Vaccinations are vital for a dog to be healthy. Just like vaccines in humans, dogs can react to them in a variety of ways. While serious adverse reactions are rare, there are some common, mild reactions to vaccines that you can treat at home to help make your dog more comfortable.
Things You'll Need
- Soft dog bed, pillow or blanket
- Cool, fresh water
- Dog bowl
- Dog treats
- Soft food
- Toddler-sized swimming pool
Instructions
Take your dog back to the vet immediately if he has a serious reaction to the vaccination. It is important to watch for rare but serious reactions such as struggling to breathe or seizures.
Make your dog comfortable. Often, soreness develops at the injection site. Make sure your dog has a comfortable place to sleep like a soft pillow or dog bed and does not have to climb stairs to go outside.
Provide a lot of water. Some dogs develop mild fevers, which make them thirsty. Give your dog lots of cool, fresh water to drink. If she is very hot, you can even fill a shallow pool with water and encourage her to jump in, or you can give her a tepid bath.
Fix your dog soft foods. Some vaccines can have the side effect of a decreased appetite or nausea. Encourage your dog to eat by making him soft foods and feeding him some of his favorite treats.
Refrain from playing hard or walking your dog. Vaccinations tend to make a dog feel lethargic and most vets recommend a day or two of rest after a vaccination.