If Your Pet Received Vaccines Today

Closely monitor your pet after a vaccination, and report any problems to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Vaccines save countless lives and prevent devastating infectious diseases from threatening our beloved pets. If you have any questions or concerns, please discuss them with your veterinarian.

It is common for pets to experience some mild side effects following vaccination, similar to those that humans experience. Rarely does a pet need veterinary medical attention for these normal reactions. Some of the most common mild side effects seen after immunization 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 (vaccination with drops or sprays via the nostrils) is administered.

If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms for more than 24 hours, follow up with your primary veterinarian.

It is also common for a pet to develop a small, firm nodule at the vaccination site. It should begin to shrink and vanish within 14 days. If the swelling lasts longer than 3 weeks or appears to get larger or more painful, contact your primary veterinarian.

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 your pet experiences any of the following:

• 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

SafeHaven Humane Society is not your primary veterinarian and is only able to provide wellness care and vaccinations. SafeHaven is unable to provide emergency care for vaccine reactions. Please see the Animal Emergencies page for emergency clinics in the area.