Vaccination is one of the most important measures to prevent infectious diseases in domestic dogs, as well as animals living on the street. Vaccination helps prevent the spread of dangerous diseases not only in the dog population, but also among people living in the same area. In particular, routine immunization is a sure way to protect yourself from rabies; the disease is one of the incurable diseases and leads to the inevitable death of infected organisms.
It is important to remember that a dog’s reaction to vaccination can be very different. In most clinical cases, vaccination is well tolerated by the pet, but sometimes it provokes the development of undesirable effects: from the formation of a subcutaneous lump to complex forms of allergies. Therefore, every breeder of a four-legged friend must know what condition after vaccination is normal, and when to immediately seek veterinary help.
What is rabies in dogs?
Rabies is a naturally occurring infectious disease of the zooanthroponotic type, deadly for most animals and people. The disease develops when viruses from the Rhabdoviridae family, namely Rabies virus, enter a living body. The viral disease is very acute (less often subacute, chronic), manifested by gross disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system, hydrophobia, violent behavior and excessive salivation.
In nature, reservoirs for rabies pathogens are wild dogs, in particular bats, wolves, foxes, rodents and birds. Infection of dogs and humans occurs through the ingress of saliva from an infected animal into a bite wound. The incubation period lasts from several days to a month, after which the main symptoms of the pathological process appear. The disease is always fatal, since there is currently no medicine that can inactivate the rabies virus.
Dog breeders must remember that today the only way to protect themselves from this terrible disease is the passive development of immunity through routine vaccination of dogs, that is, vaccination against rabies.
Caring for your puppy after vaccinations
A puppy can boast of stable immunity to the disease only after 2-3 vaccinations (booster vaccination).
A 2-week quarantine after each vaccination is mandatory.
During quarantine, it is important to follow the following recommendations:
- Avoid contact with other animals. An adult dog going outside can bring an infection. For a recently vaccinated baby, this situation is not acceptable, so isolate him in a separate room.
- Don't forget about hygiene procedures. All dirt from the street settles on the floors, so do wet cleaning daily. Use bleach to kill bacteria.
- Practice good hand hygiene. Make sure your hands are clean before handling the puppy.
- Avoid walking. If you really want to get a breath of fresh air, do not let your pet go while walking. The pet should not touch the ground.
- Make sure there is no access to items that can transmit the virus. Place outdoor shoes and clothing in a locked drawer or closet.
- Avoid stressful situations. Do not take your pet to noisy and crowded places (shop, cafe) and take care of the company while you are doing your business.
- Hold off on changes in your diet. New foods or changing your usual food can trigger an allergy.
- Try to do without water treatments. Due to a temporary weakening of the immune system, a wet puppy may catch a cold.
For your pet's safety, invite a veterinarian to your home. In this case, the risk of infection on the road will be minimized.
Complications after vaccination are divided into two categories: local and general.
Preparing for vaccination
Vaccination against rabies is the only real way to prevent the disease. Today, immunization of dogs is carried out by introducing vaccine solutions of Russian or foreign production, which contain inactive (weakened) cultural strains of the causative agent of the disease.
Veterinarians recommend that the following categories of dogs be vaccinated:
- if the animal takes part in breeding;
- pets that often travel with the owner;
- inhabitants of regions where outbreaks of rabies are periodically recorded;
- representatives of hunting breeds;
- dogs participating in exhibitions, international shows, etc.
Lasting immunity is formed 3-5 weeks after vaccination, when a sufficient number of active antibodies are formed in the pet’s body to protect against infection. The duration of such passive protection after vaccination against rabies is about 24-36 months, so after a year the animal should be revaccinated.
The first rabies vaccination should be given when the puppy reaches 3 months of age or after replacing baby teeth with permanent teeth. If a young dog is vaccinated with a polyvaccine, it needs to be revaccinated 3-4 weeks after the first administration of the vaccine. Adult members of the family must be vaccinated annually. The optimal vaccination plan is drawn up by a veterinarian.
To ensure that there is no deterioration after vaccination, it must be carried out in accordance with certain rules:
- You cannot vaccinate dogs that show symptoms of any infectious process;
- before vaccination it is necessary to carry out deworming;
- It is better to vaccinate a dog in a specialized institution;
- Immediately before administering the solution, the veterinarian must examine the pet and make sure there are no contraindications to the procedure.
After vaccination, the dog must be quarantined for two weeks, excluding any contact between the pet and street animals. It is important to ensure that your pet does not overheat or become hypothermic and is not subjected to intense physical activity. It is strictly forbidden to bathe your dog for a week after vaccination.
