Side Effects of Pet Vaccines: A Closer Look

| Modified on Dec 16, 2023
Pet Vaccination Side Effects

With the increasing global focus on maintaining a healthy population of pets, vaccines have become an essential part of a pet's life, safeguarding them from various diseases and health complications. Like any medical intervention, pet vaccines can sometimes cause side effects. This article delves deep into the potential side effects caused by pet vaccines and some important natural remedies you should keep on hand.

Vaccination has revolutionized the health landscape for pets, greatly reducing the incidence of serious diseases and, in many cases, virtually eliminating them. However, vaccines, like all medical interventions, can occasionally cause side effects. Understanding these effects can help pet owners, and veterinarians make informed decisions regarding a pet's health care regimen.

Common Side Effects

Most side effects of pet vaccines are minor and temporary. These include:

Local reactions: Swelling, redness, and pain at the injection site are common. These reactions generally subside within a few days without treatment.
Fever: Some pets develop a mild fever after vaccination.
Lethargy: It’s not uncommon for pets to feel a bit low or lethargic post-vaccination.
Digestive upset: A few pets might experience diarrhea or vomiting, which generally resolves within a day or two.

Moderate Side Effects

While less common, moderate side effects can occur. They include:

Immunosuppression: In rare cases, vaccines can temporarily suppress the pet's immune system, making them more susceptible to infections.
Allergic reactions: Pets can have allergic reactions to a vaccine or one of its components. Symptoms might include swelling of the face, itching, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing.

Severe Side Effects

In rare circumstances, pets might experience severe side effects such as:

Vaccine-Associated Sarcomas (VAS): Mainly seen in cats, VAS is a type of cancer that can develop at the injection site, necessitating aggressive treatment, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Anaphylaxis: This severe allergic reaction occurs shortly after vaccination and requires immediate veterinary intervention to prevent life-threatening consequences.

Factors Influencing Side Effects

It's important to note that the likelihood of a pet experiencing side effects can depend on various factors, including:

Age and health status: Younger and older pets and those with pre-existing health conditions may be more susceptible to side effects.
Vaccine type: Some vaccines are more likely to cause side effects than others. For instance, live vaccines can sometimes induce mild forms of the disease they're meant to prevent.
Vaccination schedule: Over-vaccination can increase the risk of adverse effects.

Treating Vaccination Side Effects in Pets With Natural Remedies

When it comes to managing short-term and long-term health issues stemming from vaccinations, natural remedies can be a gentle and effective option to help your pet recover. These remedies, ranging from dietary supplements to homeopathic solutions, can relieve various symptoms that may occur post-vaccination.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal, renowned for its toxin-absorbing properties, can be considered a first-aid remedy to many poisons and toxins. It can be administered easily through food or water, acting as a detoxifying agent to help your pet recover from adverse effects following vaccination.  Keeping activated charcoal at hand can be a prudent choice for immediate response to potential vaccination side effects.

You can find more dosing information on this page.

Turmeric

Turmeric, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, can be a handy remedy in your pet’s post-vaccination recovery toolkit. Turmeric can be added to your pet's diet, known for purifying blood and helping alleviate digestive issues such as diarrhea. Its natural properties can aid in reducing inflammation and promoting overall well-being, offering a soothing effect on your pet’s system post-vaccination.

To learn how to dose turmeric for your dog or cat, visit this page.

Thuja

Homeopathic enthusiasts often recommend Thuja for pets experiencing side effects from vaccinations. Derived from the Thuja tree, it is believed to help in mitigating adverse reactions from vaccines. Many pet owners have found relief for their pets through this natural remedy. However, it is crucial to consult with a homeopathic veterinarian to find the right dosage and understand the potential benefits and limitations of using Thuja for your specific pet.

Essiac Tea

Essiac tea, a blend of several herbs, has been reported to support individuals and pets facing health challenges like tumors, cancers, and chronic health issues. Being affordable and generally well-accepted by most pets, it can be a sensible choice to have in your pet’s wellness arsenal.

How Long Do Pet Vaccines Last?

