If dogs behave strangely after the vaccination, this is usually due to the accompanying immune reaction. Slight fever, nausea, and listlessness are completely normal here. Swelling and lack of energy are also more common.
As a rule, these side effects last only 1 to 2 days. In exceptional cases also 3 days. If they persist, you should see your vet.
In addition, the potential benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the risk. And yet there can be worrying side effects.
For this reason, it is important to know what potential side effects you should expect here. The 6 most common complaints are listed below.
1. Mild Fever
When vaccinating, the dog comes into contact with the pathogen. This is intended 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 been adopted.
In the short term, however, it can cause the dog to act strangely and develop a fever after the vaccination. This immune response is completely normal and desired.
2. Lack of Drive
After vaccination, the dog’s immune system is largely occupied with fighting the virus or pathogen. This is intentional.
This in turn has the consequence that dogs often make a lethargic, listless, and strange impression after the vaccination. Many also appear slightly depressed.
However, this should be completely gone after 2-3 days. If this is not the case, this may indicate other problems.
3. Swelling
Depending on the vaccine, the injection is given under the skin or directly into a muscle. A slight bump and swelling around this area are quite normal.
In the first few days after the vaccination, dogs are usually somewhat sensitive to touch or move strangely. But that should settle down quickly.
However, if the dog experiences increasing pain and the area becomes red, then I advise you to consult the vet as a precaution.
4. Sneezing and Sneezing
Some vaccines are given as a drop or spray into the nose. This is because some diseases can be transmitted through inhalation.
For this reason, it is not surprising that dogs can develop respiratory problems afterward. Frequent sneezing and coughing are normal here.
In some cases, it can also be seen from the fact that in the first few days after the vaccination, the nose runs heavily and the dog begins to snort.
5. Lack of Energy
Dogs only have a certain amount of energy available per day. But since the organism is busy with the vaccine, little energy is left for the rest.
In practice, it can be seen from the fact that newly vaccinated dogs are quickly exhausted, make a listless impression, 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 walking, or even collapses.
6. Nausea
Some dogs have a genetically very sensitive stomachs. If this is also the case with your four-legged friend, then the vaccine can also affect the stomach.
It can usually be recognized by the fact that the dog suddenly refuses its food after the vaccination, drinks little, or even gets diarrhea immediately after eating.
Fasting for several hours and easily digestible food usually help here. There is usually only cause for concern if it becomes a permanent condition.
Rare side effects:
In rather rare individual cases, the following problems can also occur:
- Anaphylaxis
If dogs are allergic to the vaccine, the consequences can be life-threatening. Complaints usually arise within 15 minutes.
It can be recognized by sudden swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing problems. Affected dogs also often get severe itching and behave strangely.
- Infection
If bacteria get into the wound after the vaccination and multiply there, 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.