Whether a dog is vaccinated or not is the responsibility of the dog owner. There is no compulsory vaccination in Germany. To protect the dog, other animals and those around them, most veterinarians recommend vaccination and regular revaccinations.
But there are also some opponents of vaccinations who have a completely contrary opinion. Many first-time owners therefore ask themselves: “Should I really vaccinate my dog? Yes or no?”
Everyone has to answer this question for themselves. My personal opinion is: “As little as possible and as much as necessary.” I therefore think basic immunization makes sense.
However, I don't believe in having my dog vaccinated every year. According to my research, every 3 years is completely sufficient. Speak in favor of vaccination:
- Vaccination requirements
- Protection of the dog
- Protection of others
You will also hardly find a veterinarian who speaks out against vaccination. Still, let's look at the downside. The biggest arguments against vaccination are:
- Not 100% protection
- Rarity of diseases
- Cost
- Harmful additives
- Money-making
Below we will look at the individual pro/contra arguments in detail. So that you can then decide for yourself whether to vaccinate your dog or not – yes or no?
Are you worried or unsure? Then click here to start a live chat with a veterinarian.
Per vaccination
The three biggest benefits of vaccination are:
#1 Vaccination requirements
A basic distinction is made between “compulsory vaccinations” and “elective vaccinations” for dogs. If you ask me, these terms are rather confusing.
Because in Germany there is no compulsory vaccination for dogs. Whether you want to have your dog vaccinated or not is up to you. At least that applies to life in Germany.
Things are different when traveling. In some cases, vaccination against rabies is required within the EU. Outside Europe, compulsory vaccination applies depending on the country of residence.
Without appropriate proof of vaccination, you may be refused entry. However, you don't have to expect any penalties here. [1]
“So should I vaccinate my dog? Yes or no?” – As a dog owner, you decide for yourself. However, with unvaccinated dogs, be prepared for moral lectures from the vet.
Since there is no statutory vaccination requirement in Germany, dog owners can decide for themselves whether their dog is vaccinated or not. However, when traveling within the EU, proof of a rabies vaccination is usually required. But this is not necessary nationally.
#2 Protecting the dog
In the second month of life, veterinarians recommend the so-called “basic immunization”. This includes the 5 mandatory vaccinations and usually deworming. [2]
These diseases can sometimes be fatal even in dogs with a strong immune system. This is why veterinarians often speak of a “moral obligation to vaccinate”:
IllnessFirst vaccinationSecond vaccinationThird vaccinationBoosterParvovirus8. Week12. Week16. WeekEvery 3 yearsDistemper8. Week12. Week16. WeekEvery 3 yearsHepatitis8. Week12. Week16. WeekEvery 3 yearsLeptospirosis8. Week12. Week15. MonthEvery YearRabies12. Week16. Week15. MonthEvery 3 years
But are these vaccinations really that important? Should you vaccinate your dog now? Yes or no? Let's go through the individual diseases together:
- Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that is usually transmitted through the feces of infected animals. This “dog disease” can be fatal.
- distemper is a contagious viral disease that can be fatal within a few days. Even in surviving dogs, it leaves lasting damage.
- hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. It can also cause death in young dogs with weak immune systems.
- Leptospirosis is a bacterial infectious disease that can cause permanent organ damage and death in unvaccinated and young dogs.
- rabies is a deadly viral disease that can also be transmitted to people through saliva. Unvaccinated dogs are usually euthanized straight away.
Optional vaccinations include protection against babesiosis, leishmaniasis, kennel cough, Lyme disease and fungal infections. These are the so-called “elective vaccinations”.
Vaccinations can protect dogs against several life-threatening diseases. Veterinarians therefore speak of the dog owner's moral obligation to take care of it. However, whether you vaccinate your dog or not is up to you.
#3 Protecting others
I myself am generally not a fan of vaccinations. And yet I got vaccinated against Covid. The reason? I don't want other people to get sick because of me.
I see it similarly with dogs. The moment you don't vaccinate your four-legged friend, you risk them making other dogs, animals and people sick. [3]
Of course the same applies vice versa. Other unvaccinated dogs could harm your four-legged friend. How would you feel if that happened?
As is often the case with moral issues, there is no “right” or “wrong” here. But just opinions, some of which can be completely contradictory. This is completely normal.
So the question is: Are you okay with your dog unintentionally risking the lives of others? If not, then a vaccination is probably recommended.
If so, then the other pro/con arguments need to be taken into account. For me the answer is “no”. But that's just my opinion and I don't want to play a moralizer.
Vaccination not only protects the dog from disease, but also other animals and people. Whether you should vaccinate your dog – whether yes or no – is therefore, to a certain extent, a moral question that you have to answer for yourself.
Contra vaccination
In addition to these three pro arguments, there are also some valid reasons that speak against vaccination. This includes:
#1 Side effects
During a vaccination, weakened bacteria and viruses are given to the dog. This leads to the four-legged friend's immune system automatically developing antibodies.
This also explains why dogs have to be vaccinated several times. This builds up vaccination protection step-by-step. Regular refreshers are also advisable.
One of the short-term disadvantages is the associated side effects. These usually start several hours after the vaccination. Typical examples are here:
- Mild fever
- fatigue
- Low appetite
- Local swelling
- Mild cold [4]
In exceptional cases, an allergic reaction to the vaccine can also occur. An allergic shock can even be life-threatening.
You can recognize this primarily by sudden severe swelling, breathing problems or the dog collapsing. Here you should immediately contact the emergency veterinary service.
This is exactly what many dog owners are afraid of and therefore ask themselves whether they should vaccinate their dog or not. But there is no clear “yes” or “no” here.
There have also been cases in which the dog died after vaccination. An unexpected allergic shock is usually responsible for this.
At this point it is important to emphasize that the majority of dogs hardly show any side effects. If that were not the case, then vaccination would not be standard in Germany. [5]
This is also shown by a study by the German Paul Ehrlich Institute. According to their study, only 0.0065% of all dogs experience vaccination reactions.
Vaccinations are usually accompanied by mild side effects. After 2 days at the latest, all symptoms should have disappeared again. In rare cases an allergic reaction may occur. However, these are rather exceptional cases.
#2 Other factors
Vaccine critics usually also cite other valid arguments against vaccinating dogs. The classics include:
Just because your dog is vaccinated doesn't mean he is completely immune to the disease. You are probably already familiar with this phenomenon from Covid.
This is primarily because there are many different subspecies of viruses and bacteria. However, a previous vaccination usually alleviates the effects very significantly. [6]
- Rarity of diseases
Due to the strict vaccination regulations, some diseases such as rabies have become absolutely rare in Europe. Statistics also confirm this.
So is such a vaccination necessary or not? This cannot be answered with “yes” or “no”. Because the current situation is only like this because almost everyone is vaccinated.
Veterinarians always bill the costs of a vaccination according to the Fee Schedule for Veterinarians (GOT). You can charge 1 to 3 times the fee for this.
Individual vaccinations are also more expensive than combination vaccinations. For the basic immunization you can expect to pay around €50-70 per vaccination. The same applies to follow-up vaccinations.
Vaccines usually also contain a cocktail of other additives. These can include substances that damage the nervous system.
Until a few years ago, pharmaceutical companies recommended an annual revaccination. According to researchers, this is completely unnecessary and may even increase the potential for damage.
The vaccination against distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis should be valid for around 7 years. All remaining mandatory vaccinations should last for around 3 years. [7]
The fact that it does not provide complete protection and that some diseases are very rare speaks against vaccination. In addition, the vaccines sometimes contain harmful additives and are associated with costs. However, the costs are kept within limits.
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