A quote from Dr. Pitcairn, DVM, PhD declares, "For some readers the very idea that vaccines are anything but wonderful and life-saving may come as a surprise, and it's not a very pleasant one.”
Dr. Donna Starita Mehan, DVM says, “The major veterinary associations now agree that vaccinations can trigger all sorts of maladies, from allergies to cancer…”
Although adverse reactions to shots are uncommon, pet owners need to be aware of the dangers and side effects of vaccinations.
Common Side Effects of Vaccinations
Some of the most common reactions to vaccinations include:
- Lethargy
- Soreness at injection site
- Loss of appetite
- Low fever
- Small lump up to the size of a marble at injection site
- Sneezing or nasal discharge after intranasal vaccines
Occasional Side Effects of Vaccinations
Other reactions to vaccinations occur occasionally and may or may not be serious.
- Pain, swelling at injection site
- Fever
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Diarrhea
- Puffy face and ears
- Red itchy skin
- Grumpiness or aggressiveness
- Worsening of allergies in dogs with existing allergies
Uncommon Side Effects of Vaccinations
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is a life threatening emergency. It occurs within minutes or hours of vaccination and can be characterized by collapse, swelling of the face and throat which obstructs breathing, pale gums, weak pulse, low blood pressure, red raised patches on the skin, vomiting, or diarrhea.
According to Dr. Ronald Schultz of the University of Wisconsin College of Veterinary Medicine approximately one case of anaphylaxis occurs in every 15,000 doses of vaccine administered. A dog in anaphylactic shock should be immediately rushed to a veterinarian for emergency life support.
Other rare reactions that may be serious include, but are not limited to:
- Excessive bleeding at the site due to an already existing bleeding disorder
- Neurological problems
- Paralysis
- Eye and vision problems
- Miscarriage or birth defects in pregnant females
- Yellow gums
- Dark yellow, red, or brown colored urine
- Immune mediated diseases resulting in the immune system attacking the body’s own cells
- Immune-mediated polyarthritis in some dogs with immune disorder
What to Do in Case of Dog Vaccine Reaction
Most reactions occur within the first hours, days or weeks of vaccination. Dogs who have recently received vaccinations should be monitored closely for any extraordinary symptoms or behaviors. Any pet reaction, no matter how seemingly trivial, should be reported to the veterinarian so that a note can be added to the file for future precautions or consideration. The dog owner can also be advised of other symptoms to watch for and when or if the dog needs further evaluation by the veterinarian.
What is Vaccinosis?
Dr. Pitcairn refers to vaccinosis as chronic diseases caused by vaccines. As more vaccinations became common, Dr. Pitcairn noticed adverse, long term effects in some patients.
Dr. Jean Hofve, DVM says that vaccination is a medical procedure with risks as well as benefits and recommends administering individual vaccines three weeks apart, rather than all in one, and eliminating shots for chronically ill dogs. Dr. Hofve recommends puppy shots but explains that she believes once a dog has developed immunity to a disease, boosters do not increase immunity, thus yearly shots are not necessary.
Scheduling and frequency of vaccinations remains controversial among experts but it is generally agreed that the benefits outweigh the risks. Most veterinarians agree that adverse side effects of vaccinations will decrease as immunology research continues and new vaccines and new methods of administration are developed.
Related Reading:
Does My Dog Really Need Vaccinations Every Year?
Is It Safe to Give Dog Vaccinations at Home?
Sources:
Natural Pet Health, Pet-Sense: Vaccinosis by Dr. Jean Hofve, DVM
Peteducation.com, Adverse Reaction to Vaccinations by Holly Nash, DVM, MS
Joy Butler - Writer, retired lab tech, mom, and animal lover with over 20 years' experience rescuing, kenneling, training and showing dogs.
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