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Read a question and answer from our archives here, and scroll down to ask me a question you and your pet have been pondering!  Check articles and questions others have asked using the Ask Dr. B and Pet Conditions buttons, and check our stories, too. Please note: if you believe your pet's situation is critical, Dr. Baum urges you to contact your vet ASAP.

Have just recently relocated to CA from TX and am in search of a vet for my Airedale Terrier. I was just curious as to what your philosophy/stance is on the issues of raw feeding/BARF diet and vaccinations.

Thanks,
Shannon, Playa del Rey, CA

Dear Shannon:

About the raw food diet, please click below to read more in the articles on our site:

What are the best foods for pets?Table_Scraps_To_Feed_Or_Not
Livin' Large...Overweight Pets' Secrets

On vaccinations, vaccinations are generally good things, but the tendency in the past has been for too many vaccinations to be given more often than is necessary. In general, I advise vaccinations for diseases that have a significant lethal potential, that is where there is significant risk of exposure. DHLPP vaccines for dogs are good to give for all puppies starting at eight weeks of age and continuing at monthly intervals until 4 months of age. Yearly boosters should be given annually for the next three years and then every two to three years. Rabies vaccines are mandatory at four months with a booster a year later followed by boosters every third year.

Cats should be vaccinated in a similar fashion to the dog DHLPP vaccine, but with the FVRCP vaccine. Cats that go out should also receive vaccines against FeLV and in some cases for Rabies also.

Dog vaccines like Corona virus and Bordatella in dogs are superfluous as are FIV and ringworm vaccines in cats. For more information, visit our website and read the article about the principles of vaccination:

Article: When do I get vaccines for my pet?

Good Luck!!
Dr. B

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