According to the recommendations of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the organization that sets the standards for vets: “Among healthy dogs, all commercially available [core] vaccines are expected to induce a sustained protective immune response lasting at least 5 yr. thereafter”
 
Immunology expert Ronald Schultz, Ph.D., Diplomate ACVIM (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine) outlined the duration of immunity for several vaccines in a 1999 paper. Below is the minimum duration of immunity for common vaccines, according to his research:
  • Vaccine Duration by Challenge Duration by Serology
  • Distemper 7 years 15 years
  • Parvovirus 7 years 7 years
  • Adenovirus 7 years 9 years
  • Canine rabies 3 years 7 years
Dr. Schultz concluded, “Vaccines for diseases like distemper and canine parvovirus, once administered to adult animals, provide lifetime immunity.”

Strategies to Prevent Vaccination Side Effects in Pets

When considering vaccinations for your pet, it is crucial to approach the process with a strategy to reduce potential side effects. Here are some carefully curated strategies that can help ensure a smooth vaccination experience for your pet:

Timely Vaccination

Once you've consulted with your veterinarian and determined the essential vaccines for your pet, it's important to strategize the optimal timing for each vaccine to safeguard your pet’s well-being.

Avoid Vaccinating a Sick Pet

It is a cardinal rule to avoid vaccinating your pet when they are unwell. Vaccinating a sick pet can strain their immune system further, hindering their ability to recover fully. If a vaccination appointment coincides with an illness, reschedule the vaccination when your pet fully recuperates to allow their immune system to focus wholly on healing first.

Staggered Vaccination Schedule

Avoid administering multiple vaccines in one visit to prevent overwhelming your pet's immune system. While this means more frequent trips to the vet, adopting a staggered vaccination schedule can potentially reduce the risk of adverse reactions, making the process safer for your pet.

Consider Age and Size

For young pets, especially puppies, waiting until they have grown more might be beneficial before initiating their vaccination regime. A more developed physique can cope better with the potential side effects of vaccines. However, consult your vet to balance the benefits of early vaccination and the advantages of waiting.

Nutrition is Key

A strong immune system can significantly mitigate potential side effects associated with vaccines. Ensuring your pet receives a balanced, nutritious diet is pivotal in prepping them for vaccinations. A well-nourished pet can handle vaccinations' stress and bodily demands better.

Has your pet experienced side effects from a vaccine? Please share your experience. Be as specific as you can – What is the age, breed and weight of your pet? Which vaccine(s) or booster shots did they get? What side effects did they experience? How did you treat the side effects?

Continue reading below for feedback from Earth Clinic readers.

Related Links:

Rabies Shot Side Effects in Cats
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects in Dogs
Side Effects of Pet Vaccines: A Closer Look
Treating Side Effects of Rabies Vaccine in Dogs
Treatment for Side Effects of the Feline Rabies Vaccine




Advice for Vaccination Side Effects

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Posted by Carolyn Guzzi (Tampa, Florida) on 04/19/2014

My cat has a death sentence today because of a cancer caused by vaccinations called fibroscarcoma...i have had this cat when he was a kitten 1 month and had him for 9 years this month...he was limping and had a lump on his shoulder..it went a way but then it came back with a force. It was small and not it is as big as the palm of my hand...he cant walk he eats very little...and I am devastated by this mess...and somebody needs to be responsible for doing this to this cat...getting all these shots for nothing rabies/FIV/FLiv/ and kitten shots fine but not every single month even my new vet doctor said u dont need every year shots especially if he is a indooor cat...every 3 years most if any does he need any shots especially if he is an indoor cat...! The pet food is crap with all the dead animals in the food when these shelters kill animals...with all the additives that will kill these pets and addition heartworm medicine such as revelution medication for fleas/ticks/heartworm med...hum if you get heartworm they are done. There is no cure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As well having the shots for your cat and heartworm medication revelutions together is a deadly for any animals dog/puppy or cat/kitten....do your homework, it is vital DO NOT GIVE SHOTS ALL AT ONCE TO YOUR PET DOG OR CAT...ONE AT A TIME IF THEY NEED IT...DOG & CATS ARE VERY DIFFERENT! Do your homework...do not rely on what they tell you; they are all in it for the money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Replied by April
(Surprise, Az)
11/03/2017

