How safe are dog vaccinations?

Vaccinations are essential and life saving injections, they have transformed the health of our pets and put an end to the misery and fatalities caused by distemper (and other diseases) in dogs and feline flu and feline enteritis in cats.   There are some dogs however, and thankfully only a few, who are allergic to the vaccines and have a dramatically adverse reaction.    If your dog or cat has symptoms such as swellings, vomiting, fainting or skin eruptions, it may be caused by reaction to the vaccine and you should take your pet back to the vet.

Does that mean you should give up on vaccinations?   Not at all, these symptoms usually disappear after a relatively short time and the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh temporary discomfort.   It’s something to be aware of though and it would obviously better not to give the same brand of vaccination again.    There is a test to measure the long term protection from canine diseases and you can find out the level of antibodies your dog has so that you know he has the best possible protection.   Your vet will advise how to go about this.   It’s believed that after seven years of regular vaccination your dog will have developed long term protection from the main killer diseases such as distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus and it’s something to discuss with your vet.   No more visits for jabs if the vet agrees!    It is important to note that leptospirosis is the exception to this and your dog will not be protected from this killer illness unless he has a yearly booster.    This can be given as a single injection so he doesn’t need all the rest.

Vaccinations are generally very safe and it may be that a pet who has a reaction can be pre-treated with anti-histamines to minimise any adverse effects.  Another alternative is to change the brand of vaccine.   Your vet will advise.   It is better to be safe and prevent disease by vaccination wherever possible – anyone who has seen the misery of parvo or distemper etc., will know that this is true.

The Royal Veterinary College was one of several organisations which benefited from donations from the Tail-Waggers Club – set up in 1928 to promote canine welfare.