Vaccinating Your Dog
Most pet owners understand the importance of taking their dogs to the vet for vaccinations and routine exams. Although dogs often leave the office and never have issues or problems with the vaccinations, some dogs receive an injection and experience various side effects, such as feeling lethargic after shots. Most side effects are mild and will clear up within 24 hours.
The typical dog vaccines include rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. For the vast majority of dogs, the benefits of being protected from these illnesses and diseases are far more important than having a small reaction to a vaccination.
Reactions and side effects from dog vaccinations can be very worrying for pet parents, so it helps to know what to watch for and what to do if your dog does react.
How & When Vaccines Are Administered
Vaccines are typically injected into your dog using a needle. However, certain vaccinations can be given using a nasal spray when a dog is under eight weeks old, such as the Bordetella vaccine. Your puppy yelping after a vaccination is nothing to worry about. They are likely just a bit frightened, and although the vaccine should be next to painless if they feel even the slightest pinch, they may not be happy about it and let out a little whine.
Possible Dog Vaccination Side Effects
Although they don't always occur in every dog, mild reactions or responses to routine vaccinations are to be expected. While it may be stressful for you to witness your dog having any sort of reaction to a vaccine, it's important to keep in mind that these reactions are generally very mild and quite short-lived.
Knowing what to keep an eye out for in terms of vaccine reactions and what steps you should take if your dog begins to show serious signs of a reaction will go a long way toward preventing vaccine-related stress.
Lethargy
It is very common for dog's to be lethargic after shots. Lethargy or mild generalized discomfort may be accompanied by a very mild fever. Many people would describe this as their dog seeming slightly "off." This reaction is simply the immune system of your dog working to respond to the vaccine appropriately.
These symptoms are normal and should only last a day or two. If your dog isn't back to their normal levels of energy after a couple of days, contact your vet to have them checked out to make sure everything is fine.
Lumps & Bumps
If your dog receives an injectable form of the vaccine, lumps and bumps may appear, typically around the injection site. They may also experience some tenderness and stiffness in the area. These bumps are the result of your dog's immune system rushing in to fight irritation at the injection site.
That being said, any time the skin is punctured there is a chance of infection, so it is important to keep an eye on the injection site for a few days. Look for signs of swelling, redness, discharge, and pain. If left untreated, infected areas can lead to more serious health problems. If you notice the area becoming increasingly red or showing any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact your vet.
Puppy Yelping After Vaccinations
Mild pain and bruising at the site of the injection can occur in some cases. This isn't typically serious but may cause your puppy to limp or cry when you pick him up after shots. Nonetheless, you should contact your vet if you are concerned about your dog's behavior or symptoms following vaccinations. Your vet will be able to assess the symptoms and let you know whether your pup should be brought into the clinic for an examination.
Sneezing & Nasal Congestion
This reaction is more common if your dog receives the Bordetella vaccine as a nasal spray. This reaction encompasses several symptoms that appear much like a cold, including coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.
Most dogs recover from these symptoms within a day or two. If your dog is showing more severe symptoms or does not seem to have recovered within a couple of days, it's time to call the vet.
Severe Reactions to Vaccinations
Remember, side effects from dog vaccinations should be mild and only last a short while. However, on rare occasions, your pet may experience a severe reaction and it is important to know what these reactions look like so they can be cared for right away.
The most common of these extremely rare reactions is anaphylaxis. This is a severe allergic reaction that can be seen in the form of swelling in the face, hives, vomiting, issues breathing, diarrhea, and itchiness in your dog. This reaction is usually seen within a few minutes or hours of your dog receiving a vaccine but may take up to 48 hours to appear.
If you notice your dog is having trouble walking after their shots, call your vet right away. This could be due to an allergic reaction, so it is best to have your vet examine them as soon as possible.
If your dog is showing any of the symptoms of anaphylaxis after receiving vaccinations, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately.
Preventing a Dog's Reaction to Vaccines
Vaccines are key in protecting your pup's long-term health and well-being, preventing diseases from arising in the first place. The risk of your canine companion having a serious adverse reaction to vaccination is quite low.
All of that being said, if your dog has previously reacted to a vaccine, be sure to notify your vet in advance. They may advise you to skip a certain vaccine to reduce the possibility of having another reaction.
The risk of reactions to vaccinations can slightly increase when multiple vaccinations are given at once. This can be particularly true in smaller breeds of dogs. To help reduce the risk of reactions, your vet may suggest splitting vaccines up to limit the risk of a reaction.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.