INDOOR Cats only need 1 shot (a Modified Live Virus shot is best, vs the killed virus and only requires 1 shot). It is the 5 in one FVRCP shot and wait until the kitten is at least 3-5lbs. It has been proven cats immune system remember very well, and produce antibodies the rest of their lives. When adding another member to a family of cats, make sure the new cat is sequestered and vaccinated and wait two week before integrating. This avoids the other being exposed to any new virus from the newcomer. It's nothing but a money making thing to give animals shots so often. The initial suggestion was not to give shots ANY MORE OFTEN than 3 years, it was never, every 3 years. Poor dogs get them annually! NEVER give a cat a rabies shot, ever...not even if they go outside occasionally, unless you live in the woods....not needed and this shot as well as Fel Leukemia shots which should never be given either are the worse ones to cause sarcomas. What a scam to get office visits and dollars in the vets pockets. Also, be aware that heart worm meds now contain IVERMECTIN, deadly to fleas, ticks, worms and also your animal if you aren't careful, because it can cause kidney and liver damage. Use lemon wipes to keep mosquitos off your animals if they go outdoors.


Advice for Vaccination Side Effects
Posted by Ritata (Price, Ut) on 05/01/2012

My Chorkie had a horrible reaction to his Rabies/portadello...almost lost him! Living 5 miles from the vet I was just blocks from our home when max started FLIPPING all over the floor of the car. My first reaction was that his harness was pinching him. I pulled over, removed the harness, and at that time he started struggling with his breathing... His tongue was hanging out and he just went limp. I ran into the house (carrying this little 6 lb. Dog who is having a hard time breathing) called the vet and they told me to get him back out there quickly! Now his face is swelling and he is really gasping for air as we get back to the vets. They gave him a pill because they were afraid to give him another shot! I've never gone back for is booster.


Advice for Vaccination Side Effects
Posted by Julie (Coventry, England) on 07/16/2010

I own and run an extremely successful hydrotherapy pool for dogs. This means over the period of 14 years I have treated thousands of dogs. Very many, including my previous dog, Monty, have suffered many and numerous side effects from over vaccination. These range from weakness in legs, auto-immune diseases, such as arthritis, skin complaints with rashes and skin turning black, hot spots, hair loss, nerve damage and brain damage. I, amongst, a growing number, including a long list of alternative vets in England, believe dogs do not need vaccines throughout their lives. When I realised my beloved Monty was vaccine damaged, I had teeter tests performed, this shows the anti bodies in the dogs blood. Every year Monty had high levels of resistance to parvo, distemper, para-influenza & distemper. The test does not show lepto. I believe you should wait till puppy is 12 weeks, so the immune system is better able to cope, before giving vaccines and after the initial 2 sets, 2 weeks apart, then they are protected for life. No flea or tick treatments either they are another form of toxins our dogs systems can do without. Go with your instinct on all matters concerning your dog and remember to question always. . . Whose interest is it in. . Your dogs or your vets.

Replied by Catherine
(Seattle, Washington)
07/16/2010

My vet told me that you cannot run a titer for rabies, but you can for most other vaccinations. Is this true? I wonder why you can't? I did have my golden retriever's levels also tested (except for rabies) and she too had high levels of resistance after 3 years of not having any shots. However, I did give her a 3 years rabies shot. I am thinking she won't need another one again.

Replied by Lisa
(Wichita Falls, Tz)
07/16/2010

Julie, I agree! My little chihuahua mix is over 11 years old now and He has not had vaccines in years because he would get sick for days when he got the rabies. I am scared of the stuff! Think about it, every year people put so much stuff into the bodies of their pets. And, you hear alot of animals getting cancer and all kinds of things. People don't do this to them selves so, why do they do it to their pets every year?Little bodies cannot handle all of the bad stuff that is put into them like that! ! Just my opinion. . .

Replied by Rainman
(Central, Vt, Usa)
07/19/2010

Catherine. . . Rabies titers absolutely exist. In fact, I think most dogs have to have this done before they can be transported to another country. If your vet is saying there isn't a titer. . . You need to find a new vet.