How to avoid complications after vaccination?
The occurrence of severe conditions after vaccination can occur in cases where the dog was sick or did not fully recover from the disease. In weakened animals, administration of the vaccine can cause a significant deterioration in general health. You should not ignore the possibility of danger of infection after vaccination (meaning the period of several weeks after vaccination). After vaccination, the dog should not walk with other dogs or come into contact with objects that other animals have used. Many sick dogs are brought to the veterinary clinic, so you should avoid contact with them and not linger unnecessarily in such establishments.
A dog may be lethargic and inactive after receiving a rabies vaccination. She needs to be monitored for 3-5 days. If there is no improvement, then you need to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. As a rule, the first 15-25 minutes after vaccination and the second or third day are dangerous. It is recommended to pay special attention to the dog’s condition after repeated vaccination, as the risk of allergic manifestations increases.
Vaccination immediately after deworming a dog is contraindicated, as the immune system is weakened. After 1-2 weeks after deworming, the body will be ready for vaccination.
After vaccination, you must undergo quarantine. After the first vaccination it is 10-14 days. Walking your dog after vaccination should be done with extreme caution. The puppy is walked without contact with the surface. Being held in his arms, he simply breathes fresh air. Contact with other animals is completely excluded.
As a rule, these restrictions are not imposed on adult dogs. This period is characterized by monitoring the pet’s condition in case of unforeseen situations. Walks take place on a leash, without contact with other animals. You cannot bathe your dog after vaccination, as its immunity is weakened. Ignoring this factor can lead to hypothermia of the pet and various complications.
Possible complications of vaccination
As a rule, modern rabies vaccination very rarely causes the development of adverse reactions in dogs, since it is considered a perfect immunobiological preparation that has passed all the necessary tests. But still, there are cases when the introduction of a vaccine is accompanied by the development of pathological reactions from the animal’s body.
Most often, after vaccination, representatives of the canine family experience disorders; they are among the normal consequences of immunization and should not cause panic in the pet owner:
- one-time refusal of food by the dog;
- one-time disturbance of stool or vomiting;
- insignificant and short-term increase in general body temperature (39.2 - 39.50 C);
- lethargy during the day when the vaccination was given;
- the appearance of a painless lump or lump at the injection site should disappear without a trace after 10-14 days.
Immunization complications that require your dog to be seen immediately by a veterinarian include:
- the occurrence of signs of allergy to the vaccine and signs of anaphylaxis;
- severe pain at the site of vaccine injection;
- intense, repeated vomiting;
- severe weakness and refusal to eat during the day;
- a persistent increase in the pet's temperature by 10 C compared to the norm;
- salivation with the appearance of serous discharge from the eyes and nasal passages;
- development of shortness of breath and symptoms of hypoxia (cyanosis of the mucous membranes, hyperemia of the ears);
- the appearance of convulsions, muscle twitching;
- when the dog begins to limp or pulls its hind legs.
Such disorders after vaccination occur mainly due to a poor-quality vaccine or if the time of vaccination coincided with the latent period of another developing disease. Side effects may also occur in dogs that were given the injection without following all the necessary rules.
Effects of rabies vaccination for cats, dogs - comparison, side effects
Rabies is a deadly viral disease characterized by serious damage to the nervous system and fear of water. Infection can occur not only through the bite of an animal with rabies, but also through mucous membranes, epidermis or wounds on the skin. That is why vaccination against rabies is very important both for the animals themselves and for their owners. But often, after vaccination, animals experience side effects, and less often, complications. Now we will figure out when you shouldn’t sound the alarm out of the blue, and when you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic.
Side effects of the rabies vaccine
The consequences of rabies vaccination can vary. Most often, animals experience lethargy and lack of appetite during the first 24 hours. This reaction to the vaccine is completely normal. Usually within a day the appetite returns and the pet comes to its senses. But there are also situations when complications arise in dogs and cats after vaccination. If you do not seek help in time, this may result in the death of your pet.
Modern vaccination causes almost no side effects, but there are rarely exceptions. It is worth considering that these are foreign substances, the reaction to which is individual for each pet.
Allergy
The most common complication after vaccination of cats and dogs is allergies. An allergic reaction is perhaps the most dangerous complication. It can develop rapidly. An allergy can be detected if the animal’s behavior shows the following signs:
- salivation;
- lacrimation;
- elevated temperature;
- defecation;
- swelling in various places (most often the area of the nose, ears and eyes swells);
- changes in the animal’s behavior (either too sluggish, or vice versa, too active);
- a bump at the site where the vaccine was given, redness;
- The dog or cat is constantly itching.
