Common Veterinary Mistakes That Could Harm Your Dog (& How to Prevent Them)
- Claire Lucie Sonck
- Feb 19
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 25
Did you know that some routine veterinary practices—like yearly vaccines, frequent antibiotics, and prescription diets—may not always be the best choice for your dog’s long-term health? While veterinarians play a crucial role in pet care, emerging research suggests that certain treatments may be overused or outdated.
Introduction: Why You Need to Be Proactive About Your Dog’s Veterinary Care
As dog parents, we trust veterinarians to provide the best possible care for our beloved companions. Veterinary medicine has advanced tremendously and has saved countless lives through emergency treatments, surgeries, and preventative care. However, not all common veterinary practices are in the best interest of your dog’s long-term health.
Many treatments are overprescribed, outdated, or done out of habit rather than necessity—which can lead to long-term harm. Over-vaccination, unnecessary antibiotics, excessive use of general anaesthesia, and the reliance on ultra-processed prescription diets are just a few examples of routine veterinary recommendations that should be questioned.
The goal of this guide is to help you:
Understand common veterinary pitfalls that could be harming your dog.
Learn the latest science-backed recommendations for better health.
Make informed decisions and advocate for your dog’s well-being.
Let’s explore the most common veterinary pitfalls and what you can do to prevent them.
Are These Common Veterinary Practices Harming Your Dog’s Health? The Hidden Risks Every Dog Parent Should Know
For years, dog parents have trusted veterinary recommendations without question, believing that annual vaccinations, prescription diets, routine antibiotics, and general anesthesia are essential for their dog’s well-being. However, emerging research suggests that some of these practices may do more harm than good when overused or applied without individual consideration.
Many vets still recommend yearly vaccines for dogs, despite scientific evidence—and even vaccine manufacturers—confirming that most core vaccines provide immunity for 3–7 years, sometimes even for life. The overuse of antibiotics in non-bacterial infections is also widespread, often destroying a dog’s gut microbiome, weakening immunity, and increasing long-term health risks.
Meanwhile, routine exposure to general anesthesia for simple procedures like dental cleanings can lead to kidney stress, neurological issues, and unnecessary risks, particularly in senior dogs.
#1 Over-Vaccination in Dogs: Risks & Scientific Evidence
Why Some Vets Still Recommend Annual Vaccinations
Vaccines are essential for preventing deadly diseases such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. However, many veterinarians still follow outdated annual vaccination schedules, despite overwhelming evidence that:
Most core vaccines provide protection for 3–7 years, or even lifelong.
Vaccine manufacturers themselves recommend intervals of at least 3 years for most vaccines.
Frequent revaccination doesn’t increase protection—it increases the risk of adverse reactions.
Scientific Evidence:
Schultz et al. (2007) found that core vaccines can provide protection for at least 7 years.
WSAVA Guidelines (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) state:
"There is no scientific basis for annual revaccination of core vaccines in adult dogs."
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) recommend vaccination every 3+ years, not annually.
The Risks of Over-Vaccination:
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia, arthritis, thyroid disease).
Chronic inflammation leading to allergies, skin issues, and digestive disorders.
Neurological issues and cognitive decline in senior dogs.
Vaccine-related tumors at the injection site.
Read more about the risks of over-vaccination and how to protect your dog → Full Article on Over-Vaccination here.
#2 The Overuse of Antibiotics in Veterinary Medicine
Why Antibiotics Are Overprescribed
Antibiotics are life-saving when used correctly, but they are often given unnecessarily for mild infections, ear problems, or as a "precautionary measure."
Scientific Evidence on Antibiotic Overuse:
A 2020 study in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that up to 50% of veterinary antibiotic prescriptions were unnecessary.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 2022) warns that antibiotic overuse is increasing drug-resistant infections in both humans and animals.
The Hidden Risks of Overusing Antibiotics:
Destroys gut microbiome → weakens immunity, increases inflammation.
Contributes to antibiotic-resistant bacteria → harder to treat future infections.
Linked to allergies, digestive issues, and chronic skin infections.
Read more on how antibiotics affect your dog’s health and what to do instead → Full Article on Antibiotic Overuse here.
#3 The Hidden Dangers of General Anesthesia in Dogs
When Is Anesthesia Truly Necessary?
While general anesthesia is essential for surgery, many veterinary clinics overuse it for routine dental cleanings and minor procedures.
Scientific Evidence on Anesthesia Risks:
A 2018 study in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine found that dogs with pre-existing kidney disease had a higher risk of complications after anesthesia.
Brodbelt et al. (2008) found that 1 in 600 healthy dogs and 1 in 71 sick dogs experience life-threatening complications from anesthesia.
Potential Risks of Frequent Anesthesia Use:
Kidney and liver damage – These organs process anesthesia drugs.
Neurological decline in older dogs – Some dogs experience memory loss, confusion, or slower recovery after anesthesia.
Increased anesthesia-related deaths in small breeds and senior dogs.
➡️ Read more on when anesthesia is necessary and how to reduce the risks → Full Article on Anesthesia Risks here.
#4 Are Veterinary Prescription Diets Helping or Harming Your Dog?
What Vets Don't Tell You About Prescription Diets
Many veterinarians automatically recommend prescription diets from major brands like Hill’s, Royal Canin, and Purina, but these diets:
Are highly processed and lack real, fresh ingredients.
Contain low-quality fillers, synthetic additives, and by-products.
Do not always provide true therapeutic benefits, despite being labeled for health conditions.
Scientific Evidence on Prescription Diets:
A 2019 study in the Journal of Animal Physiology & Nutrition found that many prescription diets had similar ingredients to standard commercial kibble, with no significant advantage for disease management.
Research on canine gut health (2022) found that fresh, whole-food diets support better microbiome balance than ultra-processed foods.
Risks of Long-Term Use of Prescription Diets:
Nutrient deficiencies due to overprocessing.
High levels of refined carbs & fillers worsen inflammation and chronic conditions.
Does not address the root cause of disease—just manages symptoms.
Read more on what’s really in prescription diets and better alternatives → Full Article on Prescription Diets here.
Conclusion: How to Be Your Dog’s Best Health Advocate
Final Thought:"Veterinary medicine has saved countless lives, but as dog parents, we must also be informed advocates. By questioning outdated practices—like annual vaccines, unnecessary antibiotics, and ultra-processed prescription diets—we can help our dogs live healthier, longer lives."
What concerns you most about veterinary recommendations? Drop a comment below!
What to Do Next:
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About the Author: Claire Lucie Sonck is an UK-trained, CMA-registered canine nutritionist specializing in fresh, whole, anti-inflammatory plant-based diets for dogs. With experience helping dogs from 65+ countries, Claire provides science-backed nutrition guidance to improve canine health, longevity, and well-being. She is a global speaker, educator, and advocate for ethical and sustainable pet nutrition. Claire’s work has been featured in international conferences, research projects, and educational platforms, helping dog parents make informed, science-driven decisions about their dogs’ diets.
Learn more: www.mycaninenutritionist.com
Follow on Instagram: @clairethedognutritionist
Get in touch with Claire Lucie: info@clairethedognutritionist.com
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian or canine nutritionist before making changes to your dog’s diet, health routine, or medical care. The author is a certified canine nutritionist and does not claim to diagnose or treat medical conditions.
© 2025 Claire Lucie | All rights reserved.
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