What are the possible side effects of distemper vaccination in dogs?

Answer 1

My dog just got her distemper shot 52 hours ago. She is really lethargic, wion't go down stairs, won't eat or drink, and when I rub her back,right near her nipples, the skin tenses up. We hope she'll be ok, but we don't know yet. We don't know where on her body the shot was given. If anyone has some advice, please give it.


This does not sound like a reaction to a distemper vaccine (DHLP/Parvo). A true reaction to a distemper vaccine would be swelling occurring within 5-10 minutes of receiving the vaccine. The vaccine is always given under the loose skin on the neck area. This sounds like something entirely different and you should take your pet into your Veterinarian as soon as possible. Again a true anaphlyatic reaction would be swelling within 5-10 minutes of giving the vaccine and that is usually caused from the Lepto part of the vaccine. When you have the next vaccine, ask your Vet to leave out the lepto part if the dog has had a true anaphlyatic reaction. Please have your dog checked out immediately by your Veterinarian.

Answer 2

My dog received his rabies shot at about 9:00am when I came home from work at 5:00pm his face and lips were swollen and had blisters. I took him to the vet right away and the vet said he had a reaction to the rabies shot. My dog is eight years old and never had problems in the past. The vet advised me that dogs can become allergic to rabies shots overtime. He gave him a shot of benadryl and has him taking a 1/4 tablet of benadryl for the next two days every five to six hours. Next year he said that when he gets his shots next year they will set him up on an iv drip of benadryl and observe him over night to ensure that his reaction does not get worse than this year.

Answer 3

normal side effects are

slightly more tired or sore

slight vomit or diarrhea

decreased appetite

None of these should last more than 24 hours

Rare side effects are:

swelling of face

Hives

These are due to an allergic reaction to the vaccine

Super rare side effect

Tumor growth after several years of vaccinations int he same area

Answer 4

There can be but very rarely and the one side effect that you may see (but rarely) is one that is caused by the Lepto part of the vaccine that may cause some animals to swell up a bit, but it normally goes away by itself. That would happen within about 15 minutes of giving the vaccination.

I just think of all the dogs I have seen die (working as a Vet Tech for over 35 years) slow and painful deaths from Parvo or worse yet, Distemper. No dog should have to die that way when we have vaccinations available. Your Vet knows what he or she is doing when it comes to vaccinating. If you should do your own vaccinations, use a good name brand such as Fort Dodge. I have never had a bad reaction using that brand. You could also withhold the Lepto part of the vaccination if you are concerned, but if your pet is around an area where there are mice or rats, you should protect your dog. Lepto is one that can be transmitted to humans.

I highly recommend vaccinating your pets. The chance of side effects is not worth the horrible deaths of dying from these diseases by not giving the vaccinations.

Answer 5

They may sleep more for 24 hours an may get a fever which will also be Ok in 24 hours.