Tips For A Successful Trip To The Vet

When you think of being vaccinated, you probably think of needles—the ultra-thin, hollow needle that needs to pierce the skin before the syringe can be depressed to deliver the vaccine in question. However, for some of your dog's essential vaccinations, sometimes no needle is required. 

Kennel Cough

When it comes to a pet vaccination for kennel cough (bordetella bronchiseptica), your vet may give your dog an intranasal vaccine. This is a small aerosol directed into your dog's nostrils, and no needle is used. Do these intranasal vaccines cause any side effects that you should be aware of?

Side Effects

As you might remember from your own vaccinations, some mild side effects can be expected. There might temporarily be minor pain and discomfort at the injection site, and you may feel a little fatigued afterward (which should rapidly fade). These side effects are associated with standard, injectable vaccines. An intranasal vaccine for dogs can result in other mild side effects.

Nasal Irritation

Intranasal vaccines can cause minor irritation in the nasal passages, which might not develop until several days after the vaccination. This irritation means your dog may have a runny nose and may sneeze. Some coughing is also possible. These side effects should pass relatively quickly, and are unlikely to be excessive. At most, they should be a little annoying for your dog.

Extreme Reactions

Coughing and sneezing can be thought of as respiratory irritation. Prolonged, violent fits of coughing and sneezing, coupled with apparent difficulty in breathing (respiratory distress), can indicate that your dog is having an adverse reaction to their vaccination. Extreme reactions can also include facial swelling, hives, vomiting and diarrhoea. This outcome is rare, but can quickly become a medical emergency. If any side effects seem to be worsening in intensity, please contact your vet immediately. Your dog may require urgent treatment to offset these side effects. 

Treatment for Your Dog

If treatment is needed, your dog might be given adrenaline (epinephrine), which minimises their body's allergic response to the vaccine. They may also need antihistamines to reduce swelling, and may also need to temporarily be put on oxygen to assist their breathing. A full allergen test can be needed so that your dog can be re-vaccinated with another compound that won't trigger an allergic reaction. 

Please remember that such an extreme reaction to an intranasal vaccination is rare, and yet it's something that all dog owners should know about. Be sure to seek prompt veterinary treatment if you're concerned or have more questions about pet vaccinations.