What are Side Effects of Dog Vaccinations?

Most pet owners vaccinate their dogs at their local vet's clinic during their yearly exam. Although some dogs do well with their vaccines, there are some dogs that receive the vaccinations and have side effects. Common dog vaccinations are rabies, adenovirus, distemper, corona, hepatitis and Para influenza.

Fever

Just like humans sometimes get a fever from vaccines, dogs can too. It may be just a low-grade that will resolve on it's own in a few hours, or few days. Discuss the dog's fever with a veterinarian. They may advise you to give the dog a fever reducer to bring down the fever. They may also have you give a fever reducer in advance for future vaccines. This can help prevent the next time a vaccine is required.

Lethargy

Lethargy is probably the most common side effect of a dog vaccination. It is normal for a dog to be come lethargic after receiving a vaccination. They may be lazy, less active and lacking energy for a few days after injection. Call the vet if the lethargy lasts longer than a few days.

Pain and Tenderness

It is normal to feel pain at an injection site, or even turn into a small lump. The lump and tenderness should be gone within a few days to a week. The dog owner should be careful to not touch the injection site until the pain has subsided. Discuss using a different area for an injection (if the dog had a reaction before) to see if the side effect can be lessened.

Breathing Difficulty

Some dogs may react with respiratory distress, and this can be life threatening. If you notice swelling around the dog's face or throat, you should call the vet's office immediately. The dog may be having an allergic reaction and could possibly need Epinephrine. The vaccination should be avoided in the future, and never given to the animal again. .

Dizzy and Disoriented

Dogs can become dizzy and disoriented after receiving a vaccine. This means the dog may have personality changes, he may walk into things, step sideways and even fall down. This side effect usually occurs right after the vaccine is given, but if it occurs after leaving the vet's office, you should take the dog back to the vet right away. The dog should be closely monitored by vet staff to ensure that the dog is okay.