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Ask the Vet About Vaccine Side Effects in Dogs and Cats
Got questions? Ask Dr. Dym & our Vet Team
While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.
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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.
We got our dog vaccinated 2 days ago. She got 7 shots total do to boarding her in a few weeks and she needed her normal as well. Today, she had a 5min whole body seizure, Could this be caused by the vaccines?
Possibly - definitely contact your veterinarian so they can note it in her chart and they will want to contact the manufacturer of the vaccines to let them know as well.
For the last two years, my dog has had symptoms of gastrointestinal upset within 2 weeks of receiving vaccines. Symptoms include off and on vomiting bile and diarrhea with bright red blood and mucus. He’s feeling better now. Now, a week after symptoms started, stool is formed at beginning and loose at the end, and is now yellow. He’s finally eager to eat again and is becoming more playful. At first, we thought he ate something he shouldn’t have, but could this be a vaccine reaction? I’m kind of afraid to give him vaccines next year.
It is possible - definitely speak with your veterinarian about this - most dogs only need most vaccines every 3 years, not every year, but it depends on many factors (where you live, your dog's lifestyle, etc.)
My 3 year old Cavalier KCS got a few vaccines all at once (including Lyme, flu, lepidopterist sp?) a couple weeks ago and soon developed weakness in hind quarters and pain. Took back for exam and X-rays all neg. doing somewhat better but Still can’t jump up. Vet not mention possible reaction. Now I read all this and need help with TMT.
I don't know what you mean by "TMT" but contact the manufacturer of the vaccines directly with concerns about a possible vaccine reaction.
My dog was vaccinated for parvo yesterday and today he threw up clear. He ate one meal and was drinking water but has been throwing up since
No, vomiting is not normal after a vaccine. Occasionally it may be due to the motion of the car but this far after the car ride, it would be ideal to have your veterinarian recheck him. Even if he is feeling better by the time you get this, let your veterinarian know how he reacted to that vaccine - they will want to note it in his chart.
Can this vaccine be put on food such as a small piece of bread? Our abused shelter dog has behavioral issues when he feels threatened. I believe using the syringe will cause him to bite us. He is greatly motivated by food and will take this vaccine easily on a small, even bland, treat such as bread.
Call and speak directly with the manufacturer about that.
We got our new dog shots today. Bordetella, initial Lyme vaccine and for leptospirosis. He is very lethargic And he’s trembling. Shot was administered bout 2 hours ago. He’s a2yo male yorkiepoo. He moved in w us approx 3 weeks ago and no past history. Last wwwk he had rabies,Dhpp and micro chipped last week. Is the clumsiness and trembling normal
A low grade temperature can be normal for some dogs but if it persists, you should see your veterinarian for a recheck. "Clumsiness" is definitely not normal. (Let your veterinarian know how he did and, in the future, they will not want to give both of those on the same day to him.)
My maltese puppy just received a vaccine today and when I pick her up she cries when I touch her stomach. Is this a normal side effect?
A little achy after vaccines can be normal - if it is anything too extreme, have your veterinarian recheck her.
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