The Importance of Vaccinations for Dogs
Most dog owners take their pups to the vet for vaccinations, which are usually administered during annual wellness exams. Vaccinations can prevent your dog from contracting serious, sometimes life-threatening illnesses and diseases like distemper, hepatitis, rabies, and parainfluenza.
Though some dogs never have problems or reactions to vaccinations, others experience one or several side effects from the injections they receive. We'll discuss these side effects (which typically subside within 24 hours) below.
While vaccine reactions can be stressful for both you and your dog, they will be less so if you understand which signs to watch for and what actions you should take.
When & How Vaccines Are Administered
Vets typically use a needle to inject vaccines into a dog's body. For certain vaccinations and circumstances, a nasal spray may be used. For example, a puppy younger than eight weeks may receive the Bordetella vaccine as a spray.
Potential Vaccine Reactions
Mild vaccine responses or reactions in dogs are normal. while you may find it stressful to see your dog have any kind of reaction to a vaccine, remember that these reactions are generally very mild and quite short-lived.
Understanding how to recognize vaccine reactions and their symptoms, and what to do if your dog displays serious signs of a reaction, can help you keep your pup from experiencing vaccine-related stress.
Lethargy
Feelings of discomfort, malaise, or lethargy are the most common reactions dogs tend to experience after vaccinations. This may be accompanied by a very mild fever.
This reaction occurs due to the appropriate response of your dog's immune system to the vaccine. If your dog is lethargic after her shots, rest assured that these symptoms are to be expected and should only last one or two days. If your dog isn't back to acting like themselves after two days or so, contact your vet for advice.
Lumps & Bumps
Lumps and bumps are often found around the injection site, especially if a dog receives the injectable form of a vaccine. A small, firm bump may form, and the area may feel tender and stiff to the touch. These bumps occur when your dog's immune system rushes to combat irritation at the injection site.
That said, any time your dog's skin is punctured, there is a risk of infection. Carefully monitor the site where the injection was administered. Check for signs of swelling, redness, discharge, and pain on a daily basis. Left untreated, infected areas may lead to more serious conditions. Contact your vet if you notice the area becoming increasingly red or your dog displays any of the signs listed above.
Trouble Walking
You may notice the injection site is swollen after your dog receives their shots. Your pooch may also experience pain in the area, which can lead to limping and paralysis. Posterior (rear end) paralysis – a condition most common in dogs that have had a Rabies shot – means that a reaction causes a dog's back or hind legs to stop working.
As unnerving as this sounds, this paralysis is not permanent and will probably improve by the tenth day after symptoms first appear. If your dog is having trouble walking after getting his shots, watch for limping symptoms or minor paralysis closely and consult your vet for advice.
Crying or Yelping
You might understandably be concerned if your puppy is yelping when you pick him or her up after the vaccination. Your first instinct may be to ask your vet, "Why is my puppy crying when I pick him up after his shots?"
However, this is also a natural reaction and not something to worry too much about. Yelping will typically stop in a few hours, or a day or two at the most. If your puppy is still yelping beyond the two-day mark, contact your vet.
Sneezing & Nasal Congestion
This reaction can be quite 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 recover within a couple of days, it's time to call the vet.
Severe Reactions to Vaccinations
On rare occasions, your pet may experience a severe reaction and it is important to know what these reactions look like.
The most common of these exceedingly rare reactions is anaphylaxis. This is a severe allergic reaction that can be characterized by swelling in the face, hives, vomiting, issues breathing, diarrhea, and itchiness. This reaction typically occurs within a few minutes or hours of your dog receiving a vaccine, but may take up to 48 hours to appear.
If your dog is showing any of the symptoms of anaphylaxis after receiving vaccinations, contact your veterinarian to arrange emergency care as soon as possible.
Preventing a Dog's Reaction to Vaccines
If your dog has previously experienced reactions or side effects from vaccinations, always inform your vet ahead of time. They may advise you to skip a certain vaccine in the future to mitigate risks.
The risk of reactions to vaccinations increases somewhat when multiple vaccinations are given at one time. This can be particularly true in smaller 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 people or pets. If you are concerned about your pet's health, contact your veterinarian right away for diagnosis and treatment.