Dogs can experience side effects after vaccination, but these are usually mild and temporary.
Some common side effects include swelling, redness, or pain at the injection site, which can last for a few days.
In rare cases, dogs may develop more serious reactions, such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, which can be caused by an allergic reaction to the vaccine.
These reactions are often a result of an overactive immune response, which can be triggered by the vaccine's ingredients or the dog's individual sensitivity.
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What to Expect
As you wait for your dog to recover from their vaccination, it's normal to feel a bit anxious about what to expect.
Common side effects of vaccination in dogs can include lethargy, which can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Some dogs may experience a slight decrease in appetite after vaccination, but this usually returns to normal within a day or two.
While it's unlikely, some dogs may develop more serious side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea, but these are rare and usually short-lived.
In most cases, your dog will be back to their normal self within 24 to 48 hours after vaccination.
Causes and Risks
The rabies vaccine is the one most likely to cause a reaction in your pet, resulting in mild side effects like a slight fever, loss of appetite, and fatigue lasting 24 to 36 hours.
All dog breeds can have vaccine reactions, but some breeds like Chihuahuas, Pugs, and Dachshunds are more prone to vaccine reactions due to a genetic predisposition.
The timing of vaccine reactions in your dog can occur either immediately after the vaccine or within 48 hours of vaccination, and a small, firm nodule at the vaccination site is common due to the body's immune response.
The risk of reactions to vaccinations increases when multiple vaccinations are given at one time, which can be particularly true in smaller dogs, so it's a good idea to space out vaccinations over several days rather than giving them all at once.
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Why Things Make Us Sick
Things make us sick when our immune system reacts to them. This reaction is a natural response to protect us from harm.
The rabies vaccine is one of the most likely to cause a reaction in dogs, and side effects can include a slight fever, loss of appetite, and fatigue lasting 24 to 36 hours.
The immune system responds to the vaccine's components, which can lead to side effects like lethargy, soreness, and mild fever. This response is necessary to safeguard the dog from potential exposure to the actual disease.
The distemper vaccine can also cause a reaction, and side effects may include lethargy and soreness at the injection site. These are usually mild but can indicate a more severe problem if prolonged.
All vaccines increase the risk of adverse reactions, but they are generally safe and essential in protecting your furry friend from serious diseases.
Specifics That Increase Reaction Risk
Some dog breeds are more prone to vaccine reactions due to a genetic predisposition. These include Chihuahuas, Pugs, and Dachshunds.
The rabies vaccine is the most likely to cause a reaction in your pet, with side effects including slight fever, a loss of appetite, and fatigue lasting 24 to 36 hours.
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The risk of reactions to vaccinations increases somewhat when multiple vaccinations are given at one time, especially in smaller dogs.
Titer tests can help determine if a dog has already been adequately vaccinated against a particular virus, reducing the need for a shot.
Some health conditions can increase the risk of a vaccine reaction, so be sure to let your vet know about any underlying health issues your dog may have.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a common bacterial infection that can be caused by many different strains of Leptospira bacteria, and all mammals are potentially at risk.
This infection is potentially life-threatening, which is why vaccination is recommended, especially since it can be spread between animals and humans.
The leptospirosis vaccine is a killed vaccine, meaning it's inactivated, and it's often found in combination with other vaccinations, such as the DHLPP vaccine, which includes canine distemper and parvovirus vaccines.
Common Reactions
Common reactions to vaccines in dogs can occur immediately after vaccination or within 48 hours. In most cases, your dog will return to their usual self within a day after vaccination.
Mild side effects include tenderness or pain at the site of injection, a low-grade fever, fatigue, reluctance to eat or eating less than normal, coughing or sneezing if your pet received an intranasal vaccine, and a small bump at the site of injection.
Some vaccines are more likely to cause a reaction in your pet, including the rabies vaccine, which can cause a slight fever, loss of appetite, and fatigue lasting 24 to 36 hours. The distemper vaccine and parvovirus vaccine can also cause reactions, including lethargy and soreness at the injection site.
