Vaccinations play a role in protecting pets, but they are not one-size-fits-all and they are not without risk. A truly holistic approach looks at the individual animal, their lifestyle, their immune system, and their overall health before making decisions. The goal is not over-vaccination or blind avoidance—it’s informed, balanced care that supports long-term wellness.
You should detox your pet the day before, day of, and day after vaccines are given. Visit vaccination detox protocol for more information.
Vaccinations are to be given to healthy animals only. If your dog or cat has a chronic medical condition your pet is not healthy and should not be vaccinated. The insert that comes with a tray of vaccine vials states “for immunization of healthy animals….”
See our recommendations for our core vaccinations. Once your pet receives their first set, you should titer test to determine the level of immunity that your pet has. Visit our titer test page.
Vaccinations can play an important role in protecting dogs and cats from serious infectious diseases, but that doesn’t mean every pet needs every vaccine on the same schedule throughout life.
Age, health status, lifestyle, geographic location, exposure risk, previous vaccine reactions and vaccination history can all influence what may be appropriate for an individual pet. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we believe vaccination decisions should be made thoughtfully and individually.
Core vaccines are recommended because they protect against diseases that can cause serious illness or death and may pose a widespread risk. Non-core vaccines are generally recommended based on an individual pet’s lifestyle and potential exposure. Understanding the difference can help pet parents have a more informed conversation with their veterinarian about which vaccines may—or may not—be appropriate for their pet.
For pets that have already been vaccinated, titer testing may sometimes provide useful information about antibodies to certain diseases. Because titers are a separate and complex topic, we have an in-depth Titer Testing for Dogs & Cats guide explaining what titers measure, when they may be useful and their limitations.
For pet parents interested in supporting their pet before and after vaccination, we also have a dedicated Vaccination Detox for Dogs & Cats protocol covering our holistic approach to supportive care.
On this page, we’ll focus on the vaccines themselves: core and non-core vaccines for dogs and cats, vaccination schedules, potential side effects and adverse reactions, special considerations for puppies, kittens, seniors and pets with health concerns, and questions pet parents may want to discuss with their veterinarian.
Our goal isn’t to tell pet parents to vaccinate or not to vaccinate. It’s to help you understand the potential benefits and risks so you can make an informed, individualized decision for your pet.
Vaccines are commonly used to protect dogs and cats from serious and potentially life-threatening infectious diseases. However, vaccination is not completely risk-free, which is why we believe decisions should be based on the individual pet rather than automatically following a one-size-fits-all approach.
Every dog and cat is different. Age, current health, previous vaccine reactions, lifestyle, geographic location, exposure risk and vaccination history should all be considered when deciding which vaccines may be appropriate and when they should be given.
A young, healthy dog that regularly visits dog parks, boarding facilities or daycare may have very different exposure risks than a senior dog who rarely leaves home. Likewise, an indoor-only cat may have different risks than a cat who spends time outdoors or regularly encounters other cats.
Before vaccinating, consider your pet’s:
Vaccines contain more than the antigen intended to stimulate immunity. Depending on the vaccine and manufacturer, formulations may contain adjuvants, stabilizers, preservatives or residual substances from the manufacturing process. Ingredients can vary considerably between products, which is another reason we encourage pet parents to ask their veterinarian exactly which vaccine and manufacturer will be used.
Most vaccine reactions are mild and temporary, such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue, decreased appetite or a mild fever. Less commonly, pets can experience more significant adverse reactions, including facial swelling, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis. Immune-mediated reactions have also been reported following vaccination, although an illness occurring after vaccination does not necessarily mean the vaccine caused it.
Cats have an additional consideration: feline injection-site sarcoma, a rare but serious tumor that can develop at an injection site. Because of this risk, feline vaccination guidelines include recommendations about where injectable vaccines should be administered so that treatment is more feasible in the rare event a sarcoma develops.
Dogs have their own considerations. Vaccine doses generally are not calculated according to a dog’s body weight—the manufacturer-approved dose is typically given whether the dog is small or large. Smaller dogs have been reported to experience adverse vaccine reactions more frequently than larger dogs. This does not mean pet parents should request a partial vaccine dose, because reducing the manufacturer’s recommended dose may result in inadequate protection. Instead, particularly with very small dogs or dogs with a history of reactions, discuss whether multiple vaccines need to be administered during the same appointment or whether they can appropriately be spaced apart. We personally would do them separately a few weeks apart.
Not every vaccine recommended for dogs and cats serves the same purpose. Veterinary vaccination guidelines generally divide vaccines into two categories: core vaccines and non-core vaccines.
Core vaccines are those considered important because they protect against diseases that are widespread, highly contagious, potentially life-threatening or, in the case of rabies, pose a serious human health concern.
However, calling a vaccine “core” does not necessarily mean that every pet needs every vaccine at every veterinary visit or should automatically continue receiving vaccinations throughout life without considering previous vaccination history, current health and individual circumstances.
