Vaccine and Bordetella Reactions

Distemper Parvo LA and Corona Virus Vaccine

Although these vaccines are safe and effective, occasionally pets may experience one or more of the following conditions due to vaccines. Chihuahuas however being so small are more likely to have a reaction than a larger dog. Please keep a very close eye on your pet after they have received vaccines. If your Chihuahua exhibits any of these symptoms, give them a little Nutra-Cal every few hours to ensure that they do not become Hypoglycemic and call your vet immediately!

Mild lethargy

Muscular soreness - If pre-medicated with Cortisone this should not happen!

Decreased appetite

Mild Fever

Mild vomiting or diarrhea

These mild reactions usually do not last more than 24 hours. If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms please call your Vet immediately do not wait to see if they go away!

Rarely, pets may experience more serious conditions soon after vaccination.

Swelling of the face or ears - If pre-medicated with Benadryl this should not happen!

Hives or significant itching - If pre-medicated with Benadryl this should not happen!

Difficulty breathing - If pre-medicated with Benadryl this should not happen!

Significant lethargy

Significant vomiting or diarrhea

Fluid build up or infection at the injection site

If your pet exhibits any of these signs, bring him to your vet immediately! He or she may need medication to treat the reaction. Please contact your local Emergency Veterinary Service if a problem occurs after your Vet’s regular business hours.

Occasionally, pets that have received injectable vaccinations develop a localized reaction indicated by a small, hard lump under the skin where vaccines were administered (usually anywhere from dime to quarter size). Please have your Vet recheck your pet if this occurs. These lumps may take 1-3 weeks to appear and 2-6 weeks to resolve. They usually do not require treatment.

Rabies

Very seldom, pets that have received a rabies vaccination may develop a small bald spot over the vaccination site. Please contact your Vet if this occurs. These spots are merely cosmetic and may be permanent in rare cases. Treatment may help reduce this possibility.

Bordetella

Pets receiving the nasal drop form of Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccination may experience a upper respiratory reaction approximately 3 days later and as early as 24 hours. Again this is a general statement made about dogs. Chihuahuas are more likely to become sick from the nasal Bordetella than the injectable. My personal experience with Chihuahuas has been that 9 out of 10 times the nasal Bordetella has been administered, they come down with Kennel Cough. Since I have elected to have injectable Bordetella administered, I have not had one Chihuahua get sick with Kennel Cough. Chihuahua puppies can get very sick , very fast from the nasal Bordetella. If you notice them being lethargic or sneezing after the Bordetella vaccination call your Vet immediately and give Nutra-Cal so they do not become Hypoglycemic! Your Chihuahua will need to put on antibiotics immediately.