Reactions to Vaccinations in Dogs

While most dogs do just fine after their routine vaccination appointments, a minority may be prone to develop complications. Vaccine reactions in dogs vary from mild to severe with the most common vaccines to cause problems being those with adjuvants and killed viruses such as rabies, Corona and Lepto.

  1. Types

    • When it comes to vaccine reactions in dogs, there are two types: mild and severe. Severe vaccine reactions, medically known as anaphylactic shocks, generally occur within minutes after the dog is inoculated, whereas mild vaccine reactions tend to occur at home after a few hours.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms suggesting a severe reaction are as follows: a weakened pulse, diarrhea, vomiting, pale gums, facial swelling, seizures, cold limbs, shock, collapse and very likely death. Symptoms suggesting a mild reaction instead encompass: pain and swelling at injection site, limping, fever, loss of appetite, lethargy and sleeping more than usual.

    Treatment

    • Dogs affected by severe reactions must be seen at once for the administration of Epinephrine, oxygen, fluids and possibly other medications. Mild reactions generally disappear within 48 hours; however, pain medications may be given per vet's recommendation should the dog be limping or exhibiting a fever.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Once a vaccine reaction takes place, the occurrence is recorded in the dog's chart. The veterinarian may then decide if the dog should avoid that particular vaccination in the future, if plausible, or if the dog should continue to be vaccinated but take special precautions. These may include administering antihistamines prior to the vaccine and inserting a catheter in the dog's vein in the event life-saving medications should need to be administered..

    Considerations

    • While the chances of a severe vaccine reaction may be small, it is never a bad idea for owners to schedule a vaccination appointment when being able to carefully supervise the dog for the rest of the day. This allows owners to watch for reactions and, if needed, contact their veterinarian promptly.