The timing and frequency of vaccination matter too.
For most dogs, the primary vaccines we believe pet parents should discuss with their veterinarian are those protecting against:
Canine Parvovirus (CPV-2) – A highly contagious and potentially life-threatening virus, particularly in puppies and unvaccinated dogs. Parvovirus attacks the gastrointestinal tract and can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration.
Canine Adenovirus (CAV) – Provides protection against infectious canine hepatitis, a contagious viral disease that can affect the liver, kidneys, blood vessels and eyes.
Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) – A serious contagious virus that can affect the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. Neurologic complications can be severe and sometimes permanent.
Rabies Virus – A fatal neurologic disease that can infect both animals and people. Rabies vaccination is regulated by state and local laws. We discuss the rabies vaccine, vaccination intervals, exemptions and other considerations in our dedicated Rabies Vaccination section below.
Distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus are commonly administered together in a combination vaccine, often referred to as DAPP, DHPP or DA2PP, depending on the formulation.
Leptospirosis deserves a separate discussion because vaccination recommendations have changed. Although historically considered a non-core or lifestyle vaccine, current AAHA guidelines classify leptospirosis vaccination as core for dogs.
That does not mean pet parents shouldn’t ask questions about their individual dog’s risk, health history and previous vaccine reactions.
Rather than going into those considerations here, we cover the disease, exposure risks, vaccination and our perspective in the dedicated Leptospirosis Vaccine section below.
Non-core vaccines are generally considered according to a dog’s lifestyle, geographic location and actual exposure risk.
These may include vaccines for Bordetella, canine influenza, Lyme disease and other infectious diseases.
A dog that regularly attends daycare, boards, travels or spends considerable time around unfamiliar dogs may have a very different exposure risk than a dog who rarely encounters other animals.
Before agreeing to a non-core vaccine, consider asking your veterinarian:
After the initial puppy vaccination series, titer testing may provide useful information about antibody levels for certain core diseases before automatically revaccinating.
Rather than duplicating that information here, visit our complete Titer Testing for Dogs & Cats guide to learn how titers work, which diseases can be tested and their limitations. We recommend all pet parents titer test.
Rabies is different because vaccination requirements are governed by state and local law, and titers generally do not replace legally required rabies vaccination.
From a holistic perspective, we prefer to look at the whole animal when considering vaccination—age, current health, nutrition, immune function, lifestyle, environment, previous reactions, vaccination history and actual disease exposure.
The goal isn’t to give as many vaccines as possible—or to avoid vaccination altogether. It is to determine which vaccines provide a meaningful benefit for your individual pet while minimizing unnecessary medical interventions.
Instead of simply asking, “Is this vaccine available?”, we encourage pet parents to ask:
“What are the benefits and risks of this vaccine for my individual pet?”
Our Recommendation: We recommend that pet parents have the core vaccinations done when they are a puppy and then titer test after to determine the level of immunity (note: States do not accept titers for rabies). You can also titer at any age.
Cats don’t necessarily need every vaccine available. Vaccination decisions should consider your cat’s age, health, lifestyle, previous vaccination history, exposure risk and whether a particular vaccine is required by law.
For most cats, the primary vaccines to discuss with your veterinarian protect against feline herpesvirus, feline panleukopenia, feline calicivirus and rabies. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) vaccination is also considered important for kittens and young cats and may be recommended for older cats based on their individual risk of exposure.
Feline herpesvirus type 1 causes feline viral rhinotracheitis, one of the major causes of upper respiratory disease in cats.
Symptoms may include sneezing, nasal congestion, fever, conjunctivitis and discharge from the eyes or nose. Once infected, cats can carry the virus for life, and periods of stress may trigger recurring symptoms.
Feline panleukopenia—sometimes called feline distemper—is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease.
It can cause fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and a severe reduction in white blood cells. Kittens and unvaccinated cats are particularly vulnerable.
Feline calicivirus is another common cause of respiratory disease in cats.
Symptoms can include sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, fever and painful ulcers of the mouth or tongue. Some strains can cause more serious disease, and infected cats may continue shedding the virus after recovering.
Feline herpesvirus, calicivirus and panleukopenia are commonly combined into one vaccine known as the FVRCP vaccine.
Rabies is a fatal neurologic disease that can infect cats, other mammals and humans.
Because rabies is a significant public-health concern, vaccination requirements are determined by state and local laws. Even indoor-only cats may be subject to rabies vaccination requirements.
We discuss rabies vaccination, frequency, exemptions and other considerations in our dedicated Rabies Vaccinationsection below.
Feline leukemia virus is a contagious retrovirus that can suppress the immune system and increase a cat’s risk of infections, anemia and certain cancers.
Current feline vaccination guidelines consider FeLV vaccination important for kittens and young cats, because their future lifestyle and exposure risk may not yet be known.
For adult cats, the decision becomes more individualized. Cats that spend time outdoors or may encounter FeLV-positive cats or cats of unknown FeLV status generally have a greater exposure risk than adult cats living exclusively indoors with FeLV-negative housemates.
