Dog Vaccine Reaction

by Jan
(Sonoma, California)

Reader Question: Dog Vaccine Side Effects: Scout is a 16 month old Boston Terrier. Received these 2 shots yesterday - Canine Rabies and Dist/Adeno/Para/Parvo/Corona at the same time.

12 hours later began to fell ill. No diarrhea or vomiting and no temperature but very lethargic with no appetite. Took her back to vet today and they gave her fluids and a diphenhydremine injection. That was 6 hours ago. Have seen slight improvement. How like does it take for the whole reaction to the drugs to wear off under these circumstances?

Dog Vaccine Side Effects Dog Health Guide Editor Comment:

Dear Jan,

Sorry to hear about your dog's reaction to the vaccines. Immunization is one of the most important preventive measures and has been proven to be very effective in saving the lives of millions of pets that are susceptible to various infectious diseases.

Although vaccination has been proven to be very effective, unfortunately there are several health issues yet to be addressed by the researchers to make it safe for pets. To ensure the quality and safety of vaccination, all commercially available vaccines are marketed in accordance with regulatory laws.

The most common side effect related to canine vaccination include allergic reactions, which are either local as skin lesions, blisters, blackening of skin etc. or general which are characterized by different symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, anorexia, seizures and lethargy etc. These symptoms can be mild to severe depending upon the inflammatory response generated by the immune system, which in general is called a reaction.

In this case, the reaction surely occurred due to the canine rabies vaccine. Lethargy and anorexia are common symptoms related to this type of vaccination.

The most appropriate treatment for reactions to any dog vaccine is the administration of anti histamines; drugs used for reducing the allergic reaction in the body along with symptomatic treatment such as fluid therapy, as was done in this particular case.

As far as recovery is concerned, it can take a few hours to several weeks. Supportive therapies are surely one way to hasten the recovery, which in this case can be done with additional fluid therapies if needed and by using different supplements containing vitamins, minerals and antioxidants , which will support the immune system.

Supplements and multi vitamins have been proven to be very effective such as Nutri-Vet Multi-Vite Plus for Dogs. Be sure to take good care of the vaccinated dog and do not allow him to roam freely as he may develop other problems, since the immune system is stressed due to the vaccination.

Scout should be feeling well in no time at all. Please let us know how he does.