Here are some common mild side effects that may last just a day or two:
- Tenderness or mild pain at the injection site (some puppies limp or yelp if touched near the injection)
- Low fever for a day or two
- Fatigue or lethargy that lasts a day or two
- Eating less than they usually do
- A small bump where the vaccine was injected that takes up to two weeks to go away
- Sneezing or cold-like symptoms for a day or two after an intranasal vaccine
Symptoms Delayed After Illness
Symptoms of illness can occur as late as 48 hours after vaccination, or even develop four days after the shot.
In some cases, a small, firm nodule may form at the vaccination site due to the body's immune response, and it should go away within 14 days.
Most dogs return to their usual self within a day after vaccination, but it's not uncommon for them to be a bit under the weather for a few days.
If your dog is experiencing symptoms of illness four days after vaccination, it could be due to a reaction to the vaccine, but it could also be due to an unrelated illness.
Don't worry if your dog isn't bouncing back right away - mild symptoms are usually temporary and will disappear within a few days.
It's essential to monitor your dog's health during this time to ensure they feel okay and don't have any underlying issues.
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Common, Mild
Most dogs experience mild side effects after vaccination, which are usually short-lived and harmless. These reactions can include tenderness or mild pain at the injection site, low-grade fever, fatigue, reluctance to eat, coughing or sneezing, and a small bump at the site of injection.
A low-grade fever is common after vaccination, lasting only a day or two. Fatigue or lethargy can also occur, but it's usually just for a day or two. Some dogs may eat less than usual, which is normal.
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A small bump at the injection site can take up to two weeks to go away. Sneezing or cold-like symptoms can occur after an intranasal vaccine, but most dogs recover within a day or two.
Here are some common mild side effects after vaccination:
- Tenderness or mild pain at the injection site (some puppies limp or yelp if touched near the injection)
- Low fever for a day or two
- Fatigue or lethargy that lasts a day or two
- Eating less than they usually do
- A small bump where the vaccine was injected that takes up to two weeks to go away
- Sneezing or cold-like symptoms for a day or two after an intranasal vaccine
Serious Reactions
Serious Reactions can be life-threatening and require immediate veterinary attention. Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, can occur within minutes to hours of vaccination and is characterized by facial swelling, vomiting, hives, itchiness, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties.
Some common signs of a serious reaction include vomiting or diarrhea, hives, swelling on the face, nose/muzzle, or around the eyes, difficulty breathing, and collapse. If you notice any of these symptoms after vaccination, contact your vet or an emergency clinic immediately.
In rare cases, dogs may experience anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. If your dog shows signs of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing or a slow heart rate, call your vet or emergency clinic right away.
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How Long After a Reaction
A vaccine reaction in your dog can be concerning, but it's essential to know what to expect.
The timing of vaccine reactions can occur either immediately after the vaccine or within 48 hours of vaccination.
If your dog has a mild reaction, it's common for them to develop a small, firm nodule at the vaccination site due to the body's immune response, which should go away within 14 days.
In most cases, your dog returns to their usual self within a day after vaccination. However, if these side effects last longer than a day, you'll want to contact your veterinarian.
If your dog experiences a life-threatening allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, it's crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention.
Serious Reactions
Serious reactions to vaccinations can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, can occur within minutes to hours of the injection and is characterized by facial swelling, vomiting, hives, itchiness, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties.
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, call your vet immediately or contact an emergency veterinary clinic. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.
Some common symptoms of a serious reaction include vomiting or diarrhea, facial swelling, hives or itchiness, difficulty breathing, slow heart rate, a gray tongue, severe coughing, and collapsing.
Here are some warning signs to watch out for:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Facial swelling
- Hives or itchiness
- Difficulty breathing
- Slow heart rate or a gray tongue (possible shock)
- Severe coughing
- Collapsing
In rare cases, dogs may develop a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis that requires immediate medical intervention or else they might go into shock.
Sources
- https://caninecarecentral.com/dog-care/dog-sick-4-days-after-vaccination/
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/possible-vaccine-reactions-in-dogs
- https://www.progressive.com/lifelanes/turning-points/puppy-vaccination-side-effects/
- https://www.petfinder.com/dogs-and-puppies/health-wellness/vaccinations-shots/vaccinations-side-effects/
- https://www.nevccc.com/site/blog/2022/08/30/vaccination-reactions-dog
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