Before continuing FeLV vaccination in an adult cat, discuss your cat’s actual lifestyle and exposure risk with your veterinarian.
After the initial kitten vaccination series, pet parents may want to discuss whether titer testing is appropriate before automatically repeating certain vaccines.
Titers can provide information about antibodies to some diseases, but their usefulness varies depending on the disease and vaccine. We explain this in detail in our separate Titer Testing for Dogs & Cats guide.
Rabies is different. A rabies titer generally does not replace vaccination when rabies vaccination is legally required.
From a holistic perspective, we believe vaccination decisions should consider the whole cat rather than simply following a reminder schedule.
Age, current health, indoor or outdoor lifestyle, exposure to other cats, previous vaccine reactions and vaccination history should all be considered.
This is particularly important for senior cats, cats with chronic health concerns and cats that have previously experienced an adverse vaccine reaction.
The goal is appropriate protection against serious disease while avoiding vaccinations that may not provide a meaningful benefit for that individual cat.
Our Recommendation: We recommend that pet parents have the core vaccinations done when they are a kitten and then titer test after to determine the level of immunity (note: States do not accept titers for rabies). You can also titer at any age.
We recommend you follow Dr. Judy Morgan’s Vaccination Protocol.
Dr. Judy Morgan’s recommended vaccination protocol (under ideal circumstances in a closed colony where no new animals are being introduced that may be sick or carrying disease, as in a home environment):
DAP (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus) vaccine should be administered to puppies at 12 and 16 weeks, if the puppies are in a clean, healthy environment with no exposure to sick dogs. For those desiring the least vaccines possible, I have had success giving a single distemper vaccine at 13 to 14 weeks with a single parvo vaccine at 16 to 17 weeks. This must be followed with a titer one month later to confirm sufficient immunity. Most veterinarians will not give single vaccines. If you follow this protocol, remember you assume all risk if your pet should become ill.
Dogs older than six months when first vaccinated will most likely not require a second vaccine booster four weeks later, although I have seen many recommendations for a series of three to four vaccines in a series. If the vaccine status of the dog is unknown, it is best to begin with a titer; protective antibodies may already be present, meaning no vaccination is necessary.
Draw blood for distemper and parvo titers at 5 to 6 months of age and annually, thereafter, if needed for boarding, daycare, grooming, show, or training. Give a booster vaccine for parvo if the titer is low. I continue running titers for life, as dogs are constantly exposed to other dogs outside, and we currently have no way to measure memory cell immunity.
Rabies vaccine should be administered at 6 months to 1 year of age; repeat 1 year later with a vaccine good for 3-year duration, then every 3 years provided the pet is healthy enough to be vaccinated (based on state requirements). Ask for a Thimerosal free vaccine. The dog must be kept under close supervision until vaccination to minimize exposure. Titers can be run to determine immune status, but most municipalities and states do not recognize titers for licensing requirements. This is changing slowly in some areas.
Lifestyle vaccines (Bordetella, Influenza, Lyme, Leptospirosis, Rattlesnake, etc.) should only be administered if your pet lives in a high-risk environment. As explained under the individual vaccines discussed, I rarely advise these vaccines. I recommend finding boarding, daycare, group play, and grooming services that do not require every vaccine imaginable. Having in-home care is much safer for your dog.
Vaccines should never be given to a pet that is sick, undergoing surgery or any anesthetic procedure, undergoing chemotherapy, is taking immunosuppressive drugs, or suffers from chronic inflammatory diseases. If the veterinarian requires vaccinations to have a procedure performed, the vaccines should be given a minimum of two, preferably four, weeks prior to the procedure.
More Resources:
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): A free PDF download of Dr. Judy’s Vaccination Protocol.
Most dogs and cats experience no serious problems following vaccination, but reactions can occur. Knowing what is considered a mild, temporary response—and what may require immediate veterinary attention—is important for every pet parent.
Some pets may experience temporary changes during the first day or two after vaccination, including:
These symptoms are generally short-lived. Contact your veterinarian if they are severe, continue to worsen or don’t resolve as expected.
More significant reactions require prompt veterinary attention. Watch for:
Difficulty breathing, collapse, severe facial swelling or signs of anaphylaxis should be treated as an emergency.
Some vaccine-related adverse events occur shortly after vaccination, while others may become noticeable later.
However, timing alone doesn’t prove that a vaccine caused a new health problem. If your pet develops an unusual symptom or significant change following vaccination, document what happened, when it began and when the vaccine was administered, and discuss it with your veterinarian.
Keep a copy of the vaccination record whenever possible, including the vaccine name, manufacturer, lot or serial number and date administered.
Research has found that smaller dogs may have a greater risk of acute adverse reactions following vaccination, particularly when multiple vaccines are administered during the same veterinary visit.
This does not mean that a small dog should receive a partial vaccine dose. Vaccine doses are manufacturer-established and generally are not adjusted according to body weight.