Advice for Vaccination Side Effects
Posted by Javagenie (Central, Vt, Usa) on 05/04/2010
★★★★★

I have a Boxer that had distemper and rabies shot last November 2009 (he was about a year old). About a month later he started to develop severe dry/red skin with blotches. He was digging at his skin constantly and obsessively. We finally brought him to the vet and they gave him a round of antibiotics that helped clear it up slightly. For months afterwards, he kept having these out breaks about once a month. This past spring (2010) we took him again because he had itchy skin. They gave him the same antibiotics and not realizing he had already been vaccinated for rabies a few months ago administered another shot. About 2 weeks later he started digging at himself even more than he has ever done before. He also started to act differently (aggressive at time and sometimes confused). We brought him back to the vet and they administered a shot of cortisone. That night he started to have these seizure looking episodes that only affected the movement of his head and he was completely concious and alert. Regardless of our description the vet's diagnosised it as focal epileptic seizures and immediately started to administer phenobarbitol. After about 2days later with the phenobarbitol not working, he was looking terrible and I was beginning to wonder if he was going to survive. By this time I was loosing faith with our vet. So, I began to do some extensive internet research. I found that the seizures were actually called "head tremors" and some believe are to be caused from vaccinations and/or a compromised immune system. This led me down a long trail of information about vaccinations and specifically overvaccinosis. I immediately started to administer milk thistle combined with dandelion root and burdock. The head tremors immediately started to get better and within a few days he stopped having them. Only on a few occassions within the past 4-6wks has he had them since giving him this liver detox formula. After finding great success with this natural miracle cure... We seeked the council of a hollistic/homeopathic vet and have been trying to repair the damage caused by this unnecessary vaccination protocol. After about a month of a raw diet, supplements, and homeopathic treatments our beloved pet is starting to make some improvements. He is still in the detox phase... so, it is tough some days. But, we are all confident that he will have an almost full recovery within the next 12mo.

My advice to anyone who has noticed any changes in their pet following any vaccinations within 3mo. is to seek a naturalistic vet ASAP. If it were not for sites like these my dog would have been dead at the hands of a normal veterinarian professional. It's time for the medical community to wake up and stop poisoning us and our pets with toxins! Stop treating symptoms and treat the cause naturally and safely!!!!


Advice for Vaccination Side Effects
Posted by Belle (Whitby, ON. Canada) on 07/22/2009

From what I have read (and I have read quite extensively on this subject) the vets buy the vaccines in pre-measured doses from the pharmaceutical companies. The doses are not properly adjusted for the animal's size and weight, and so your dog may well have been overdosed. Also, more problems arise with time, as the dogs become over-vaccinated with unecessary yearly boosters. I have two purebred shih tzu, aged 3yr... and 6 yr. The older one has developed auto-immune problems (problems seldom seen years ago when few dogs were ever vaccinated). This dog has received its last vaccinations and so has the 3 year old. I would have stopped sooner, but I have pet insurance which always asks the vet on each claim form if the pet's vaccinations are up to date. I have eliminated this condition by cancelling the pet insurance! The money I save on premiums and on unnecessary vaccinations (not covered by insurance) will be better spent on holistic vet care. I will spend my money on titer tests to determine if their level of immunity is sufficient, rather than vaccinate willy-nilly with a backward-thinking vet. There is only ONE holistic vet in my area and she has a long waiting list for patients. Most vets were so heavily indoctrinated at veterinary college and cannot (or will not) break free of their paradigm (framework of thinking) from what they were initially taught. Also, vaccination is a large percentage of their revenue. I like my current vet very much and hate changing to another one, but this vaccination nonsense and her over-reliance on antibiotics (which are not even successful) leaves me no choice but to pursue holistic treatment on my own while I work my way up the waiting list for the holistic vet.

And oh, by the way, in my reading I have found out that there have been a number of "faulty vaccines" not properly prepared by the companies, with tragic results. Get a good book (such as "Vaccine Guide for Dogs and Cats") on this subject at a holistic pet store or try online.


Advice for Vaccination Side Effects
Posted by Laura (Lombard, IL) on 07/19/2009

I work with animals in many ways, grooming~vet tech~rescue....

