Information on Vaccination
Reactions
PAIN
As in people, some vaccines cause localized pain and fever. This is most common in small dogs. If your DOG experiences pain, fever, or lethargy in the first 24-48 hours after vaccination you can give it aspirin at a dose of 5-8 mg per pound of body weight, twice daily for 48 hours. Do not exceed this dose. This dose is a regular 325 mg aspirin for a 40 lb dog, or an 81 mg low dose aspirin for a 10 lb dog. Do not substitute other pain medications like Ibuprofen.
DO NOT GIVE CATS TYLENOL, ASPIRIN, OR IBUPROFIN—THEY CAN BE DEADLY!!!
SWELLING
Rarely, a pet may have an allergic reaction to a vaccine, similar to a bee sting reaction. The symptoms are swelling of the lips, eyelids, or ears. It could also get hives all over the body. If the dog or cat does this and is acting normal except for swelling and possibly some itching, you can give it Benadryl. The dose is 1-2 mg per pound of body weight. Most liquid Benadryl is 12.5 mg per teaspoon, so a 12 lb pet could have 1 teaspoon by mouth. Most Benadryl capsules are 25 mg, so a 25 pound pet could get one capsule. This can be repeated every 8 hours until swelling is gone.
IF SWELLING PERSISTS FOR 24 HOURS OF IF THE PET HAS DIFFICULTY BREATHING OR SWALLOWING IT SHOULD BE SEEN BY A VETERINARIAN.
Note: Benadryl will make the pet a little sleepy.
LUMP AT VACCINE SITE
Occasionally a lump will develop at the site of the vaccination. If this happens, please watch the area over the next several weeks. If the lump grows or becomes painful, you should call our office. These lumps typically do not cause discomfort and will go away on their own in a few weeks.
VOMITING
Vomiting after receiving vaccinations is uncommon. However, if vomiting does occur, and the pet is acting completely normal otherwise, Peptobismol can be given for up to 24 hours. Do not exceed the recommended dose or give longer than 24 hours without consulting our office. Pepto can also be used for mild diarrhea.
The dose is as follows:
DOGS |
Weight: |
|
Amount: |
0-4 lbs |
|
½ tsp up to three times a day for 24 hours |
5-10 lbs |
|
1 tsp up to three times a day for 24 hours |
11-25 lbs |
|
2 tsp up to three times a day for 24 hours |
26-50 lbs |
|
1 Tablespoon up to three times a day for 24 hours |
51-100 lbs |
|
2 Tablespoons up to three times a day for 24 hours |
101+ lbs |
|
3 Tablespoons up to three times a day for 24 hours |
CATS |
Weight: |
|
Amount: |
0-4 lbs |
|
¼ tsp one time |
5-10 lbs |
|
½ tsp one time |
11 + lbs |
|
¾ tsp one time |
Note: Pepto will turn the stool black |