Instead, pet parents with small dogs—or any pet with a history of vaccine reactions—can discuss with their veterinarian whether every vaccine is necessary at that visit and whether vaccines can appropriately be spaced apart rather than given simultaneously.
Cats can rarely develop feline injection-site sarcomas, aggressive tumors that arise at sites where injections have previously been given.
Although uncommon, this risk is one reason the location of injections in cats matters. Veterinary guidelines recommend specific injection sites that make identification and treatment of a tumor more manageable should one develop.
A lump after an injection does not automatically mean cancer. However, veterinarians commonly use the 3-2-1 rule when evaluating injection-site masses.
A lump should be evaluated further if it:
If you notice a persistent or enlarging lump at your cat’s injection site, have your veterinarian examine it rather than simply watching it indefinitely.
If you believe your dog or cat experienced an adverse reaction following vaccination, don’t simply assume there’s nothing you can do.
Document what you observed and report the suspected reaction.
In the next section, we explain how to report vaccine reactions and adverse events involving medications, antibiotics, flea and tick products and other pet products to the appropriate federal agency and manufacturer.
If your pet has ever had a reaction after a vaccine, flea or tick product, antibiotic, or medication, your experience matters more than you may realize. Holistic pet parents are often the first to notice subtle changes — digestive upset, behavior shifts, immune flares, neurological signs, or a general sense that something is “off.”
You do not need proof that a product caused the reaction. You do not need permission from a veterinarian. Reporting simply means sharing what you observed so safety patterns can be recognized and other pets can be protected.
Many adverse events go unreported, especially when symptoms are delayed or considered “mild.” When holistic pet parents speak up, those missing pieces finally get documented.
Antibiotics and other medications such as steroids, NSAIDs, seizure medications, GI drugs, and topical treatments are regulated by the FDA through its Center for Veterinary Medicine.
If your pet experienced vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, lethargy, anxiety, seizures, skin reactions, organ stress, or if a medication simply did not work as expected, you can report it directly.
The easiest way is through the FDA Safety Reporting Portal for animal drugs and devices. You can also start at the FDA’s animal reporting page, which explains all available options.
If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call 1-888-FDA-VETS (1-888-332-8387).
Another important step is contacting the medication’s manufacturer. Their contact information is listed on the product label or packaging, and they are legally required to forward adverse event reports to the FDA.
Vaccines are regulated differently from medications. Animal vaccines fall under the USDA, not the FDA.
If your pet had a reaction after vaccination — whether it happened immediately or weeks later — it can and should be reported.
You can report vaccine reactions through the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics. Information and reporting options are available here.
You can also contact the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics directly at 800-752-6255.
In addition, vaccine manufacturers should be notified. Their information is typically listed on the vaccine label or your pet’s invoice.
From a holistic perspective, it’s important to remember that vaccine reactions are not always dramatic. Digestive changes, autoimmune flare-ups, chronic itching, behavioral changes, or immune suppression that appear later still matter and are worth reporting.
Flea and tick products require special attention because they are regulated in two different ways, depending on the product.
Some flea and tick products, including many oral chewables and prescription topical medications, are regulated as animal drugs by the FDA. Reactions to these products should be reported through the same FDA channels listed above or directly to the manufacturer.
Other flea and tick products, such as many collars, sprays, powders, and some topical insecticides, are regulated as pesticides by the EPA.
If your pet had a reaction to one of these products, you can find reporting instructions here.
You may also contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) at 1-800-858-7378, where incidents are documented and forwarded to the EPA. When reporting, include the EPA Registration Number found on the product label whenever possible.
A few reminders for holistic pet parents: trust your observations, even if the reaction was delayed. Mild symptoms still count. You can report even if your veterinarian disagrees. Saving labels, packaging, and lot numbers can be very helpful, but they are not required.
Reporting an adverse event is not about blame or fear. It is about awareness, transparency, and advocacy. Many product warnings, label changes, and safety investigations only happen after enough pet parents speak up.
Your voice helps protect pets everywhere.
Rabies is a serious and almost universally fatal viral disease that attacks the nervous system of mammals, including dogs, cats, wildlife and humans. Because rabies can spread from animals to people, rabies vaccination is regulated by state and local laws in the United States.
From a holistic perspective, we believe rabies vaccination should still be approached thoughtfully. Consider your pet’s age, current health, previous vaccine reactions and vaccination history, and discuss concerns with your veterinarian before vaccination.
When medically appropriate, we also prefer spacing the rabies vaccine away from other vaccinations rather than automatically administering several vaccines during the same appointment, particularly for small, senior, medically fragile pets or those with a previous vaccine reaction.
Most dogs and cats tolerate rabies vaccination without a serious reaction. However, like any medical intervention, adverse reactions can occur.
Common short-term reactions may include:
These reactions are generally mild and short-lived. Contact your veterinarian if symptoms are severe, worsening or persist longer than expected.
