Can Dog Vaccines Have Side Effects

Vaccines are an important part of a pet’s health care. They help to prevent and control disease in your pet. However, it is possible for vaccines to cause side effects.

Side effects from vaccines can be mild or severe and can include fever, soreness at the injection site, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or seizures. Severe reactions are rare but may include an allergic reaction which can lead to more severe symptoms such as hives and difficulty breathing.

Can vaccinations make dogs feel unwell?

The most common reaction dogs display after getting their shots is general discomfort and lethargy. This may be paired with a mild fever as your dog’s immune system works and responds to the vaccination. These mild symptoms are normal and appropriate, and should only last about one or two days before fading away.^[1]

How long after a vaccine can a dog have side effects?

If in doubt, wait for 30-60 minutes following vaccination before taking your pet home. More serious, but less common side effects, such as allergic reactions, may occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. These reactions can be life-threatening and are medical emergencies.^[2]

How do you know if your dog is having an allergic reaction to shots?

Signs can be vomiting and/or diarrhea within the first few hours after administration of the vaccine. Puffiness may be noted, especially around the eyes, muzzle and ears. Another potential symptom is hives, or bumps, all over the body.^[3]

What breeds are more prone to vaccine reactions?

Maltese. Miniature Schnauzer. Jack Russell Terrier. Toy Poodle. Yorkshire Terrier.^[4]

What to expect after dog is vaccinated?

Facial or paw swelling and/or hives. Vomiting. Diarrhea. Pain or swelling around the injection site.^[5]

How long does it take for a dog to show signs of allergic reaction?

The swelling occurs 30 minutes to a few hours after the exposure. A veterinarian will often give dogs with this reaction an antihistamine injection. Untreated, it may take a day or two for the swelling to subside. A different reaction we see 6 to 24 hours after exposure to the antigen is hives.^[6]

What vaccines shouldn’t dogs get?

The Non-Core vaccines include: Lyme Disease. Leptospirosis 4-way (this is sometimes included in combination vaccines with core vaccines, but it is a non-core vaccine and should be considered separately) Canine Influenza.^[7]

What are the risks of giving vaccines to animals?

What are the risks of vaccinating my pet? The most likely vaccination complications include tissue swelling around the injection site; mild signs of illness such as fever, lethargy, and soreness; and allergic reactions to the vaccine that can range from mild to life-threatening.^[8]

Are veterinarians required to report vaccine reactions?

If your veterinarian reports the adverse event, you do not need to file a report. If your veterinarian has not reported the adverse event, or if your veterinarian was not involved in the treatment, you may need to report the adverse event.^[9]

Are dogs tired the day after vaccines?

Within the first 48 hours, it is very normal for your puppy to feel a little tired, even slightly lethargic. It is not uncommon for there to be some swelling on the site of the injection. Your puppy may not want to eat much and you may hear it sneezing or coughing. These are all normal reactions to the vaccine.^[10]

How long does it take a dog to recover from vaccines?

Reactions to these vaccines tend to look like basic cold symptoms and may include sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose. Expect your pup to recover from these symptoms within a day or two. If these symptoms become more severe or it’s taking your pup longer to recover, contact your vet for advice.^[11]

How do dogs act when they have an allergic reaction?

In the dog, the most common symptom associated with allergies is itching of the skin, either localized (in one area) or generalized (all over the body). In some cases, the symptoms involve the respiratory system, with coughing, sneezing, and/or wheezing. Sometimes, there may be runny discharge from the eyes or nose.^[12]