If dogs behave strangely after vaccination, it is usually due to the associated immune reaction. Mild fever, nausea and listlessness are completely normal here. Swelling and loss of energy are also more common.
As a rule, these side effects only last 1 to 2 days. In exceptional cases also 3 days. If they persist for longer, you should see the vet.
Additionally, the potential benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the risks. And yet there can be worrying side effects.
For this reason, it is important to know what potential side effects you should expect. The 6 most common complaints are listed below.
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#1 Mild fever
When vaccinated, the dog comes into contact with the pathogen. The aim is to ensure that the immune system develops and strengthens appropriate antibodies.
The effect? A future infection will either have little or no effect on the dog because it has already adapted to it. [1]
In the short term, however, it can cause the dog to behave strangely and develop a fever after the vaccination. This immune reaction is completely normal and desirable.
#2 Lack of motivation
After vaccination, the dog's immune system is largely occupied with fighting the virus or pathogen. This is intentional.
This in turn also means that dogs often appear lethargic, listless and strange after vaccination. Many also seem slightly depressed.
However, this should disappear completely after 2-3 days. If this is not the case, it may indicate other problems.
#3 Swelling
Depending on the vaccine, the injection is given under the skin or directly into a muscle. A slight lump and swelling around this area are completely normal.
In the first few days after vaccination, dogs usually react a little sensitively to touch or move strangely. But that should go away quickly.
However, if the dog becomes increasingly in pain and the area becomes red, then I would advise you to visit the vet as a precaution. [2]
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#4 Sneezing and runny nose
Some vaccines are administered by drop or spray into the nose. This is because some diseases can be transmitted through inhalation.
For this reason, it is not surprising why dogs can have respiratory problems afterwards. Frequent sneezing and coughing are normal here.
This can also be recognized in part by the fact that in the first few days after the vaccination the nose runs badly and the dog begins to snort.
#5 Lack of energy
The dog only has a certain amount of energy available each day. But since the organism is busy with the vaccine, there is little energy left for the rest.
In practice, it can be seen that newly vaccinated dogs quickly become exhausted, appear weak and generally behave strangely.
In individual cases, the remaining energy is so low that the four-legged friend sleeps most of the day, begins to sway when running or even collapses. [3]
#6 Nausea
Some dogs have a very sensitive stomach for genetic reasons. If this is also the case with your four-legged friend, then the vaccine can also affect the stomach.
This can usually be recognized by the fact that after the vaccination the dog suddenly refuses food, drinks little or even gets diarrhea immediately after eating.
Fasting for several hours and eating an easily digestible diet usually help here. There is usually only cause for concern if it becomes a permanent condition.
Rare side effects:
In rare individual cases, the following problems can also occur:
If dogs have an allergic reaction to the vaccine, it can have life-threatening consequences. Symptoms usually occur after just 15 minutes.
It can be recognized by sudden swelling, vomiting, diarrhea and breathing problems. Affected dogs often become extremely itchy and behave strangely.
If bacteria get into the wound after vaccination and multiply there, then the affected area can also become inflamed.
It can usually be recognized by increasing redness and swelling. In addition, dogs avoid any contact with the affected area or even react aggressively. [4]
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