I came across much of this information when researching information on vaccinations for children, of all things. What I found shocked me. So, I figured if this is what is being injected into young babies and children, I had to ask myself - what is being injected into our pets? Here is what I've found.

Why Do We Vaccinate Our Pets?

In centuries past, most animals were allowed to have run of roads with little supervision. Over years leash laws have been enforced and most pet owners keep their dogs leashed or fenced within their yards. If taking your dog for a walk, majority of areas require you to keep your pet on a leash (although there are more open no-leash areas springing up). Still, most canines are now supervised or owners face a fine for allowing them to run loose.

Vaccinations are given to "prevent" your dog from contracting particularly harmful/fatal infections from other animals. The vaccinations given come in two forms - killed viruses or non-pathogenic (modified live versions) of virus. The vaccinations are designed to sensitize your pet's immune system and causes it to produce anti-bodies should your pet be exposed to certain viruses. The modified live vaccinations are "suppose" to provide a longer and better immune response over killed vaccines.

However, in some recent studies it's been found that most vaccinations will provide so-called immunity for 5 years and often longer. I say "so-called" because these vaccines don't actually prevent animal from getting disease and in many cases, may actually cause it.

When Are The Recommended Vaccines Given?

Just like human babies, puppies (and kittens) when first born are provided with a natural immunity from their mothers for first few weeks. The initial vaccination shots are then usually given between 8 and 12 weeks of age, with boosters routinely given yearly thereafter.

If you choose to vaccinate your dog - or if it is currently required by law in your area - then You should only vaccinate your dog if it is healthy. If your dog is sick or has a chronic illness, it is advised that you postpone any vaccinations until they are well.

Should your dog require surgery in near future and is due for their shots, you should have them vaccinated several weeks beforehand, not at time of surgery. Their bodies will be under stress at that time and vaccination itself can cause major problems.

If you choose to have standard vaccinations given by your veterinarian, be sure to request that they be administered separately as opposed to a multivalent vaccination (combination). In this way, you can monitor any side-effects that may occur and know which vaccine has caused it.

Government laws will usually require you to vaccinate your dog for parvo virus (a mutation of feline distemper which causes heart disease), canine distemper and rabies. However, rabies vaccination should really not be given at same time as other vaccinations.

Many homeopathic veterinarians recommend that you do not vaccinate for leptospirosis, hepatitis or parainfluenza and that you vaccinate only every 2 to 3 years instead of giving them yearly shots in order to reduce risk of side effects.

The Problems Associated With Traditional Vaccinations

Controversy has grown over whether to vaccinate or not because of potential side effects caused by many vaccines. Some are not very effective and others can have short and long-term serious side effects. A study in United Kingdom by Canine Health Concern in March 2001 has found that 1 in 10 dogs suffer from side effects from regular rabies vaccinations which is contradictory to vaccine-manufacturers claim that less than 15 adverse reactions occur out of 100,000 companion animals vaccinated.

Try one or more of these tips, and you should begin to see hummers around your yard soon.

Plant A Hummingbird Garden:

One good way to attract Hummingbirds is by planting a Hummingbird garden. In addition to providing them a natural diet, a hummer garden is an excellent way to attract birds to your nearby feeder since hummingbirds feed by sight on regularly followed routes. This is called traplining. Their inquisitive nature will quickly lead them to investigate any possible new source of food.

Hummers, like most birds, have virtually no sense of smell, flowers that attract them tend to have little or no fragrance, apparently directing their resources instead toward high visibility and nectar production.

Some plants to consider that will attract Hummingbirds include:

- Azalea - Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) - Cape Honeysuckle - Manzanita - Mimosa - Red Buckeye - Coral Honeysuckle - Cypress Vine - Morning Glory - Trumpet Creeper - Bee Balm (Monarda) - Cardinal Flower - Columbine - Coral Bells - Four O'Clocks - Hummingbird Mint (Agastache) - Penstemon - Yucca - Fuchsia - Jewelweed - Petunia - Shrimp Plant

Note: none of these need to be red in color although color red is attractive to hummingbirds.

If you’re in doubt as to whether any of these will flourish in your area check with your local nursery.

You should avoid using any pesticides at all in your Hummingbird garden. The insects that you would kill off serve as a good source of protein for hummingbirds, and can also sicken or kill birds if ingested.

Set up Hummingbird Feeders:

If you use a feeder and make your own nectar, a few words of caution.