Vaccine Reactions

What is normal? What is not?

Typically the risk of your pet having a severe reaction to a vaccine is very low. Vaccines offer your pet protection from a number of very serious conditions that can be both difficult and expensive to treat. If your pet has had a reaction in the past, whether mild or severe, please let your clinical staff know.

Common or Mild Reactions: Typically occur several hours after vaccination.

- Discomfort/local swelling around the injection site

- Lethargy/sluggishness

- Mild Fever

- Decreased appetite/activity

- Sneezing and cold-like symptoms(Typically caused by the intranasal Bordetella vaccine)

While most vaccine reactions tend to be mild, there are some rare cases where immediate medical attention is needed.

Severe vaccine reactions: These typically occur within 15-60 minutes following the vaccination.

-Facial swelling

-Diarrhea and vomiting persisting for more than 24 hours

-Itchiness/hives

-Difficulty breathing 

-Generalized weakness

-Gray tongue/pale mucous membranes

If your pet shows signs of anaphylaxis or shock, please contact us immediately or your local emergency veterinary clinic!

Dr. Treat 415-741-5890