Vaccine Reactions, although rare, can sometimes occur. The protection against disease that vaccines provide far outweighs the potential risks associated with vaccination. You should consider scheduling your pet's vaccinations for a time when you can spend several hours with your pet following vaccination. By being able to observe your pet during this time period, you can contact us should complications arise. Your pet may be slightly lethargic, have a decreased appetite, be itchy at the site of the injection, and/or run a slight fever for the first 24-72 hours after receiving vaccines. Rarely, a more serious reaction can occur (similar to humans with bee sting reactions).

Symptoms of a more severe vaccine reaction may include: 1) severe and prolonged salivation, vomiting, and/or diarrhea and/or 2) skin hives, facial swelling, etc. These more serious vaccine reactions usually occur within a matter of minutes to a few hours following vaccination. If any of these occur, your pet needs to be seen as quickly as possible as these symptoms can progress to trouble breathing and heart trouble. With veterinary attention, these side effects can be reversed. Make sure to advise your veterinarian if your pet has experienced a vaccine reaction in the past as there are precautions that can be taken to minimize the risk of future reactions.

Another fairly common finding after receiving a vaccine can be a small, marble-sized mass at the injection site. This is most commonly seen in association with rabies vaccines, but can occur after any injection. As long as there is no overt pain or discharge, this side effect is not considered dangerous. This lump can sometimes persist for up to 3 months. If it is painful, has a discharge, gets bigger than a large marble, or lasts greater than 3 months, call your veterinarian to have it looked at.