Please be an informed pet owner and find out what is required BY LAW in your state as to NOT over vaccinate your pet. (and then ask your vet to low dose it)

Over vaccination is a huge health hazard to your pets. There are many holistic vets now if you do some research.
Over vaccination creates a revenue generating pet for the conventional vet and usually leads to life of misery for the poor pet that is suffering a whole bunch of auto immune diseases and seizures,allergies etc....
Take some time and research!! So many pets dying from poor quality food-over vaccination and poor quality water.
All they have is us to depend on don't let them down!


Advice for Vaccination Side Effects
Posted by CShep (Conyers, Georgia) on 06/02/2009

As requested, I'm emailing regarding vaccination affects we've had in our pets.

In 2004, we had a 5 year old female husky to die within 2 hours of receiving her vaccination. She'd had shots every year (DA2PP) without any problems. This year the vet added the Corona Vaccine which is what we think killed her.

We took her for an necropsy immediately to UGA Vet School. Receiving vet said there was no doubt she died from vax reaction. The vet doing the necropsy had the cell phone number to my vet (they knew each other), made personal calls to each other. I think to protect my vet from a law suit or what-not, the vet doing the necropsy reported her death inconclusive, died from swelling in brain (encyphelytis). Thus, this tragedy could not be reported to the vaccine companies!!!!

The same day, a 3 year old Shih Tzu had what I call neurological effects. He was despondent and screamed if we touched him for 3 days. Its like all his nerves were very sensitive. For an addl 7 days he was distant and a touch-me-not and whimpered if we touched him. He had never had any reactions to a vaccine before. I also contribute this to the corona that was added to the vaccine.

The vet REFUSED to believe that his vaccine caused either of these. Yet, on the same day I had 2 dogs severely affected.

I have since learned that corona only affects puppies; thus, no need to ever be given to an adult dog. Yet, most vets include this in the vaccine protocol. I now buy my own vaccinations and give the shots myself on a more conservative protocol due to the new findings of how we are way over vaccinating our pets.

I encourage all to learn about the vaccines their pets are getting and do not accept a vets word that all are safe. He's in business to make money. When adding the corona vax in 2004, the vet charged an addl $30 per vaccine!!!!!

Sincerely,
CShep3

EC: Thank you, CShep. We're cross-posting your feedback in the advice section and the side effects section.

Replied by LabLover
(Saginaw, Michigan)
06/06/2009

Adult dogs do not need corona virus and are only given it when they are pups and get their first shots in the series of 3. After this point, Corona is no longer given unless the animal is going to be used for breeding purposes.


Advice for Vaccination Side Effects
Posted by Elizabeth (Adelaide, Australia) on 03/13/2009

People who are concerned about the health of their pets should read the latest international guidelines for dog and cat vaccination.

In 2007 the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) published Dog and Cat Vaccination Guidelines (built on the US AAHA (Canine) and AAFP (Feline) guidelines) for global application. Ref: http://www.wsava.org/PDF/Misc/VGG_09_2007.pdf

The WSAVA guidelines include a number of significant statements:

- We should aim to vaccinate every animal, and to vaccinate each individual less frequently. (p. 2)

- we should aim to reduce the 'vaccine load' on individual animals in order to minimise the potential for adverse reactions to vaccine products. (p. 3)

- Vaccines should not be given needlessly. Core vaccines should not be given any more frequently than every three years after the 12 month booster injection following the puppy/kitten series. (p. 2)

- In the case of dogs, the Fact Sheets of the WSAVA guidelines note that duration of immunity after vaccination with MLV vaccines is 7 years or longer, based on challenge and serological studies, for Canine Parvovirus Type 2 (CPV-2), Canine Adenovirus (CAV-2) and Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) vaccines. (pp. 15-17)

In regards to duration of immunity, Professor Ronald Schultz, an expert in immunology and a member of the WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines Group, notes:

"I believe that dogs and cats vaccinated as puppies and kittens should be revaccinated at 1 year of age with the vaccines used earlier. After that I do not believe there is an immunologic need to revaccinate annually with CDV, CPV-2, CAV-2..." (Ref: Current and future canine and feline vaccination programs. Veterinary Medicine, March 1998, pp. 233-254).

