Dog Shivering After Vaccinations - Canine Vaccination Side Effects

Last Updated on September 12, 2021 by Marco

Have you noticed your dog shivering after vaccinations? Read up on possible canine vaccination side effects in our guide to help your pet.

People and animals need to be vaccinated from time to time to develop immunization against fatal viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Now, when you speak of pets, particularly canines, you have to understand that vaccines are vital for the immunity and well-being of your puppies.

Puppies, as well as kittens, have weak or immature immune systems. Hence, puppies need a series of vaccines for the prevention of infectious diseases. However, much like humans, dogs too sometimes suffer from the side-effects of vaccines. The symptoms of vaccines can range from slight shivering to fever to anaphylactic shock. Don’t freak out if you see your dog shivering after vaccinations or you find your dog shaking after shots.

There are many common reactions to vaccines in dogs, including shivering. Let’s look at some of the post-vaccination signs and discuss why dogs tend to shiver after vaccinations.

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When Do Dogs Need Vaccinations?

You cannot start getting your pups vaccinated before six to eight weeks of age. You see, pups have very delicate constitutions, and their frail bodies can’t withstand the side-effects of vaccines, no matter how mild. So, vets recommend that pups get their vaccines administered after six weeks, preferably eight weeks. However, if your dogs aren’t vaccinated, they’re susceptible to the many viral, fungal, or bacterial infections that are ever-present in their environment. And, you as a pet parent need to be extra vigilant about your puppy’s health.

Most vaccines are generally administered at a two or four-week interval. And, the vaccinations continue until the puppy is about four months of age. Once the vaccination series is over, your pup will then receive boosters that are given between one-three years. There’s no denying that vaccinations can save your doggo from terrifying and often fatal diseases such as rabies, canine hepatitis, parvovirus, and distemper—other diseases such as Lyme, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Influenza, and, now Coronavirus.

Most dogs do fine post-vaccine. Yet, getting your pup shots does involve certain risks. You see, there are a whole host of problems that can surface after your doggo receives its vaccination.

Puppy After Vaccination Side-Effects

If your internet search history includes the term –dog vaccine side effects shaking – then this section might interest you. Because here’s where we’ll highlight any and all vaccine-related side effects your furball may face.

1. Lumps, Bumps, And Masses

It is often the place where your pooch is injected that swells up or gets a bump. It is the localized reaction by the body to the invasive jab that occurred due to the vaccination. A small BB-sized lump that disappears after a month isn’t anything to worry about. However, lumps, particularly liquid-filled ones and persist after a month or two, can be dangerous. A seroma ( a liquid-filled lump) or a hematoma (a blood bruise) require a vet’s attention. However, a sarcoma can prove to be terminal for most dogs.

2. Pain, Lethargy, Shivering, Shaking, And Fever

The most common symptoms of vaccinations are lethargy and soreness. You might even witness your dog shivering after vaccinations. And, you may wonder why my dog is shaking. Well, that is because your dog’s immune system reacts both locally and systemically to the vaccine administration. It is the body’s way to absorb the antivirus into the system. If the body does come across the pathogen, then the immune system is ready to fight off the disease much more quickly.

3. Allergic Reaction

If your doggo happens to be allergic to a component of the vaccine, then your pup may develop hives, urticaria, or wheals. There may be swelling around the eyes, lips, or eyelids. Or, your pooch may get hives all over. Sometimes doggos get redness all over their skin and suffer from itchiness. Now, most allergic reactions tend to present themselves no later than two hours after vaccination and may cause trouble breathing. Hence, it is best to take your furry friend to a vet if you find your canine getting hives.

4. Anaphylactic Shocks

Anaphylactic shocks are rare, but dogs can go into shock after vaccination and die. Such dire consequences rarely occur, and usually, it takes no more than twenty to thirty minutes for your pet to start showing signs of extreme stress. Now, if your dog gets medical treatment immediately, then the chances of complete recovery are much higher. Anaphylactic shock often includes signs like weakness, restlessness, fainting, blue mucous membrane (gums), seizure, or even coma.

What Can You Do To Minimize The Occurrence Of Vaccine Reaction?

Sometimes worrying about your dog shivering after vaccinations isn’t enough. There are many steps you can take to minimize the effects of vaccines. Yes, it isn’t possible to prevent fever or hives altogether. But, if you are extra careful with your pet, then it is possible to calm your pet enough to lessen some of the symptoms.

Calm Your Pet – In most cases where a canine is very unruly, the chances for swelling or lumps to develop increase. However, if you calm your pet down before vaccination, then there is a strong probability that your dog may not have any lumps or swelling. It is also possible to distract your dog with treats at the time of the vaccination. This will help distract your doggo so that it doesn’t feel too much pain.
Spread The Vaccinations Apart – It may mean more trips to the vet if you only allow one vaccination per visit to the vet. But, it will help you understand which vaccination has more serious symptoms and which does not. And, you can then use your knowledge to identify which component of the vaccine does not agree with your doggo’s constitution.
Stay In The Clinic – if you don’t want to catch your dog shivering after vaccination, many vets advise that you stay in the clinic for twenty to thirty minutes after vaccination.

Conclusion

Pet parents wanting to learn more about dogs shivering after vaccinations makes perfect sense. Getting your dog shots to prevent contagious diseases does involve minimal risks. But, you have to understand that the benefits far outweigh the risks. And, in most cases, canines do well with vaccines. The most common side-effects of vaccinations in dogs are lethargy and soreness.

However, you can help your pet overcome these with a cold compress and extra TLC. If you fear that your furbaby may suffer from the more severe symptoms of vaccines. You can stay at the vet’s clinic after a shot to get some pain relief medication or other medical assistance.