Vaccinations

What if my pet has a vaccine reaction?

Occasionally, a pet will have an allergic reaction to some element of the vaccine. Most commonly, we see these reactions in smaller dogs to the leptospirosis element of the distemper-parvo combination vaccine. We carry special distemper-parvo vaccines for those pets who have had a reaction or who are considered at risk for a reaction. However, any pet, even those that have not previously had a reaction, can potentially have a reaction to a vaccine.

Common symptoms of vaccine reactions can include extreme lethargy, panting or shortness of breath, and the advent of raised bumps on the skin. These bumps can look like a bad case of acne under the fur, or larger wheals (like mosquito bites) spread over a broader area.

Our main concern with pets experiencing a reaction is that the swelling might affect the throat severely enough that the trachea is squeezed shut, preventing the pet from breathing. If you suspect that your pet is experiencing a vaccination reaction, the best response is an immediate return to your veterinarian's office for evaluation and treatment if necessary.

To prevent a reaction in a pet we will sometimes spread the vaccines out and give them one at a time, three to four weeks apart. Other times, we will pre-medicate the pet with an antihistamine and/or anti inflammatory before they are vaccinated. We are more than willing to monitor an at-risk patient in the hospital for a few hours, to make sure that they do not experience any difficulties with their vaccinations.

In extreme cases, we will simply stop giving that vaccination. Of course, appropriate measures must then be taken to safeguard the pet against coming in contact with that virus.

Allergic reactions to vaccines are definitely something to be aware of, but when handled appropriately, they are usually not a life-and-death matter.

Can I give vaccinations myself?