In an article published in August 1995 (nearly 14 years ago!), Professor Schultz stated:

"I don't think there is a need to vaccinate adult dogs, since early vaccination will be sufficient to stimulate memory cells." (Ref: Are we vaccinating too much? JAVMA, Vol 207, No. 4, August 15, 1995).

If your vet sends you an annual reminder to have your adult dog revaccinated with the core MLV vaccines for parvovirus, adenovirus and distemper, challenge him. The latest scientifically based guidelines state that it is not necessary for adult dogs to have these vaccinations every year of their life. It is of no benefit and actually puts the dog needlessly at risk of an adverse reaction.

I learned this the hard way when my dog (Sasha - an eight year old Maltese x Silky terrier) became very sick with what was diagnosed as "haemorrhagic gastroenteritis" eight days after her last unnecessary revaccination with core MLV vaccines (C5 booster). My dog had six annual boosters during her life, most of which were unnecessary, and needlessly put her at risk of an adverse reaction. Sasha is now dead, put to sleep four days after the visible onset of her illness. The veterinarian who vaccinated her refused to consider her illness (and subsequent death) might have been caused or influenced by the vaccination. I am now in the process of preparing my own "adverse event" report.

I have been researching this subject since Sasha's death last September and I am shocked by what I have discovered. Australia is way behind on this issue. A culture of unnecessary and possibly harmful over-vaccination with core MLV vaccines has become entrenched. The whole system is weighted against acknowledging and reporting delayed reactions that might have been caused by vaccination. I am currently trying to fight this system.

According to a paper by an expert in this area, Dr Jean Dodds, vaccination reactions can occur up to 45 days later, or even longer. (Ref: Vaccination Protocols for Dogs Predisposed to Vaccine Reactions. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, May/June 2001, Vol 37, pp 211-214.)

Who knows how many other people's pets have gotten sick or died a week, a month or even longer after a revaccination and they haven't made the connection that the revaccination could have been at fault? The veterinarians aren't likely to mention it are they? The WSAVA guidelines make the point that adverse events are grossly under-reported.(p. 8). So dogs and cats can end up with chronic illnesses, or even die, and the pet owners would never know that over-vaccination may have been the cause - a case of veterinarians "burying their mistakes". If I hadn't decided to do some research after Sasha died, I wouldn't have found out about this. Sasha would have been just another unknown and uncared for statistic.

As more and more people discover that there are veterinarians who are actually putting their beloved pets needlessly at risk with unnecessary over-vaccination with core MLV vaccines, there is likely to be a significant backlash against the veterinary profession.

Those veterinarians who value the integrity of their profession need to address this untenable situation and work to ensure that the practice of unnecessary over-vaccination is ceased immediately. This has been going on for years and important scientifically based information has been withheld from pet owners.

I am trying to have this situation addressed by the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and Australian Veterinary Schools. So far it is proving very difficult to get effective action to address this serious problem...

Read the WSAVA Dog and Cat Vaccination Guidelines and decide for yourself.

People should be informed before they make the decision to revaccinate their pets. There are serious - and unnecessary - risks involved with over-vaccination.

Replied by Jude
(Pensacola, FL, USA)
05/05/2009

Thanks for the posts on dog vaccinations - Elizabeth I am so sorry for your dog's death - thankyou for your post - I will not be getting my dogs repeat (unnecessary) shots now.

Replied by John
(South Of Perth, West Australia)
03/11/2012

Elizabeth of Adelaide. A 2009 post, thanks for the well written information.

My Bonny had to be put down today after a long battle against adverse vaccination reactions.. The vet cost me a fortune and arrogantly denied that the vaccine was at fault.. He never gave us the steroids that should have been tried right at the onset.. Months later they were obtained from a second vet and worked well immediately...

But by then we had spent thousands on tests and operations which achieved nothing and wasted precious time.. The delay in proper diagnosis and treatment meant that damage was done to her organs. She nearly died a number of times.. Gastro problems were the dominant symptom. She suddenly went downhill this week to the point of no return.

Details perhaps not necessary, but at the end of the day, I have been robbed of my bestest friend ever who was a 24/7 asset to me in many ways and the greatest ambassador for dogs and responsible ownership that you could wish for.. So the loss extends well beyond just me.

