Preventative health care for your four-legged friend is the first line of defense against illness. It’s also one of the best ways to ensure your beloved family pet lives a long, quality life by your side. At Anasazi Animal Clinic (serving Gilbert, Chandler, and Mesa Arizona), we’re convinced vaccinations are an essential part of preventative care. But as you’re making plans to schedule your pet’s vaccination appointment, you may be wondering how your pet will respond and/or react to being vaccinated. And, in light of possible changes in behavior, you may have questions about when to consult your local vet.
What You Can Expect After Your Pet is Vaccinated
Simply described, vaccinations for both humans and animals are an injection of a low dose of a particular virus (or viruses) for the purpose of inoculation. As a result, your pet may experience a range of common, non-life threatening side effects. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) lists the following possible side effects after vaccination:
- Discomfort and local swelling at the vaccination site
- Mild fever
- Decreased appetite and activity
- Sneezing, mild coughing, “snotty nose” or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine
As we’ve already mentioned, these side effects are common, but if they persist for more than a day or two, or if your pet is in a severe amount of discomfort, be sure to contact your local vet at Anasazi Animal Clinic.
Severe Allergic Reaction
There is a small chance your pet may have a severe reaction to being vaccinated. This reaction may occur within a few hours, or within a few days. Immediately take your pet to the vet if they show any of these signs:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Itchy skin that may seem bumpy (“hives”)
- Swelling of the muzzle and around the face, neck, or eyes
- Severe coughing or difficulty breathing
- Collapse
In the unlikely event that your pet has an adverse reaction to their vaccinations, Anasazi Animal Clinic is here to offer our expert medical advice and care. Call us right away. And if you don’t already have a local vet you love, come in and see us! We’d be honored to care for your pets and give them the quality treatment and preventative care they deserve.
Photo by Matthew Henry from Burst (4/21/2018)