Usually, the advantages of vaccinating your dog far outweigh the risks of vaccine reactions. Nevertheless, some dogs may experience side effects after receiving their shots. In this blog post, our Ankeny veterinarians list dogs' most common vaccine reactions and explain what to do if your dog has a reaction.
Why should I get my dog vaccinated?
Having your dog vaccinated early in life and bringing them in regularly for booster shots as an adult will give your four-legged companion the best opportunity to live a long, healthy life. Diseases such as hepatitis, rabies, and parvovirus can be very serious and even fatal, especially in puppies. Vaccines prevent these diseases from developing, which is always preferable to treating them once they have invaded your pet's immune system.
Does my dog need all the available vaccines?
Your vet will identify your dog's risk factors based on its breed, lifestyle, and age before advising you on which immunizations are appropriate for your pup.
What are the most common reactions to vaccines in dogs?
All medical procedures have an inherent risk of adverse reactions, and vaccines are no different. While seeing your pet have a reaction to vaccines can be upsetting, it's essential to remember that most reactions are short-lived and mild. Understanding the signs of a reaction and what to do if your dog has a reaction can help make vaccination time less stressful for you and your dog.
Lethargy
By far, general feelings of lethargy and discomfort are by far the most common reactions dogs have when getting their shots. A mild fever may accompany these. When we experience the same sensations in our bodies, many of us would describe this as feeling 'off'. This reaction for your dog means the immune system works well and responds appropriately to the vaccine. These mild symptoms are normal and will likely only last a day or two. If your dog is still feeling lethargic after their shots or isn't feeling and acting back to normal within a few days, contact your vet.
Lumps & Bumps
Along with feeling 'off', dogs may develop lumps and bumps after some vaccinations. Following the vaccination, a small, firm bump may develop at the spot where the needle was injected into the skin or muscle, leaving the area somewhat tender. These bumps develop due to your dog's immune system rushing to resolve the localized irritation at the site.
That said, any time the skin is punctured, there is a chance of infection. Be sure to monitor the site where the injection was administered. Look for signs of swelling, redness, discharge, and pain. If left untreated, infected areas may lead to more serious conditions. If you notice the area becoming increasingly red or showing any of the symptoms listed above, contact your vet.
Sneezing & Cold Like Symptoms
While most vaccines are given by injection, the Bordetella Bronchiseptica and parainfluenza virus vaccines are administered by drops or sprays into the dog's nose. Reactions to these vaccines can look much like a cold and include 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 recover within a couple of days, it's time to call the vet.
Trouble Walking
Your dog's injection site may be painful or swollen after they receive their shots, so you may notice some limping and paralysis. Rear (posterior) end paralysis—a condition most common in dogs that have had a rabies shot—means that a dog's hind or back legs cease functioning due to a reaction.
As unnerving as this sounds, the paralysis is not permanent and will probably improve on the tenth day after symptoms first appear. If your dog is having trouble walking after getting his shots, monitor any paralysis or limping symptoms closely and ask your vet for advice.
Yelping or Crying
If your puppy is yelping when you pick him or her up after their vaccination, it's understandable to feel some concern. Your instinct may be to ask your vet, "Why is my puppy crying when I pick him up after his shots?"
This is also a natural reaction and not something to worry about. Yelping will usually stop in a few hours or at least a day or two. Contact your vet if your puppy is still yelping beyond the 48-hour timeframe.
Serious Reactions to Vaccinations
Most reactions associated with vaccines are short-lived and mild. Nonetheless, in a few rare cases, more severe reactions can occur and require immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction characterized by facial swelling, vomiting, hives, itchiness, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties.
Anaphylaxis typically occurs very soon after the dog receives the injection but may occur up to 48 hours after administering the vaccine. If your dog shows any of the symptoms listed above, call your vet immediately or contact your emergency veterinary clinic.
Can I prevent my dog from experiencing side effects after his vaccinations?
Vaccines help protect your dog's long-term health, and the risk of a serious reaction to a vaccine is very low.
If your dog has had a previous reaction to a vaccine, it is important to inform your veterinarian. Your vet may advise you to skip particular vaccinations for your dog if there is a risk of side effects occurring in the future.
The risk of side effects occurring after a dog receives vaccinations increases somewhat when multiple vaccinations are given simultaneously. This can be particularly true in smaller dogs. To help reduce the risk of reactions, your vet may suggest bringing your dog in for their shots over the course of several days rather than all at once.
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.