At East Valley Animal Hospital in Gilbert, AZ, we’re convinced that preventative health care for your four-legged friend is the first line of defense against illness. It’s also one of the best ways to ensure your beloved family pet lives a long, quality life by your side. And pet vaccinations are an essential part of preventative care. We also know that as you’re making plans to schedule your pet’s vaccination appointment, you may be wondering how it will respond and/or react to being vaccinated. And, in light of possible changes in behavior, you may have questions about whether to consult your local vet.
What You Can Expect After Pet Vaccinations
When your dog or cat is vaccinated, they are an injected with a low dose of a particular virus (or viruses) for the purpose of inoculation. As a result, it’s important to be aware that your pet may experience a range of common, non-life-threatening side effects. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), here is a list of possible side effects after vaccination:
- Discomfort and local swelling at the vaccination site
- Mild fever
- Decreased appetite and activity
- Sneezing, mild coughing, “snotty nose” or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine
While these side effects are common and should not be cause for great concern, if they persist for more than a day or two, or if your pet is in a severe amount of discomfort, they could need medical attention. In that case, it will be vital to contact one of our experienced veterinarians at East Valley Animal Hospital.
Severe Allergic Reaction
Although the percentage of reactions is small, there’s a chance your pet may suffer a severe reaction to being vaccinated. This type of reaction may occur within a few hours or within a few days. If your pet shows any of these signs, immediately take them to the vet:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Itchy skin that may seem bumpy (“hives”)
- Swelling of the muzzle and around the face, neck, or eyes
- Severe coughing or difficulty breathing
- Collapse
In the unlikely event that your pet has an adverse reaction to their vaccinations, do not hesitate to call us at East Valley Animal Hospital; we’re here to offer our expert medical advice and care.
As part of preventative care that can keep them healthier for life, if you have a new puppy or kitten that needs its pet vaccinations, we’ll be happy to discuss a vaccination schedule with you. And if you don’t already have a local vet you love, come in and see us! We’d be honored to care for your pets and give them the quality treatment and preventative care they deserve.
Photo by Ilana Beer from Burst (9/7/2018)