Ask the Vet About Vaccine Side Effects in Dogs and Cats
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My 6 year old Pomeranian Shih Tzu mix received his bordatella, rabies, and distemper vaccine about five hours ago. We also cleaned his ear when we got home. Now, his lip and eyelid are swollen. No trouble breathing and he's alert. Should we bring him in?
Yes. Please go to the veterinarian for a steroid injection to fight the allergic reaction happening! The steroid injection is what he needs to get swelling down fast. I hope this helped! Dr. Lindsay Butzer
My 5 month old Dane received his rabies vaccine 11.17.22. 2.5 hours later, he was having a grand mal seizure. This is his second seizure, the first being 5 days after a dose of Sentinal flea/heartworm oral prevention. This first seizure was 10.28.22. Is it only a serious coincidence that he seized again after a foreign "thing" was introduced to his system or is it a probable reaction to the vaccine?
It is probably coincidence, but really impossible to guess. Divide up all of his vaccines in the future - waiting at least 2 weeks in between and talk to your veterinarian about which ones are absolutely mandatory for him based on his lifestyle.
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My 10 mo old puppy is acting confused and leaning his head to one side. He's very dizzy and hasn't eaten since Saturday evening. Is this a normal reaction? Or is this an emergenxy?
No - that is not a normal reaction. I would have your veterinarian recheck him.
At what age is it not necessary for my dogs to no longer receive the parvovirus and distemper vaccines if they have been vaccinated properly from birth?
Good question - the research is ongoing. Most vaccine companies will say they continue to need it every ~3 years for life.
My 9lb dog had not peed since getting her 4 shots yesterday which includes the 3 year vaccine?
Have your veterinarian recheck her if it continues. Even if she is better by now, let them know, so they will separate the vaccines the next time she needs them and not give 4 at one time to such a small dog.
My 12-week puppy got her first Bordetella oral vaccine and her 3rd DHPP today. She vomited her whole breakfast (from 5 hours prior) during the car ride home. I’m worried if one episode like this is enough to be considered an allergic reaction?
If it doesn't continue, she isn't lethargic when you get home, she has no facial swelling, etc. I would be more suspicious of motion sickness in the car than a vaccine reaction.
Hello, my 9 year old lab received a couple of her yearly vaccinations 2 days ago. Today, I noticed that one lymph node in her neck is swollen. Is this relatively normal?
No, this is not a common side effect. I would have your veterinarian recheck her and aspirate that lymph node if it is still enlarged.
Hello, I’ve noticed a quarter size lump under my dogs skin that is firm. He recently got his yearly booster (not rabies) vaccine on Saturday. Is this a normal reaction or should I be concerned?
If it is exactly where the Rabies vaccine was administered, that can be normal. Call the veterinarian that administered the vaccine and confirm that the vacine was given where the lump now is. It should gradually go away over he next few days. If it does not, have them recheck it.
Last night my thirteen year old dog had her first seizure. Hours earlier she has received her 5-1. She’s never had a negative reaction to vaccines. She also then coughed/gagged a few times consecutively. Nothing since. Should i be alarmed
A seizure, at her age, is cause for concern. I would see your veterinarian for some bloodwork (to start with). It's hard to relate a seizure directly to the vaccine - that is not a typical adverse reaction, but the stress of the day may have lowered her seizure threshold. Ideally, the underlying cause of the seizure needs to be explored.
My dog last had her vaccinations three years ago. Afterwards she experienced facial swelling and needed antihistamines. Her booster shots are now due is it safe to do so?
It depends on many factors: which vaccine caused the allergic reaction, does she truly need that one (depends on her lifestyle, usually), how old she is, other medical problems she may have, what medications she takes, etc etc, so consult your veterinarian for the best advice.
Hello, My friend is taking care of a pregnant cat (from the street). The cat tested negative for FeLV, FIV and parvo virus. Can the cat get vaccine and rabies shot while pregnant? Will it affect her kittens? Please advise. Thank you.
No - most vaccines are not labeled for use while pregnant and some can cause serious problems with the fetuses.
Can I refuse the bordetella vaccine for my adult dog if she is not boarded?
Yes, definitely - this is not considered a core vaccine that all dogs need - only the more social ones that go to be groomed or boarded.
My kitten got his first vaccines 2 weeks ago. This Wednesday he had a seizure. He’s recovered fully already, but I’m wondering if there’s any chance that the vaccines caused the seizure? Also, is it safe for him to get his regular boosters 2 weeks from now?
It's hard for me to relate the seizure to the vaccine, that far away from when it was given but call and speak directly to the manufacturer's veterinarian for the best advice.
My puppy got a 6 in 1 shot at 6 weeks old. He is currently 14 weeks.. when should he get another one
He needs one now and then another in 3-4 weeks.
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