This vet (Phil. B. ), sends reminders of reminders, for pet owners to promptly get their "annual" vaccination.. Theres a list of complaints I have against him.. From day one I insisted that the sickness began precisely at the time following vaccination, with the first sign a lump at the needle site.

This expensive and gruelling saga which spanned 8 months until eventual death, has to this day not been reported to anyone by the vet.. It will be up to me if I can find the form and where to lodge it..

Obviously this money-hungry vet has made a lot more money from my dog dying than he would have otherwise. Bonny was an amazing dog who was treated as royalty and given as much fun and freedom as possible.

She endured so much duress and sickness following the killed vaccine reaction. I diagnosed it immediately and confirmed it through researching on the internet. The vet blamed "cancer" but the symptoms did not match and no cancer was ever found. In the end he said it was either my fault or my dogs fault!! Prior to the Companion C5 needle Bonny was 100% perfect.

This to me is just not good enough. I only wish I had been forewarned about the dangers of over-vaccinating etc.. I only did what I thought was the best thing to protect my dog. It has now turned out that my good intentions, and trust in vets, . has been severely betrayed in a most damaging way.

Bonny was an amazing and innocent much-loved pet and friend.. For her to suffer such a cruel fate is tragic.. Five and a half years old and now dead.

She was highly trained and of an irreplaceable breed.

Anyway Elizabeth, considering you were making such great efforts in 2009, it is very disappointing that there are still the same problems existing in 2012.. For me its probably the last effort at raising a great dog.. After all the investment of time, love, and money, its a traumatic , expensive end.

I will be spreading the message as far and wide as I can..

Do NOT vaccinate beyond the puppy stage without a seriously good reason.

Do NOT automatically trust any vet as if they love animals, because some of them love the money more, while some of them are also incompetent to the point of malpractice or worse.

Its a pity, since dogs are a valuable thread to the healthy social fabric.. We benefit in immeasurable ways from well kept pets. But we also suffer with their loss. Meanwhile the pharmaceutical companies make their money and then some more when dogs get sick. The dogs can't talk so they make easy targets. 8 months after that dreadful needle my dear Bonny is dead, and buried tomorrow.


Advice for Vaccination Side Effects
Posted by Yvonne LeMay (Aguanga, CA, USA) on 02/28/2009

Please....don't vaccinate your dogs or cats after they've had their puppy shots. It's just not necessary. My toy poddle had reactions to rabies and other annual shots. My new holistic vet said all those shots are NOT necessary, and may in fact be very harmful, as you can see by all the comments on this website. My poodle has not had ANY vaccinations in about 8 years (he's 14 years old now) and he's doing very well. Vets are no different than our own doctors, they are taught to give drugs and vaccinations, rather than get to the root of a problem. Ever notice how you take your dog/cat for annual shots and they manage to find other things wrong and you end up with endless bills? That's how they get you there in the first place....scare you into thinking that you HAVE to give your pet annual vaccinations. It's deadly!! Refuse to do it, like parents refusing to vaccinate their children because of the link to autisum....the government is behind saying that vaccinations DON'T cause autisum because they're not concerned with the few who have bad reactions. They think they're saving millions from illness...but what if your loved one is the "one percent" damaged from the vaccination. Wake up....don't let them brainwash you into thinking your dog/cat needs vaccinations every year. It totally overloads their own immune systems.


Advice for Vaccination Side Effects
Posted by Jackie (Hackettstown, NJ) on 01/27/2009

All pet owners should encourage their veterinarians to report known or suspected adverse vaccination side effects to the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics (USDA/CVB) at 1-800-752-6255. Include the following information: Vaccine Manufacturer's name, Product Brand Name, Product Code, Lot/Serial Number and Expiration Date. Information on the breed, age, injection site and reaction should also be provided.


Avoiding Vaccines

Posted by Vickie (Lansing, Mi/usa) on 10/29/2011

I do not have dogs, but love them. Personally from a couple of friends & one of my own boarding experiences with my cats years ago-I would recommend skipping as many vaccines as possible and instead having a trusted friend dog sit or have one of those paid pet nannys come and vistit your pet 2-3 times a day while you are out, making sure they are bonded and insured, and have a high reputation for the safety of your pet.


