Do puppy injections have side effects? Expert Advice

What side effects can cats and dogs get from shots?

Most side effects pets get from vaccines are short in duration and are usually mild making them much less dangerous than the illnesses the vaccinations are protecting them from. Below, our Stockton vets have listed a few of the most common side effects dog and cats experience after getting a booster shot or vaccine:

  • Lethargy, a slight fever, and some mild discomfort are the most common side effects pets get from vaccines. This can be characterized by your pet not acting like their usual self. This is a normal reaction to vaccinations, and the symptoms should be mild and only last one or two days. If your dog or cat isnt acting like themselves in a couple of days, call your vet for advice.
  • Lumps and bumps are common side effects in both cats and dogs. Sometimes a small, firm bump will develop at the spot where the needle pierced the skin. This is a normal response however pet owners should monitor the area to make sure that the lump doesnt get bigger or display signs of inflammation, oozing, or infection. The lump shouldnt be painful and should gradually disappear in about a week. If the lump shows signs of infection or hasnt gone away after a week has passed contact your veterinarian.
  • While the majority of the vaccines that are recommended for cats and dogs are given through an injection some are administered by drops or sprays into the animals eyes or nose. Side effects to intranasal vaccines look similar to a cold and the symptoms can include a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing. Your cat or dog should be fully recovered in one or two days. If your kitty or pup doesnt get better after 48 hours has passed or their symptoms are becoming more severe call your vet.
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    Which Puppies Are Most At Risk?

    Any puppy can have a bad reaction, or have nasty side effects from any vaccination.

    But there are also a variety of risk factors that mean some puppies and dogs have a higher chance of reacting badly.

    Research shows that young, male, small breed puppies (or dogs) who receive multiple vaccinations are at the top end of the scale when it comes to risk.

    They are the group most likely to show adverse reactions to puppy shots and/or booster shots, both in the short term and long term.

    Specific breeds who are at a higher-risk for vaccination reactions include:

  • Akita
  • American Cocker Spaniel
  • Australian Shepherd
  • German Shepherd
  • Golden Retriever
  • Harlequin Great Dane
  • Irish Setter
  • Kerry Blue Terrier
  • Miniature Dachshund
  • Old English Sheepdog
  • Poodle
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback
  • Scottish Terrier
  • Shetland Sheepdog
  • Shih Tzu
  • Vizsla
  • Weimaraner
  • Purebred dogs with certain coat colors also seem to have more chance of vaccine reactions, including:

    Vaccine Reactions in Dogs

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