More significant reactions may include:
Facial swelling, difficulty breathing, collapse or signs of anaphylaxis are emergencies and require immediate veterinary care.
Neurologic signs such as tremors, loss of coordination or seizures should also be evaluated promptly.
Not every health problem that develops after vaccination is necessarily caused by the vaccine. However, if your pet develops a new or unusual symptom following vaccination, document when the vaccine was administered, when symptoms began and how they progressed, and contact your veterinarian.
Cats have an additional consideration. A rare but serious cancer known as feline injection-site sarcoma (FISS) can develop at sites where injections, including vaccines, have been administered.
This is one reason the location of vaccinations in cats is important.
A temporary small lump following an injection does not automatically mean cancer. However, the commonly used 3-2-1 rule recommends further evaluation of an injection-site mass if it:
Any persistent or enlarging injection-site lump should be examined by your veterinarian.
When your dog or cat needs a rabies vaccination, we recommend choosing a thimerosal-free rabies vaccine whenever one is available and appropriate for your pet.
Thimerosal is a mercury-containing preservative used in some vaccine formulations to help prevent contamination. Not every rabies vaccine contains thimerosal, so ask your veterinarian which specific product they use before your pet is vaccinated.
Our philosophy is simple: when vaccination is necessary, we prefer to minimize unnecessary ingredients and exposures when an appropriate alternative is available.
Holistic veterinarian Dr. Judy Morgan, DVM, also recommends choosing thimerosal-free vaccines when available.
A thimerosal-free vaccine does not mean reaction-free. Any vaccine can potentially cause an adverse reaction, and eliminating thimerosal does not guarantee that a particular vaccine will be safer for every individual pet.
Before the appointment, ask your veterinarian:
If your veterinarian doesn’t carry a thimerosal-free rabies vaccine, ask whether they can obtain one or whether another veterinary clinic in your area carries an appropriate licensed product.
Age alone does not automatically exempt a pet from legally required rabies vaccination. However, some states and local jurisdictions allow medical exemptions or waivers when a veterinarian determines that vaccination could pose a significant health risk to an individual animal.
If your pet has a serious chronic illness, is medically fragile or has previously experienced a significant vaccine reaction, discuss this with your veterinarian before the rabies vaccination becomes due.
Ask whether your state or local jurisdiction permits a medical exemption and what documentation is required.
A rabies antibody titer can measure antibodies against rabies, but a rabies titer generally does not replace legally required rabies vaccination in the United States.
A pet can have measurable rabies antibodies and still be considered legally overdue for vaccination.
Requirements vary by jurisdiction, so always check the laws where you live. We explain titers and their limitations in much greater detail in our Titer Testing for Dogs & Cats guide.
If your pet needs a rabies vaccine, supporting overall health before and after vaccination is part of our holistic approach.
Rather than duplicating our recommendations here, we have an entire Vaccination Detox for Dogs & Cats guide covering our approach to supporting pets surrounding vaccination.
Rabies is different from many other vaccines because it involves both your pet’s health and public-health law.
When rabies vaccination is required, our approach is to make the process as individualized as possible: choose a thimerosal-free vaccine when available, avoid giving unnecessary vaccines at the same appointment when appropriate, document the exact vaccine administered, monitor your pet carefully afterward and discuss legitimate medical concerns or previous reactions with your veterinarian. Also, do a vaccination detox anytime your pet is vaccinated.
If your pet is medically fragile, ask about legal medical-exemption options rather than assuming there are none.
"I would encourage you to ask your vet to show you where it says (in the state law) that a veterinary clinic can 'enforce' a regulation that has no real medical basis. Vaccines, if chosen to be administered, should be based on an animal’s risk of exposure to the disease and its current state of health."
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “Ask For A Thimerosal Free Rabies Vaccine!!!”.
The Lyme vaccine for dogs is controversial, and many holistic veterinarians urge caution before using it. Potential concerns include kidney disease, arthritis, chronic inflammation, and even long-term immune system issues. Some reactions may not show up right away but could develop months or years later.
It’s also important to note that most dogs exposed to Lyme disease never develop symptoms at all. That’s why some pet parents prefer natural approaches, such as homeopathic remedies, along with prevention strategies like tick checks and safe repellents.
The lyme vaccine can cause kidney disease, arthritis, chronic inflammation leading to allergies, cancer, and organ failure.
If you’re considering the Lyme vaccine, talk with your vet about the risks versus benefits, explore titer testing, and remember there are gentler ways to support your dog’s health. We personally do not adminster the lyme vaccine to our dogs.
Lyme disease is caused primarily by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to dogs through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, commonly called deer ticks.
Unlike rabies, distemper and parvovirus vaccines, the Lyme vaccine is considered a non-core vaccine. This means it is not routinely recommended for every dog regardless of lifestyle.
Current veterinary guidelines recommend considering Lyme vaccination primarily for dogs that live in or travel to areas where Lyme disease is common and exposure to infected ticks is likely.