Avoiding Vaccines
Posted by Ron (Canton, Mass) on 09/19/2010

Read up on vaccincations. They are 16% of vet profits. Overvaccination is something called vaccinosis. A DISEASE! Read all you can about what your pets really need. We humans don't get vaccinations every year. Titers should be checked to see if your pet really needs that yearly vaccinations.


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Posted by Rheeson (Sebring, Fl) on 10/13/2009
★★★★★

We adopted a 6 week old chihuahua, Max(his mom is a rescued miniature chihuahua, father is not known). Max weighs about 2 pounds. His first vaccination was given between 6 and 7 weeks. A friend gave him the 7 in 1 vaccine. After about 4 hours, I noticed swelling on Max's whole neck, and it was very tender (no swelling around his throat). Called a friend who works with a vet, she said to give him children's Diphenhydramine, but wasn't sure of the dosage. I gave Max 1/2 ml of liquid Diphenhydramine, (Children's Benadryl) repeated the 1/2 ml dose 3 hours later. I gave him another 1/2 ml dose 4 hours after the 2nd dose. By this time the swelling had gone down some, he seemed to feel better, but I just wanted to be sure he was going to be ok. By morning, the swelling was gone, he still has a little bump where the injection was done, but other than that, he seems fine.


Benadryl
Posted by Christine (Killeen, Texas) on 01/25/2009
★★★★★

I have a 6 year old Rat Terrier. After recieving her yearly rabies vaccination booster she started having adverse reactions to it. It started with a lot of scratching, and with in a few days to a week a small bald spot appeared with a small lump under the skin, about the size of a quarter. I have had a few friends whose dogs have completely lost all of their hair and regularly have scabs or sores where they recieved their injection, so I knew right away what it was. I as soon as I noticed the missing hair and felt the lump, I took her into the bathroom and washed her from head to paws with a medicated shampoo to rid her skin of any bacteria, dirt, or possible allergins. To prevent her from scratching I spray the area with a cortizone several times during the day, (this is something you can buy at the local pet store) and stop her from messing with it anytime I notice. On days that the itching seems more severe I give her a 25mg benadryl tablet and it does what I need it to do. When I think about it, I gently roll the lump between my index finger and thumb, and I also "snap" the skin a few times by pulling the lump away from her body and allowing it to snap back. This increases blood flow to the area and helps the body deal with the issue. I do these things just a few times, so I dont aggravate her or the area. So far the lump hasnt gotten any bigger, and the hair loss is only localized to that one little spot. I am happy with the results I have seen in her, the lump still isnt completly gone, but its doing much better. Her hair hasnt started to grow back either, but I figure a quarter size bald spot is better than no hair at all. I still continue to bathe her several times a week, but now I am using a oatmeal based wash. It much easier on her skin than continually using a medicated shampoo, and it seems to help with the all over itching as well. I wish you all the best of luck if you run into the same issue. I'd reccomend taking you dog to the vet if the lump continues to get bigger, if your dog gets hives, a temerature, or starts losing hair all over. I have a friend who has a toy Chiuaua and he had a severe reaction. She waited too long and didnt treat him herself so now he has open sores regularly and is hairless. By the time she got him to the vet there wasnt much the vet could do for him. They gave him a cortizone shot and some benadryl... two things anyone can do at home. I hope this helps some one, and once again good luck!!

Replied by Becca W.
(Waco, Tx)
04/14/2011
★★★★★

Christine,

My dog lost his hair too, around the injection site and my vet said it was my fault, and that the fur would grow back once he was feeling better. He still has that triangle of fur missing on his rump, and I will always ask for diluted rabies shots from now on. I have found that Benadryl is good for almost everything that ails a dog.

Thanks,

Becca


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Posted by Torii (Boone, Nc) on 07/28/2017

Our 2 1/2 year old Hound got the nasal kennel cough vaccine nasally. She has urinated in the house 3 times in two days (she only did that twice before, right after we adopted her from the pound, months ago). She is off her chow, and the vet never told us that she could make our other dog sick. Apparently this is not such an unusual side-effect after this vaccine.



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