Side Effects of Canine Vaccinations

It is always possible for a dog to have an adverse reaction after the administration of an adenovirus, distemper, or parvovirus vaccine.

Reactions to the distemper vaccine are usually minor, although in some cases they can be critical, resulting in the death of the patient.  Another typical reaction is lethargy, which will cause a dog to lie around or sleep.  Loss of appetite is occasionally experienced by some dogs after receiving a distemper vaccine.   Other dogs exhibit a reaction in the form of an elevated temperature, often leading to a fever situation.  Once in a while, a lump will form at the injection site.  A reaction of this nature is usually short-lived and will disappear within a couple days.

Intranasal vaccines may cause nasal discharge, sneezing, and a slight cough.  These are usually minor and often develop three to four days after the vaccine is administered.

The most serious and life-threatening allergic reaction to a vaccine is known as an anaphylactic reaction.  Dogs suffering from this type of action will display evidence of diarrhea and vomiting.  In severe cases they can go into shock. Pale gums and a rapid heart rate are evidenced during a reaction of this type.  The throat and facial area can swell, making it difficult to breathe.