Customer Reviews

Stop the Shots!: Are Vaccinations Killing Our Pets?

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This book is a MUST read!
I had the pleasure of being a vet tech for seven years under an "old school" veternarian who NEVER PUSHED UNNEEDED VACCINES. Unfortunatley, when he retired I was left to work for his two "new school" collegues who pushed vaccines, experimental medications/anesthetics, used brute force instead of psychology.
I was in the front line when injection-site sarcomas were being tracked by the AAHA (right rear rabies!)...I've seen animals "crash" after vaccines (especially cats and ferrets). I've also seen how "old" vets treated vaccines (prevention) and how "new" vets now treat vaccines ($$- it's a business). Sad. Very Sad.
READ THIS BOOK...while it's not a pedagogical text on immunology and vaccines, it is an easy read for the non-technical that has a great reference section and will provide the caring pet owner with food for thought.

Despite its title, Stop the Shots!: Are Vaccinations Killing Our Pets? does not advocate stopping all pet vaccinations, and especially does not recommend stopping all vaccinations that protect from the most widespread and deadly infections like rabies, parvovirus and canine distemper for dogs, and panleukopenia and rhinotracheitis/calcivirus for cats. Yet award-finalist author and pet lover John Clifton logically and rationally argues against so-called conventional wisdom, such as vaccinating against diseases that pets will never be exposed to (like Lyme disease for a pet that does not live in or won't travel to an area infested with it) or the use of annual booster shots. Chapters discuss how vaccines work, the health detriments to over-vaccination such as increased risk of pet cancer or curtailment of the pet's immune system's ability to naturally fight off diseases, factors to keep in mind when deciding when the proper time is for a booster shot, and much more. Enthusiastically recommended for animal owners and would-be owners as an informative aid to decide the right amount of vaccines to protect one's pet and keep it as healthy as possible.

As an author, I get many letters from readers. These letters mean more to me than any professional review, however flattering. I selected the following because it best typifies why I wrote "Stop the Shots!"

Dear John,
I am almost done reading your book, and I am absolutely stunned to hear what damage shots can do to our animals!!! I had a Basset Hound who suffered from allergies many years and got bombarded left and right with medication and shots. Not only did the allergies get worse instead of better, exactly 3 weeks after his yearly shots he was diagnosed with cancer of the lymph nodes. Three months of chemotherapy made him so sick that I decided it was time to let him go.

5 months ago I got a new puppy from the Humane Society (now 11 months old), so your book came just in time to prevent any damage. To my surprise, my vet office told me that he needs a Bordetella shot every 6 months! I told them that my dog is not in a kennel so therefore cannot get a (Bordetella) cough...

I am sure that a lot of people will benefit from your great book, especially dog lovers like us, who truly have the best intentions in mind, don't hesitate to pay the cost of the vet, "THINKING" that they are helping their pets, when the opposite is true.

Thank you for your wonderful research.

- Reader, Greensboro, NC (Reprinted with the writer's permission)

Last May, I purchased a dog from the pound. She had been returned twice prior, but no reason was given. It just meant that I got her for less money. I did question the vet on duty as to why my little pup had a kind of palsey in her hind leg. I was told that small dogs have nervous tics, and not to worry. I took her to my local vet for the appropriate shots--she had had some already--and a general check up. No one mentioned the shaking limb.
A few months later I returned for the follow-up and asked my vet why the shaking had not stopped. I was told I'd have to seek a specialist's help in that matter, but since she was in no pain, and walks and runs with
ease, I opted to leave things be.
I received "Stop the Shots" for Christmas, and took it with me to read while waiting for the vet to do a follow-up exam. The vet saw what I was reading and said she was familiar with the book, and then showed her technician my copy. It seems that they had recently been discussing the same sorts of problems with pets being over-innoculated.
Obviously Mr. Clifton knows about what he writes.
Good book!

I found this well researched book extremely compelling and informative! I have no doubt that John Clifton's intelligent and objective data on the subject of vaccinations for pets will be responsible for the extended lives of our dogs and cats. While not espousing abolishing shots entirely, the author incorporates well documented studies and opinions of veterinarians, immunologists and other medical experts to exercise caution and restraint, rather, tailoring vaccination procedures to each particular pet and its environment. Moreover, he gives a logical plan on how to accomplish this, unlike other writings on the subject. Indeed, this is a courageous, concise,and readable volume, of value to animal lovers, pet owners and breeders alike.

The title, front and back cover contents is leading the reader to believe not to vaccinate. I am anti-vaccine, so after reading through 1/2 of the book I put it away. The book makes one aware of some dangers of vaccinations but still does condone them. It does not tell us to "Stop the Shots" as the title suggests. I do NOT recommend it to people that want to educate themselves that vaccines ARE dangerous and really want to "Stop the Shots".

Having had many cats and one wonderful Golden retriever, who, I am now convinced died of bone cancer prematurly, I wish I had known the imformation John clifton has compliled for the book STOP THE SHOTS. I'm sure I would have been able to spend more time with many of my pets and now regret my dilligence in taking them in for their yearly vaccinations. I and my current pet cat, Fredo, thank you for your well organized and concise book. I am buying an additional copy for my close friend who runs a pet sitting service and know that she will also spread the word.

A must read!!! This book doesn't take sides, it just presents the facts. I recommend it to any pet owners wanting to make informed decisions concerning the health and well-being of their pets. I've already passed it on.

An excellent resource that helps dog owners make informed and responsible choices before vaccinating their dogs and exposing them to unnecessary risks.

In my opinion a must for every dog and/or cat owner. The book is written, so everyone can understand it easily. In adition I had the pleasure to be in e-mail contact with the author, who answered two more questions that I had, concerning my dog's health in a very pleasant and professional manner.
Thank you so much, John Clifton!!!