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.”
Veterinary cost is insane in Canada. At least in the USA you can order rabies shots and administer them yourself. Here there’s no way to acquire them except via a vet, which means you’re usually in for $200+ for a shot that’s worth $5.
I’ve heard of people close to the border hopping across with their dog to slam a couple shots into them.
I’m so glad to run a farm as I have access to basics like penicillin and some mid-grade vet knowledge. When the dog bashes himself up and gets infected I can just dress it myself instead of bringing him in to pay $500 for the same thing.