The typical puppy vaccination schedule starts as early as 6 weeks old, depending on individual veterinarian recommendations and at what age you get your puppy. Puppy vaccinations, including those for parvovirus, distemper, rabies and hepatitis, protect puppies--and humans in the case of rabies--from deadly diseases. Although rarely severe, there are risks of side effects associated with puppy vaccines.
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Common and Mild Side Effects
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The most common side effects of puppy vaccines occur where the vaccine is injected into the puppy. At the site of the shot, dogs may experience tenderness or skin irritation. Beyond skin problems, your puppy may be less active for a couple of days and experience a mild fever. These are considered normal immune system responses to vaccines, because the puppy's immune system is doing its job in attacking the simulated disease. Your puppy should not experience these effects for more than a couple of days.
Some puppies may receive the kennel cough vaccine, which is often given as a nasal spray. Some puppies may cough, sneeze or have a runny nose for a few days following this vaccine.
Severe and Rare Side Effects
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There is a risk of puppies having an allergic reaction to vaccines. Mild allergic reactions include hives, a skin rash and swelling around the face. Often puppies that have had a past mild allergic reaction are at risk for a more serious allergic reaction with future vaccinations. In severe cases, puppies suffer from anaphylaxis. Symptoms include acute diarrhea, vomiting, seizure, cold extremities, pale pink to white gums, respiratory problems and even death. Such a reaction typically occurs within 24 hours following the injection. The risk of anaphylaxis is less than 1 percent, occurring in about one out of every 15,000 vaccinations, according to VetInfo.com.
If your puppy shows signs of having even a mild allergic reaction, speak with your veterinarian about recommendations for giving any future vaccines. If your puppy shows any symptoms of having a severe reaction to vaccines, take him immediately to your veterinarian. If it is after hours, go to your nearest emergency animal hospital.
Vaccine Failure
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With every vaccine, there is a small risk that the vaccine will fail to protect your puppy. Several factors contribute to cases of vaccine failure. Of most concern is that the mother's antibodies still in the puppy's system will fight off the vaccine. Improper storage, handling or administration of the vaccine may lead to a vaccine not being effective. Recent exposure to the same virus the vaccine is meant to protect against may not give the vaccine enough time to take effect. Vaccines made with a modified live virus, which in general is a much more effective vaccine, also carry the risk that the vaccine will infect a puppy with the virus. In most cases, proper use of vaccines make the risk of vaccine failure minimal.
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