We do not routinely give the Lyme vaccine to our own dogs. We believe the decision should be based on the individual dog’s exposure risk, geographic location, health history and previous vaccine reactions rather than automatically vaccinating every dog.
One of the most important things for pet parents to understand is that exposure to Lyme disease does not necessarily mean a dog will develop clinical Lyme disease.
Most dogs infected with Borrelia burgdorferi remain healthy and never develop obvious symptoms.
According to current veterinary guidance, a relatively small percentage of infected dogs develop clinical signs such as:
A much smaller percentage of infected dogs may develop Lyme nephritis, a serious form of kidney disease associated with Lyme infection. Although uncommon, Lyme nephritis can be life-threatening.
As with any vaccine, adverse reactions to Lyme vaccination are possible.
Potential short-term reactions may include:
Any facial swelling, difficulty breathing, collapse or signs of a severe allergic reaction require immediate veterinary attention.
There are concerns within the holistic veterinary community about repeated immune stimulation and the possibility of delayed or immune-mediated reactions following vaccination.
No vaccine provides 100% protection.
Lyme vaccination is intended to reduce the likelihood of infection and clinical disease, but tick prevention remains important even in vaccinated dogs.
A vaccinated dog can still be bitten by ticks, and ticks can transmit diseases other than Lyme, including Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and other tick-borne infections that the Lyme vaccine does not prevent.
This is why vaccination should never replace a comprehensive tick-prevention strategy.
Lyme disease risk varies considerably depending on geography and lifestyle.
Dogs may have greater exposure if they:
The Northeast, mid-Atlantic and upper Midwest have historically had some of the highest Lyme exposure rates, although tick populations and disease ranges continue to change.
Before deciding to vaccinate, ask your veterinarian:
This is an important distinction.
The antibody testing used when evaluating Lyme exposure or infection is not the same thing as using vaccine titers for core viral diseases such as distemper or parvovirus to decide whether revaccination may be necessary.
A positive Lyme antibody test can indicate exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi, depending on the type of test used, but it does not automatically mean that a dog has active clinical Lyme disease.
If your dog tests positive but has no symptoms, additional evaluation—particularly a urinalysis and urine protein assessment—may be appropriate to look for evidence of kidney involvement.
Whether or not you choose the Lyme vaccine, preventing tick bites and finding ticks quickly is extremely important.
We recommend:
Visit our Flea & Tick Prevention guide for our natural and holistic prevention recommendations.
We believe Lyme vaccination should remain an individual risk-benefit decision, which is consistent with its classification as a non-core vaccine.
We personally do not administer the Lyme vaccine to our own dogs.
Instead, we focus heavily on preventing tick exposure, performing frequent tick checks, supporting overall health and immune function, and testing appropriately when exposure is suspected.
However, geography matters.
A dog living in an area with extremely high Lyme prevalence and frequent tick exposure faces a very different risk than a dog living in an area where Lyme disease is uncommon.
For dogs with significant exposure, pet parents should discuss the benefits and limitations of Lyme vaccination with their veterinarian before making the decision.
We do not recommend automatically giving the Lyme vaccine to every dog.
Lyme vaccination is a non-core vaccine, and we believe the decision should be based on your dog’s geographic location, lifestyle, tick exposure, overall health and vaccination history.
Most dogs exposed to Lyme disease never develop clinical illness, but Lyme disease is not harmless. A small percentage of infected dogs can develop serious complications, including potentially life-threatening kidney disease.
Whether you vaccinate or not, preventing tick bites, checking your dog regularly for ticks and recognizing the early signs of tick-borne disease are essential.
Most pets exposed to Lyme disease recover well with the right care, prevention, and ongoing support.
Leptospirosis, commonly called Lepto, is a bacterial disease that can affect dogs, wildlife, livestock and humans. It is primarily spread through the urine of infected animals, which can contaminate soil, puddles, standing water, lakes and other environments.
Dogs infected with Leptospirosis may develop fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and muscle pain. More serious cases can cause severe kidney and liver damage, bleeding problems, respiratory complications and, in some cases, death.
Because Leptospirosis can spread from animals to people, it is also considered a zoonotic disease.
In 2024, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) updated its canine vaccination recommendations and began classifying Leptospirosis vaccination as a core vaccine for dogs.
We do not recommend automatically treating Leptospirosis as a core vaccine for every dog.
We believe the decision should be made individually based on your dog’s health, lifestyle, geographic location, local prevalence of Leptospirosis, exposure to rodents or wildlife, access to standing water and previous vaccine reactions.
A vaccine being labeled “core” does not mean pet parents shouldn’t ask whether it is appropriate for their individual dog.
There are numerous types of Leptospira bacteria, and the Leptospirosis vaccine does not protect against every one of them.
Commonly used four-way Lepto vaccines target four important serovars associated with canine disease.
This means a vaccinated dog can still potentially contract Leptospirosis, particularly when exposed to a type not adequately covered by the vaccine.
