Symptoms of Vaccine Allergy in Dogs

1 Overview

I. Check-Up Before Vaccination

Before vaccinating, have the veterinarian examine the dog: check whether temperature is normal, look for respiratory signs such as eye/nose discharge, whether oral mucosa color is abnormal, whether conjunctiva is red or swollen, and any vomiting, refusal to eat, or diarrhea. Ask about any history of infectious disease and contact with sick dogs.

II. Allergy Symptoms After Vaccination

1. Severe allergic type: usually occurs rapidly after vaccination. Main signs: raised temperature, fast heartbeat, difficult rapid breathing, mood swinging between excited and listless, blank stare, cold nose tip, rough coat, limp neck, weak unsteady limbs; a critical condition.

2. Common allergic type: appears about 10 minutes after injection. Main signs: listlessness, slow reaction, blank stare, weak limbs, deep slow breathing. This ordinary type usually needs no medication and recovers within hours or a day or two.

III. Precautions After Vaccination

1. Observe at the clinic for 20-30 minutes after vaccination. Although rare, allergic reactions can occur; watch closely. If whole-body itching or facial swelling appears, a desensitization shot is needed, so observe at the hospital for half an hour to ensure no adverse reaction, and seek care promptly if any appears soon after.

2. Do not bathe the dog or change its environment or food within one week.

A dog’s immunity first drops then rises after vaccination. To protect health, within one week do not bathe, change environment, change food, or take it out to play; walk it only after full immunization.

3. No dewormers or antibiotics for three days. Oral antibiotics or dewormers within three days of vaccination can also cause immunization failure.

4. The dog may show drug reactions like anorexia after vaccination. You can give probiotics to settle the stomach.