If the dog died after vaccination, it is usually due to allergic reactions or a previously weakened immune system. Under certain circumstances, harmful additives or a lack of individualization may also be behind it.
Such cases are very rare, but possible. According to studies, young four-legged dogs of a small breed are particularly at risk. The same applies to very old dogs. [1]
In addition, it has already been proven several times that combination vaccinations are more harmful than individual vaccines. However, many dog owners still choose the cheaper combinations.
By the way, there is no compulsory vaccination in Germany. As a dog owner, you decide for yourself which vaccinations your four-legged friend should receive and which not.
Below you will learn about the 5 most common reasons why dogs can die after vaccination.
Are you worried or unsure? Then click here to start a live chat with a veterinarian.
#1 Allergic reaction
If your dog feels strange after the vaccination, this could indicate an allergic reaction. Mild side effects, on the other hand, are completely normal.
These include a slight fever, listless behavior, slight swelling, nausea and a mild runny nose. More rarely, allergic shock can also occur.
This can lead to sudden shortness of breath or even circulatory collapse. If left untreated, this has often led to dogs dying after vaccination.
Typically, such symptoms usually occur within the first 30 minutes. For this reason, some veterinarians recommend waiting a certain amount of time. [2]
#2 Lack of customization
Each vaccination should be tailored to the individual dog. More specifically, the respective size, age, lifestyle and geographical location.
It makes little sense to vaccinate a dog against diseases that do not occur where you live. This also explains why vaccination recommendations vary from country to country.
It is best to consult a local veterinarian. He knows exactly what occurs in the region and how often. They can often support their tips with statistics.
#3 Excessive precautions
The basic motto for vaccinations is: as much as necessary, as little as possible. For example, until just a few years ago, an annual revaccination was recommended.
We now know that this is unnecessary for most vaccines. It even poses an additional risk, which has resulted in some dogs dying after vaccination.
A titer test can help here. A blood sample is taken to test whether the level of antibodies is sufficiently high. This way you avoid “over-vaccination”. [3]
#4 Weakened immune system
Purely statistically speaking, old dogs and small dog breeds are the worst at dealing with a vaccination. Unfortunately, the reasons for this are still relatively poorly researched.
Veterinarians believe this is due to a weak immune system. Because during vaccination, the viruses and bacteria are administered in a weakened form.
This is particularly true for dogs with existing medical conditions that have not yet been diagnosed. The interactions here can be fatal.
You can often recognize this because the vaccination does not cause immediate symptoms, but rather several hours late. Allergic reactions usually occur earlier.
#5 Harmful additives
Many laypeople think that the vaccination syringe only contains the vaccine. But the reality looks different. Ready for the ugly truth?
Normal injections may contain aluminum hydroxide and thiomersal. Two toxic neurotoxins that can cause permanent damage. [4]
There are also some stabilizers, antibiotics and oil adjuvants. These could possibly also be responsible for why your dog died after the vaccination.
You can find out whether a vaccination makes sense at all here: Vaccinate your dog – yes or no?
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