Heintz a 3 month old Daschund had a reaction to his vaccines that we gave him earlier that day. You can see that he is swollen around his eyes, face, and muzzle.

Although anaphylaxis is rare (approximately 1–5 per 10,000 vaccinations) vaccine reactions can also show up as vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, facial or generalized severe itching, facial swelling, and collapse. Vaccine reactions can occur 30 minutes after being vaccinated.

Some of the most common mild side effects seen after vaccination include:

• Redness, mild swelling, and tenderness at the vaccination site

• Decreased activity levels (fatigue)

• Loss of appetite

• Low-grade fever

• Nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, or other respiratory symptoms, which may occur up to 2 to 4 days after an intranasal vaccine. Our Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine is given this way.

Other ​less common but more serious side effects can occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. These reactions are considered to be medical emergencies, and you should seek veterinary care immediately if any of the following occur:

• Collapse or fainting
• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent and severe coughing
• Small, red, raised, itchy bumps over the body (hives)
• Swollen or puffy eyes, muzzle, or face
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea

Heintz’ family noticed that he was itchy and swollen on their drive home about 30 minutes after getting vaccinated. He did not have any difficulty breathing but his owners were pretty scared. When Heintz got to the clinic we checked his heart rate, temperature, and breathing rate. After that the veterinarian administered diphenhydramine which is like Benadryl. The veterinarian sent home another dose of Benadryl with the owner to give in 6 hours if the swelling was still present. Vaccine reactions should not last more than 48 hours.

Happy visits are completely free and low stress appointments. We move at the pets pace and a ton of treats are given. There is no pressure for the pet because there is no expectations, this decreases fear, anxiety, and stress. 

Ziggy came in a few days before his vaccine appointment for a happy visit. We did this to hopefully decrease anxiety and fear during his appointment. Ziggy is an anxious boy and he is pretty suspicious of fast movements. A happy visit was the perfect thing for him because it was low stress and the veterinary staff didn’t ask anything of him. His owner came with treats although Ziggy only wanted OUR treats. I put down a yoga mat so the floor was not as slippery. Ziggy went into both of our exam rooms and he decided he liked the cat room better! He even went on the scale so he didn’t have to get weighed on the vaccine day. This allowed Ziggy to go straight into the cat room on the vaccine day.  Ziggy needed to get his Bordetella vaccine which goes up his nostril.  During the happy visit, I was able to put my finger near his nostril simulating the syringe.  He did great!  

Happy visits are great for anxious pets because it lets them get comfortable with the surroundings. If the pet is too stressed to even come inside then there are supplements that can help take the edge off. Composure Pro is a chew that helps with anxiety and calming but does not sedate.  It works within 30 minutes of giving and the recommended dose can be doubled in times of high anxiety or stress. This is a great supplement that owners can give their cats or dogs for veterinary appointments, car rides, when company is over, or before thunderstorms. 

Jasper also came in for a happy visit.  His reason was different than Ziggys. Jasper’s owners thought it would be a good idea to introduce him to the staff now as he is a new addition to their family.  Jasper is all up to date on his vaccines, dewormer, and he is already neutered so we might not see Jasper for another year until his vaccines are due.  That is a long time so it’s good that his owners wanted to bring him in so we could meet him. 

Happy visits are completely free and it helps the pet associate our clinic and staff with a positive experience.