To prevent such a reaction to the vaccine from occurring, it is necessary for the veterinarian to observe the pet’s behavior for 15-20 minutes. Most often, an acute allergic reaction appears in the first few minutes.
The signs given above do not necessarily have to appear comprehensively; one or two points are enough. You should urgently contact your veterinarian, who will prescribe antiallergic medications for your pet.
There is an effective way to avoid vaccine allergies. The medicine must be administered in small doses. First you need to administer a small dose of the medicine, and then the remaining one. In this case, the allergic reaction will not be so violent. If you know your cat or dog is allergic to rabies vaccine, you should tell your veterinarian.
Animals that were already infected at the time of vaccination
It happens that after vaccination the pet’s condition worsens within 24 hours. This occurs due to the fact that the animal was already infected at the time of vaccination. As a result, symptoms of rabies began to appear the moment the vaccine began to work. This phenomenon can be fatal. To prevent this from happening, the pet must be kept in quarantine. You need to wait a couple of weeks after purchasing an animal, observe its behavior, conduct a thorough medical examination, and then vaccinate it.
Overheating or hypothermia of the vaccine
If overheated or hypothermic, the drug simply loses its properties. Many vaccines, including the rabies vaccine, require special temperature exposure. Of course, if you introduce such a drug, nothing terrible will happen, but there will be no benefit from it. To avoid such cases, we do not recommend doing the vaccine yourself. You should contact a veterinary clinic or invite a specialist to your home.
Lump at the vaccination site
After vaccination, the animal may develop a lump or small bump at the vaccination site, which disappears over time without treatment. This type of reaction depends on the body and the vaccine. If the lump begins to grow and suppuration occurs, you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic.
It is also necessary to contact a veterinarian if, two or three days after vaccination, the animal sleeps a lot, or begins vomiting or diarrhea. If possible, it is worth taking your temperature.
Conclusion
No one denies that after vaccination against rabies, dogs and cats may experience undesirable reactions such as allergies, but each organism is individual, and such cases occur one in a million. When comparing the damage from vaccination and the damage from disease, we think the answer is obvious. Vaccinating an animal against rabies brings undeniable benefits. Do not forget that rabies is a deadly disease, so rabies vaccination is essential for the safety of your pet. The rabies vaccination service is provided at any veterinary clinic and the process itself does not last long. Don't be lazy and protect your pet from this deadly disease.
When should a dog be vaccinated?
The first rabies vaccination is given to a puppy at 3-4 months. This must be indicated in the veterinary passport. Further vaccination is carried out every year - this is necessary to ensure the dog’s protection from the virus that causes rabies.
On a note! Carefully track the date of vaccination on your passport - do not violate the schedule and do not neglect vaccinations. First of all, this is caring for the health of the dog and the people around it.
Does my pet need to be vaccinated?
Even if the dog does not go outside and always stays at home, it needs to be vaccinated against rabies. And there are at least several reasons for this. Firstly, a person on the sole of a shoe or on outer clothing can bring the pathogen home. Secondly, unvaccinated animals are constantly at risk (they can become infected by accidentally running out into the street or on the way to the veterinary clinic). And thirdly, vaccination is necessary to avoid problems in case of possible trips or if your pet bites you or your guests.
How the disease manifests itself in dogs - the main signs
The first thing you need to pay attention to is changes in your pet's behavior. At first the dog begins to be afraid of water and light. She can fawn over people, including strangers, and ask for attention.
A few days later, the situation changes dramatically - the animal behaves very aggressively, breaks loose from its leash, rushes for no reason, and can bite (and this is a very dangerous period for humans, because they can also become infected!).
A dog with rabies can run a very long distance. She attacks other animals and people. At the same time, attacks of aggression and violent behavior are replaced by periods of complete rest.
The main signs indicating the development of rabies in a dog:
- lack of a swallowing reflex - saliva flows from the animal’s mouth (possibly in the form of foam),
- hard breath,
- loss of appetite,
- swallowing inedible objects,
- bouts of vomiting,
- hoarse barking,
- unsteady gait
- paralysis of the lower jaw and larynx - the animal cannot lap up water,
- paralysis of the hind limbs.
How to choose a vaccine?
Different veterinary clinics offer different vaccines. Usually, drugs of both Russian and foreign origin are used. We draw your attention to the most common rabies vaccines for dogs:
- "Rabikan" (Russia),
- "Defensor 3" (USA),
- "Nobivak RL" (Holland),
- "Rabix" (Russia),
- "Rabizin" (France).
