Puppy feeling side effects from vaccinations?

Question

I have a 4 1/2 month old Boxer, and he went in for his last set of booster shots on Saturday. Since then, he hasn;t been eating as much as normal, and has been kind of lethargic. The vet did say he'd probably be tired, so that didn't concern me. Just now he had some pretty bad diareah and he's still not eating much or drinking much water. I called the vet and got a very vague response "you can bring him in today, or watch him until tomorrow and then decide." So my question is, has anyone else noticed this with their puppies? Should i be really worried?

Answer 1

My puppy had this problem after one of his vaccinations. My vet was much more concerned then yours seems to be. I think I would consider finding a different vet. The puppy needs to be seen and treated. He probably needs puppy benydrl to stop the allergic reaction. Sometimes the reaction can cause swelling. If swelling occurs in the face/neck then the dog is in real trouble. This can cause serious breathing problems. Even with out this issues, the dog is still in trouble. For a dog to stop eating, that means he is feeling really crappy. Bring your dog into the vet. If you don't want to see your current vet anymore, then bring him to another one. Ask some friends/family if they have a vet they would recommend. Either way, get the dog seen by a vet. He needs to be treated soon!
Good luck. Once a vet treats him he will be fine. Maybe a little tired, from any medication but he will bounce back. As long as he gets the help he needs.
-Brit

Answer 2

The vet had every reason to be vague. It's probably just a reaction to the shots. If he also got any type of worm medication that would contribute to the diarrhea, or maybe the whole ordeal just stressed him out a bit.

Probably what the vet didn't want to elaborate on and cause undo worry is whether or not your puppy might have picked up parvo. Pups that get parvo have a very specific smell (when I worked in an animal hospital in college I could tell if we had a parvo pup in the back the second I walked through the door). It's like the worst type of bloody explosive diarrhea and is extremely virulent. The virus can stay alive in soil for over 12 years. Now unless you think your pup is going to crap himself inside-out, and the smell makes you falter when you open the door your pup doesn't have parvo.

Keep an eye on him, and if you're still worried take him in.

Answer 3

Some dogs just react to their booster shots. It can take a few days before they start acting normal again. It's common for them to not want to eat much and to feel tired.
I wouldn't be too worried unless this continues for a couple more days.
Vaccinations are basically lower doses of a disease that the dog is capable of fighting off. You just have to give him time to wear off the vaccination dosage.

Answer 4

Did he get his rabies shot then? That is most likely the culprit. I have never had one get that sick though and in recent times I've used a "rabies clinic" and haven't had any of the side effects I see from the vet for my guys. I'd probably take him in since he's had diarrhea and isn't drinking well.

Answer 5

I'd be somewhat concerned - seems like a long reaction to vaccinations. If he is eating and drinking a little, I'd give him one more day and take him in tomorrow if he doesn't improve. If he isn't eating or drinking at all, I'd go today.

Answer 6

Some pups do have a bad reaction to shots, similar to a flu in people. If he isn't feeling better by tomorrow, then take him in to be checked out.

Answer 7

Dogs do have reactions to vaccinations but I might consider taking him back in because it could be a really bad allergic reaction and you wouldn't want him to die.

Answer 8

If it's been a couple of days I'd take him in (probably to another vet).