Common Reactions to Vaccines in Your Pet Dog For the majority of people, pets are a source of joy and affection and when it comes to having a pet, the majority of people will prefer a dog over any other pet. This is because dogs are faithful, obedient and easy to train. However, owning a pet dog also comes with huge responsibilities because like humans, dogs have also their own needs and the most important is their vaccination. Vaccination plays a huge role in preventing the spread of dreadful diseases in dogs like rabies and it is vital for pet owners to get their dog vaccinated at the proper time. Notwithstanding, the biggest concern for every canine owner is the adverse reaction of vaccines on their pet. It is also true that adverse reaction due to vaccination can also endanger the life of your pet dog or can create serious health complications. But as a pet parent if you are aware of the common reactions associated with vaccinations, then you can handle the situation very well. Here are the common reactions to vaccines in your four-legged friend that you must watch out for.
Feeling lethargic One of the most common vaccine reactions that your pet dog might witness is lethargy and soreness that may be accompanied by a mild fever. This happens due to the fact that the body's immune system reacts both locally and systematically to vaccine administration which leads to the immune system responding to the vaccination which is its ultimate aim. Moreover, when your pet dog comes in contact with the rabies pathogen in the future and then the immune system can respond to the virus quickly and very effectively which reduces the chances of serious illness. However, there is nothing to be concerned about because most dogs will be back to their normal selves within a day or two after the vaccination. If you observe that your pet dog is having prolonged soreness or lethargy, then you need to consult your veterinarian.
Bumps & lumps Whenever a vaccine is administered into your dog, it is injected under the skin or into a muscle, a small, firm swelling may develop in that particular area due to local irritation and immune cells rushing to the area. However, you must keep a watch on this lump because it should be tender to the touch but should not grow, or become more painful in the due course of time. Generally, ordinary lumps and bumps associated with vaccines resolve on their own in a few weeks. Notwithstanding, you must keep an eye on the area and if your dog is feeling uncomfortable after a few weeks, then you need to make an appointment with your veterinarian.
Sneezing & snuffling Most of the vaccines that are given to your dog are through injection but there are a few vaccines that are administered through drops or a spray injected into the nose. There are certain vaccines like Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza that is given through the nose in dogs. There is a reason behind these particular vaccines being given through the nose and that is as these diseases are all respiratory in nature and your dog can get infected through his nose. Thus, the veterinarians administer the nasal vaccine so that the immunity gets developed at the first spot where an infection might develop. However, there are also likely chances of adverse reactions associated with the respiratory tract developing in your dog. One of the most common signs of your dog getting affected due to a nasal vaccine is coughing or sneezing or they might develop a stuffy/ running nose for a couple of days after intranasal vaccine. In most of the cases these types of symptoms go away in a day or two, however, if the symptoms persist, then you should consult
your veterinarian.
Less unlikely vaccine reactions Though the chances of these types of reactions are very rare but as a pet parent it is imperative for you to know about them. One of the most dangerous reactions associated with dog vaccination is anaphylaxis. Moreover, the symptoms associated with these diseases are usually visible within minutes to hours and dogs develop hives, itchiness, facial swelling, vomiting, diarrhea and difficulty in breathing.
Finally These symptoms associated with vaccination of pet dogs are very serious in nature if they don't go away within the specified time period. Whenever you notice something unusual in your pet dog after any vaccination, then take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.