Vaccine Reaction

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.