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.”
Oh there’s already a bunch of people on there who are anti vac/anti medicine and are pet owners. It’s pretty abusive if you ask me, to take on a pet but not provide them with the health care they need. And these people not only endanger their pets but everyone else’s.
Totally agree, but like I said, years ago we didn’t know any different. no excuse now though. Can’t afford the pet? Don’t have one. There are questions being asked about vet prices here in UK at the moment. £25 for a couple of pills etc. There were some drops I was advised to put on my cat’s food - £45 from the vet, under £10 online :-(