Is it okay to vaccinate a possibly ill dog? She is 4 months overdue for her 1 year booster.?

Question

Dog has had chronic diarrhea for last 2-1/2 months since eating cat food, possibly spoiled. Negative test results for parasites. Was controlled, but not cured, with antibiotics and bland diet but problem returned once rice diet was reduced. Has now been put back on the antibiotics and rice/chicken diet and vet says she can be vaccinated in 2 weeks once the meds have again controlled the diarrhea. Vet says she may end up on these antibiotics long term. He does not know yet what is wrong with her. She had her rabies shot 4 months ago but not the 1-year booster yet. Do you think its okay to go ahead and vaccinate?

Answer 1

Has your dog been put on a different diet to test for possible food allergies to her present dog food?

Many dogs can't tolerate gluten at all (wheat, barley, etc.), and corn can be bad for dogs because it adds too much bulk and can rob the body of niacin. I had gut problems with my dog after I fed him a cheap corn-based food. So, rice is often the best option for many dogs with sensitive stomaches, as you've found out. Soy can also be a problem for some dogs, I believe.

So do some careful label-reading in picking a dog food to get her back onto in the future. Also, overfeeding a dog can cause diarrhea. Other factors could be thyroid disease, chronic gut irritation, etc.

Because this is really long for a dog to have chronic diarrhea, I'm glad you're back on the chicken/rice diet (hamburger/rice also works)-- you might consider adding in a little canned pumpkin, it helps with diarrhea, and my dog loved the taste. Are you supplementing with vitamins?

I think I'd probably postpone the vaccination a bit until she's been able to rest from the diarrhea for at least a week or two, and her immune system seem to be OK, which is what your vet is suggesting.

Rabies vaccines are quite safe, but it's not necessary to vaccinate her so soon after her first shot and could be adverse to her health, so if you want to wait 6 months, it wouldn't hurt her.
http://www.homestead.com/vonhapsburg/haywardstudyonvaccines.html

Answer 2

Wouldn't vaccinate while your pet is sick.Wait til she is better.Has your vet tried Albon antibiotic,or the biosol is very good for such,but can only give very small amount about 1/10 of a ML diluted with water once a day.You can get the biosol at this site.http://www.revivalanimal.com It isn't labeled for dogs,but is the best thing you can use for diarrhea.

Answer 3

I work at a vet clinic, and the veterinarians I work for never vaccinate dogs who are ill in any way. But in two weeks after the antibiotics have taken effect your dog might be healthy enough to vaccinate, but that is up to your veterinarian. I would trust his judgement, he wouldn't put your dog in danger.

Answer 4

FYI: Antibiotics can also cause diarrhea so that could be your problem. It is also not normal to prescribe antibiotics forever. I would suggest seeing another vet.
With regards to vaccinating any animal while they're sick, no it is not safe, you have to wait until they're healthy.

Answer 5

I personally would do what the vet said and wait a couple weeks. It's better to get over this first.

Answer 6

Mostly likely not. Your vet supposed to check and measure its body temperature before deciding if it is suitable for the jab anyways

Answer 7

I would contact the vet to see what they recommend.

Answer 8

You should get your veterinarians opinion on that. It depends on whats wrong with your dog i guess.

Answer 9

No NO NO it is not safe and overdue shot is not a worry

Answer 10

I'd get a second opinion, this sounds fishy.