Vaccination can reduce the risk of disease caused by the organisms included in the vaccine, but it does not guarantee that your dog cannot develop Leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis vaccines are bacterins, meaning they are made from inactivated bacteria rather than the viral antigens used in vaccines such as distemper and parvovirus.
Protection from Leptospirosis vaccination is relatively short-lived compared with the longer-lasting immunity associated with some viral vaccines.
After the initial vaccination series, the Lepto vaccine generally requires annual boosters to maintain protection.
This is another reason we believe Lepto deserves an individual risk-benefit discussion rather than automatically being treated the same as vaccines such as distemper and parvovirus.
Most dogs tolerate modern Leptospirosis vaccines without a serious reaction, but adverse reactions can occur.
Possible side effects include:
Older Leptospirosis vaccines developed a reputation for causing more vaccine reactions, particularly in small dogs. Modern formulations have improved, and current evidence does not clearly show that today’s Lepto vaccines cause severe reactions more frequently than other commonly administered canine vaccines.
Small and young dogs do have a greater risk of acute vaccine reactions in general, particularly when several vaccines are administered during the same visit.
If your dog has experienced a previous vaccine reaction, make sure your veterinarian knows before another vaccine is administered.
Veterinarian Dr. Barbara Mayhew Fox does not recommend routinely giving the Leptospirosis vaccine to every dog, and we share many of her concerns.
Dr. Fox points to several important considerations:
Dr. Fox has shared the experience of a fully vaccinated search-and-rescue dog that contracted Leptospirosis and nearly died. Testing reportedly identified a strain that was not included in the dog’s vaccine.
This is an important reminder that vaccination can reduce risk, but it cannot guarantee complete protection against Leptospirosis.
Dogs may have greater exposure if they:
It is also important to understand that Leptospirosis isn’t exclusively a rural disease. Urban and suburban dogs can be exposed, particularly through infected rodents and contaminated environments.
Before automatically vaccinating, ask your veterinarian:
Supporting your dog’s overall health and immune system is important whether you vaccinate for Leptospirosis or not.
We believe in feeding a fresh, species-appropriate diet, maintaining a healthy weight, providing regular exercise, supporting gut health, reducing unnecessary chemical exposures and minimizing chronic stress whenever possible.
However, good nutrition and a healthy immune system cannot guarantee that a dog will not contract Leptospirosisfollowing exposure.
This is why the decision should come down to your individual dog’s risk versus benefit.
If you decide the Leptospirosis vaccine is appropriate for your dog, we prefer giving it separately from other vaccines when medically appropriate, particularly for small dogs or dogs with a previous history of vaccine reactions.
For our recommendations on supporting your pet before and after vaccination, visit our Vaccination Detox for Dogs & Cats guide.
AAHA currently considers Leptospirosis a core canine vaccine.
We don’t recommend treating it as an automatic core vaccine for every dog.
We believe Leptospirosis vaccination should be an individual decision based on your dog’s health, previous vaccine reactions, lifestyle, geographic location and actual exposure risk.
Leptospirosis can be a very serious disease, but the vaccine has limitations and requires ongoing boosters. Pet parents deserve to understand both the disease and the vaccine before making that decision for their dog.
Our Lepto Vaccine Recommendation:
We DO NOT recommend that your pets get the lepto vaccine.
If the pet has lepto, we personally would use a homeopathic treatment and it should be initiated as soon as possible for lepto. The following remedies may be considered, depending on symptoms:
If lepto is prevalent in your area, you will want to have these remedies on hand or be able to access the remedies or a homeopath quickly so you can help stop the spread.
Also we recommend improving the immune system with bone broth, raw goat’s milk (5% 0ff with code: savingpets), and bovine colostrum. Feeding a raw, lightly cooked diet will also keep his immune system boosted as they are human-grade foods.
"Vaccinations are to be given to healthy animals ONLY!"
The following perspective is from holistic veterinarian Dr. Barbara Mayhew Fox and reflects her approach to vaccination in animals with chronic illness or compromised health.
Dr. Fox emphasizes that vaccine manufacturers generally label their products for use in healthy animals. For that reason, she believes vaccination deserves additional consideration when a dog or cat is elderly, frail or living with a chronic medical condition.
Examples may include:
Rather than automatically vaccinating an animal with an existing medical condition, Dr. Fox recommends discussing the pet’s current health, vaccination history, previous vaccine reactions and actual disease-exposure risk with the veterinarian before proceeding.
Vaccines are not simply an antigen mixed with saline. Depending on the specific vaccine and manufacturer, a vaccine may contain additional ingredients used during manufacturing or to preserve, stabilize or enhance the immune response.
These can include:
Not every vaccine contains all of these ingredients. Formulations vary significantly between products and manufacturers.
Dr. Fox recommends that pet parents ask their veterinarian which specific vaccine product will be administered rather than assuming all vaccines are formulated the same way.
Some vaccines contain adjuvants, substances added to enhance the body’s immune response to an antigen.
