Why Your Pet Still Needs Vaccines — and What the Science Really Says
You’ve probably seen the headlines — or maybe even the New York Times article, “Vaccine Skepticism Comes for Pet Owners, Too” (Oct. 27, 2025) — about pet owners starting to question vaccines.
It’s true: more people are asking whether vaccines are really necessary for their dogs and cats. Some even fear that shots could cause long-term harm. But veterinarians say the real risk isn’t from vaccines — it’s from skipping them.
In the Times story, Colorado veterinarian Dr. Kelly McGuire shared heartbreaking cases of pets lost to preventable diseases like parvovirus, leptospirosis, and rabies. She’s even had clients storm out when told their pets needed a rabies vaccine — a shot that protects not only animals but humans, too.
Here’s the reality: modern veterinary vaccines are safer than ever. Years ago, some older vaccines had a higher chance of causing allergic reactions, especially in small dogs. But today’s formulations and schedules are much more refined. Many vaccines only need to be given every three years, and side effects are rare and usually mild — think soreness or a day of feeling tired.
The diseases vaccines prevent, on the other hand, are deadly. Parvovirus kills puppies through dehydration and intestinal damage. Leptospirosis can destroy a dog’s kidneys — and it can infect humans, too. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
If you’ve read scary things online about “detoxing” after vaccines or “pawtism” (yes, that’s a real term floating around social media), here’s what experts want you to know: there’s no scientific evidence that vaccines cause autism-like symptoms in pets. Those claims come from misinformation originally spread about human vaccines — and they simply don’t hold up to science.
So what should you do as a pet parent?
Talk openly with your vet. If you’re nervous, ask questions. A good veterinarian will listen and explain your pet’s specific risks and needs.
Follow the core vaccine recommendations. These protect against rabies, parvovirus, distemper, and more — diseases that are still out there.
Remember: vaccines save lives. They protect not just your pet but your family and community, too.
Vaccines aren’t about fear — they’re about freedom. The freedom for your pets to live long, healthy, adventure-filled lives.
