6 Side Effects Of Dog Vaccines

Dog vaccines are the best tools owners have to safeguard their health. Since these are medicines, of course, there are also contraindications. In this article we will talk about the 6 side effects of dog vaccinations, which are more frequent and, in any case, not serious and easily solved.

Vaccines for dogs

Vaccination is essential to protect your dog from a wide range of parasitic diseases and conditions. Thanks to these vaccines, in fact, it is possible to avoid rabies, distemper and hepatitis (which can be fatal). Only in a few cases do these medications produce side effects. Generally, they occur in the hours following the administration of the vaccine or after a few days.

According to veterinarians, these consequences are related to a normal reaction of the organism that acts against a freshly injected external agent. It is important to keep in mind that puppies are the most vulnerable in this respect compared to adults. As well as, to suffer the most, are small dogs and those just neutered.

However, in most cases, these effects are not a serious problem. Vaccines arrive on the market after a series of analyzes and tests. Their effectiveness, and also the contraindications, are widely verified and documented. Furthermore, administering a vaccine does not depend on the choice of a master.

It is always and only the veterinarian who prescribes, administers and manages the vaccination of your animals. An expert doctor who will be able to show you every behavior even in the face of small complications. Always remember that DIY pet care can be very harmful.

Dog vaccines: the most common side effects

Let’s go into the specifics of the side effects of vaccines. In the following list we will show you the 6 most common consequences that occur following vaccination, with a series of very useful information:

1. Numbness

Once you leave the vet’s room, you may notice that your dog is tired, sad or sleepy. A reaction resulting from a moment of intense stress from which the animal needs to move away, recovering energy.

2. Apathy

Another consequence is an unusual behavior in which the dog avoids contact with the owner. A kind of punishment of your four-legged friend, for taking him to a place that is not at all congenial to him. Mood changes and aggression are the most obvious symptoms of this state.

3. Inflammation

It is the most frequent side effect after a vaccine. A small swelling may appear in the area where it has been applied. This is a consequence of the fact that the injected liquid has not yet entered fully into circulation. As the hours go by, everything should return to normal. This phenomenon can also be caused by a normal allergy (probably already known) or a reaction to the syringe or alcohol used to disinfect the area.

4. Gastrointestinal disorders

Some dog vaccines cause some stomach pain. Symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting may occur in some dogs. Your pet will appear tired and not very hungry. You will notice an unusual position when he lies down. In such circumstances, dogs lean sideways so as not to press on the inflamed stomach. Gently caress the abdominal part to notice any swelling.

5. Respiratory disorders

The presence of coughing, sneezing or nasal discharge are frequent in the case of intranasal vaccines. Your dog may also have a fever or a general flu. No problem, however. The animal will rest for a few hours, without having too much desire to move or eat.

6. Anaphylaxis

It is the most serious side effect of dog vaccines. Therefore, more attention is needed in dealing with it. The first symptoms occur a few hours or minutes after the injection. It is characterized by inflammation of the face and throat, which prevents proper breathing. The animal has a weak pulse, redness of the skin, vomiting and diarrhea. It is a reaction of the organism so powerful that it comes to attack itself. The effect is the destruction of one’s own red blood cells. However, a very infrequent side effect, so you don’t have to worry: the chances of it happening to your dog are really low.

Finally, the message that must pass is simply one. Each dog that is vaccinated must be followed step by step  in the immediate following moments, as well as check for any possible reactions to communicate to your trusted veterinarian.