Aluminum compounds are among the adjuvants used in certain veterinary vaccines.
Dr. Fox has expressed concerns about unnecessary exposure to vaccine adjuvants, particularly in animals with existing health or immune-system problems, and recommends choosing an adjuvant-free vaccine when an appropriate option is available.
There is also an evolving area of human medical research known as Autoimmune/Inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA), which proposes an association between certain adjuvant exposures and immune-mediated symptoms in susceptible individuals.
ASIA remains a debated concept within medicine, and evidence establishing it as a defined post-vaccination syndrome in dogs and cats is limited. For that reason, we don’t present ASIA as a proven consequence of pet vaccination.
However, we believe pet parents have every right to ask what ingredients and adjuvants are contained in a vaccine and whether an alternative formulation is available.
Dr. Fox’s position is that a sick, medically unstable or significantly compromised animal should not simply be vaccinated because a reminder says the vaccine is due.
Instead, the animal’s health should be evaluated first.
If your pet has a serious chronic disease, is medically fragile, is receiving immunosuppressive medication or has experienced a significant previous vaccine reaction, talk with your veterinarian about the risks and benefits before vaccination.
Depending on the vaccine and circumstances, options may include:
Rabies vaccination is different from most other vaccines because it is governed by state and local law.
Some jurisdictions permit veterinarians to issue or request medical exemptions when vaccination could pose a significant health risk to an animal. Others have much more restrictive requirements or may not recognize medical exemptions at all.
Age alone does not automatically qualify a pet for a rabies exemption.
If you believe your pet is too medically fragile to receive a rabies vaccine, discuss this with your veterinarian before the vaccine becomes due and find out exactly what your state and local laws permit.
A boarding, grooming or daycare facility may also have vaccination requirements that are stricter than the minimum required by law. Some facilities accept veterinary exemptions or titers, while others do not.
Dr. Fox strongly supports the use of antibody titer testing when appropriate rather than automatically revaccinating an animal without considering whether immunity may still be present.
Titers are blood tests that measure antibodies against a particular infectious disease.
For certain core viral diseases—particularly canine distemper, canine parvovirus and canine adenovirus—the presence of antibodies can provide useful evidence that a dog has responded to previous vaccination or exposure.
Titers can therefore be especially valuable when discussing revaccination in pets with chronic health problems or previous vaccine reactions.
However, titers are not equally useful for every disease, and a rabies titer generally does not replace legally required rabies vaccination.
We cover when titers are useful, how to interpret them and their limitations in our complete Titer Testing for Dogs & Cats guide.
We agree with Dr. Fox that vaccination decisions should begin with the health of the individual animal—not simply the date printed on a reminder card.
If your dog or cat is sick, medically fragile, has a significant chronic condition or has experienced a previous vaccine reaction, ask questions before automatically revaccinating.
Find out:
What vaccine is being recommended? Why does my pet need it? What is my pet’s actual exposure risk? What ingredients are in the vaccine? Is an alternative formulation available? Can vaccines be spaced apart? Would a titer be useful? And, when appropriate, is a medical exemption legally available?
The goal should always be to protect the animal from infectious disease while making vaccination decisions that take the whole pet into consideration.
“The Science Behind How Vaccines Work” by Dr. Judy Morgan and Dr. Jean Dodds.
“Chatting Cat Vaccines” with Dr. Laurie Coger and The Two Crazy Cat Ladies.
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “Is Your Pet Over-Vaccinated?”
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “Some Vets Don’t Understand Immunology.”
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “Puppy Vaccines With Dr Nick Thompson.”
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “Kiss Parvo (& The Vaccine) Goodbye” by Dr. Judy Morgan & Dr. Todd Cooney.
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “Puppy and Kitten Vaccinations – How Many?”
“Crunchy Pets: Raw Food Diet, Vaccines, Heartworm and MORE with Holistic Vet Dr. Karen Becker” by Real Alex Clark.
“Understanding Adverse Events in Pet Vaccinations” by Dr. Judy Morgan and Dr. Jean Dodds.
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “DEEP DIVE into Pet Vaccines & Titers” by Dr. Judy Morgan & Rachel Fusaro.
No they are not. While many pets tolerate vaccines well, some experience side effects ranging from mild lethargy or soreness to more serious immune reactions. Pets with chronic illness, prior vaccine reactions, or compromised immune systems may need a more individualized approach, including spacing vaccines out or using titer testing.
Mild reactions can include fatigue, slight fever, reduced appetite, or soreness at the injection site. More serious reactions—though less common—can include vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing. Any unusual symptoms after vaccination should be taken seriously and addressed promptly.
Supporting the body after any medical intervention starts with reducing stress and inflammation. Focus on hydration, rest, and fresh, minimally processed food. Many pet parents also use targeted support like probiotics for gut health, liver support such as milk thistle, and antioxidants to help the body process and recover more efficiently. See our vaccination detox page for more information.
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