The cost of vaccination depends on the veterinary clinic and the drug used for rabies vaccination.
About the rabies injection
The rabies shot is a core vaccine, which means it is vitally important based on several factors, such as the risk of exposure, the severity of the disease, and whether the disease can be transmitted to people.
The rabies jab is a statutory vaccination, and dogs that do not receive this jab are at risk during periods of close monitoring or even quarantine.
The legally approved rabies vaccine must only be given by a licensed veterinarian or veterinary technician, and this vaccine cannot be distributed or sold to anyone other than a licensed veterinarian. In several areas, dog owners must retain a copy of the rabies certificate and allow their dogs to wear a proof of rabies vaccination tag.
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Preparing your dog for rabies vaccination
Experts recommend the first vaccination against rabies for puppies before the start of the change of baby teeth, from 2.5 to 3 months, with repeated vaccination after 2-3 weeks. If this procedure is carried out after three months of age, then revaccination will be required only after a year.
Important! Experienced dog breeders have noticed that vaccinations carried out during the change of baby teeth negatively affect the color of the enamel.
If the owners plan to take part in exhibitions in the future, then this aspect should be paid attention to and wait until the age of 3 months to six months. But if the dogs are in an unfavorable area, and there is a threat of real infection, then it is not worth taking risks and delaying the introduction of the vaccine.
Can an animal get sick or even die after vaccination?
One dose of a vaccine from any manufacturer contains a MINIMUM amount of antigen that can trigger an immune response in the body (i.e., the production of specific antibodies). The vaccine itself cannot cause disease.
But sometimes complications are possible. What does this have to do with?
1. In the first place is the possibility of vaccination during the incubation period (infection has already occurred, but has not clinically manifested itself) of the disease.
In this case, the vaccine will enhance the effect of the main infectious agent. In this regard, any newly acquired animal (no matter where it comes from - from a nursery or from a poultry market) requires quarantine for 7-14 days. During this time, you isolate him from other pets (if there are any), perform deworming (one-time administration of an anthelmintic drug) and observe the slightest changes in behavior and well-being. The incubation period for most diseases is 3–10 days (with plague up to 21 days).
2. In second place as possible complications is an allergic reaction of the person being vaccinated to one of the components of the vaccine (sometimes to the diluent). In this case, the reaction will appear after 15-30 minutes. in the form of sudden excitement, redness of the mucous membranes, salivation, rapid breathing and swelling. Therefore, the specialist performing the vaccination always stays for 15-30 minutes, having antihistamines and desensitizing drugs ready. The owner also needs to have diphenhydramine, suprastin or tavegil in his first aid kit in case an allergic reaction occurs later.
3. Well, in third place in terms of the frequency of possible complications in the post-vaccination period is the hypoimmune state of the animal (an animal with weak immunity).
The body of any animal, like ours, is a constant battlefield between pathogenic agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi and chemicals) coming from outside, and the body’s defense mechanisms (skin, gastrointestinal mucosa, lymphoid tissue, specific antibodies, etc. ).
This battle occurs constantly, and the extent to which the body defends itself depends on its overall health. Therefore, if an animal is weakened by starvation, hypothermia, overheating, stress (due to a change of habitat or lack of contact with the owner), helminthic infestations (which in itself is a disease), then it will not be able to produce the required amount of antibodies in response to vaccination.
The effect of the vaccination will be missed. Such an animal, even after vaccination, will be susceptible to infectious diseases. Moreover, vaccination itself in such an animal can act as an element in weakening the weakened immune system and provoke the occurrence of hidden diseases. That is why it is important to vaccinate a clinically healthy animal that has undergone anthelmintic treatment.
Contraindications for vaccination:
- increase in body temperature
- exhaustion;
- chronic, subacute and acute diseases;
- acquired immunodeficiency;
- recent injection (at least 3 weeks) of appropriate hyperimmune serum;
- helminths.
How do you prepare for vaccination?
Two weeks before vaccination, carefully monitor the behavior and health of your pet. Particular attention should be paid to the animal’s appetite, its stool, whether it is lethargic or active, and how much it sleeps.
7-10 days before the expected date of vaccination, it is necessary to carry out deworming, that is, to drive away worms. This is a requirement. Otherwise, severe complications from any, even the safest, vaccine are possible.
If a puppy needs to have his ears cropped, vaccination can be done in two ways:
- Either at 1.5 months, crop the ears and after 1.5-2 weeks get the first vaccination, then after 3-4 weeks - the second;
- Either get the first vaccination at 8 weeks, repeat it after 3-4 weeks, and after another 14 days you can crop the ears.
