being. We're all about keeping our pets healthy for the long haul. A simple jab could save a life—perhaps even yours.

Do your research, but remember: vaccines save lives, both human and canine.

Some Dogs Run to Metallica, Others Seek Out a Friend: The Healing Power of Canine Companionship

"No leash, no problem" seems to be the philosophy at a Michigan animal shelter where two adorable canines recently took escapades of their own. Young Storm decided to catch a Metallica concert, while senior pup Daisy ventured to a local retirement home to seek companionship. Though both are back safe and sound, their adventures serve as a charming backdrop to explore something more profound: the incredible role pets play in promoting mental health, especially as we age.

Why are Pets so Good for Mental Health? 

While Max and Daisy's escapades are endearing, they're also a small part of a bigger picture: the therapeutic role that pets, particularly dogs, can play in human lives. According to a Healthy Aging Poll, pets have a substantial impact on the mental well-being of older adults. The poll reports that pets help reduce stress, encourage physical activity, and bring about a general feeling of well-being and emotional support among the aging population.

A Connection for All Ages 

Though the poll focuses on older adults, let's not forget that the emotional and mental health benefits of pet companionship are universal and cross all age barriers. They can serve as emotional anchors, stress-busters, and even non-judgmental confidantes. With pets around, feelings of loneliness and isolation can be significantly mitigated.

The Mutual Benefit Pact 

So, here's where our main story on pet vaccinations ties in: to sustain this circle of well-being, it's crucial to keep our pets as healthy as possible. If vaccinations protect them from diseases like rabies, they're more likely to live a long, healthy life, which, in turn, means more years of emotional and psychological support for you.

Your Mental Health Matters, And So Does Your Pet's Health 

In essence, a healthy pet contributes to a healthier you. So, whether your dog prefers Metallica concerts or more quiet companionship, make sure their health is a priority. Invest in that trip to the vet for all the recommended vaccinations and regular check-ups. It's not just good pet ownership; it's an investment in your own mental and emotional well-being.

We often talk about "man's best friend," but perhaps it's time to consider that they might be "human's best therapist" too. Now that's a heartwarming story for you. So, the next time you're feeling down or lonely, maybe all you need is a wagging tail or a warm purr to lift your spirits. And for that, let's make sure we're doing all we can to keep our furry therapists healthy and happy.

We Fetched Some Funnies For You

Good Boy Chronicles: "Tried to teach my dog to roll over. He just stared at me, walked to his bed, and then did the slowest, most dramatic roll onto his back. The sass is strong with this one." – Pet Parent Diaries

Kitchen Comedy: "My dog has two moods. The first is 'Give me all the treats,' and the second is 'Why are you feeding me this vegetable nonsense?' There's no in-between." – Anonymous Snack Giver

⏳ The Squeeze aka The Internet’s Best News in 60 Seconds:

🎬 Flicks With Fido: British theaters are now welcoming dogs to join their owners for a movie night. And yes, popcorn for pups is on the menu!

💩 Poo-prenuership: Scooping dog poop isn't just a dirty job; in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, it's turning into a lucrative business.

📽️ Sad Dog Films of 2023: Get your tissues ready. A Yahoo UK article lists the must-see sad dog movies of the year that will tug at your heartstrings.

🎤 Swift Canines: What if Taylor Swift's eras were represented by different dog breeds? Dogtime has the creative answer.

🤖 The Future of Furry Friends: Robotic service dogs are on the horizon, promising to offer functionalities that could potentially outperform traditional service dogs. Is technology man's new best friend?

🧠 Woof and Words: Recent studies show that dog brains have a special affinity for female voices, shedding light on why your pup might be more responsive to the ladies in the house.

😄 Today’s Last Laugh: 

Excellent form. 10/10 doggie dive:

@pubity

Legend has it, she is still looking for her ball to this day 😭😭😭 #Pubity (Alyssa Quiett via @ViralHog)