
This can be especially true for smaller dogs. There is a small increase in the risk of reactions to vaccines when multiple shots are given during a single appointment. If a previous reaction has occurred your vet may recommend skipping a specific vaccination in the future. That said, if your dog has experienced an adverse reaction to a vaccine in the past it’s important to inform your vet so this history can be recorded in your pet's medical files. Keeping your dog's shots up to date helps to protect your pet’s long-term health, and it's important to remember that the risk of having a serious reaction to a vaccine is very low for most dogs. Epinephrine and/or cortisone may also be used in these cases. Serious reactions such as anaphylaxis and shock require immediate veterinary care! Medications and intravenous fluids will be provided to help your dog recover and restore your pet's vital signs.Symptoms will usually clear up quickly once treatments begin. If your dog's reaction is not life-threatening and confined to the skin, treatment is likely to include cortisone and/or anti-histamines.Shock - Symptoms of shock following vaccines can include a slow heart rate, decreased blood pressure and generalized weakness. You may also see a gray tongue and pale mucous membranes.įortunately, adverse reactions resulting from vaccinations can often be reversed with proper treatment, and your dog should recover very quickly.This type of severe reaction will usually occur very soon after your dog receives their injection, (typically while you are still at the vet's office), but can happen up to 48 hours after the vaccine is given. Anaphylaxis - This severe allergic reaction can involve symptoms including facial swelling, diarrhea, itchiness, hives, vomiting and breathing difficulties.If these symptoms become more severe or it’s taking your pup longer to recover, contact your vet for advice.Īs mentioned above, most reactions dogs have to vaccines will be mild and short-lived, in some rare cases pets can have more severe reactions that require immediate medical attention. Expect your pup to recover from these symptoms within a day or two. Reactions to these vaccines tend to look like basic cold symptoms and may include sneezing, coughing and a runny nose. Sneezing & Cold-Like Symptoms - While the majority of vaccines are administered by injection, the parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica virus vaccines are given in the form of nasal sprays or drops.

If your dog isn’t back to normal within 48 hours, contact your veterinarian to let them know. These mild symptoms are perfectly normal and should only last a day or two. Sometimes this is also accompanied by a mild fever caused by your dog's immune system responding to the vaccination.

Reactions to a vaccine are uncommon but when they do occur they tend to be very mild and not last very long. The fact is, any medical procedure has the potential to lead to an adverse reaction.

Common Mild Reactions to Vaccines in Dogs Your vet can help you determine which immunizations are right for your pet. These factors combine to determine your dog's risk of contracting diseases which can be vaccinated against. Which shots your dog should have depends upon where you live, your dog's age, and your pup's lifestyle.

Some of the most important vaccinations for puppies to have include rabies, hepatitis, and parvovirus.Īlthough our vets believe that vaccines are important for all dogs, not all dogs need all the same vaccines. Vaccine boosters are also necessary on a regular basis to maintain your dog's protection against diseases. Vaccinations starting when your dog is just a puppy help to give your pup their very best chance at a long and healthy life.
