Anaphylaxis

• Anaphylaxis is an immediate and life-threatening allergic reaction to a substance that has been ingested or injected, including the substances contained in vaccinations. Developing within mere minutes to hours following vaccination, anaphylaxis can result in shock, breathing difficulties, cardiac arrest and death. Other signs of anaphylaxis include pale gums, cold limbs, rapid heart rate coupled with weak pulse and facial swelling. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention---epinephrine must be administered within minutes of the reaction.
  
  

Neurologic and Eye Problems

• The most commonly occurring vaccination reactions in dogs are neurological in nature. The canine distemper vaccine, which can cause inflammation of the brain, is the source of the majority of cases. The measles vaccine has been reported to cause nervous system damage in puppies. One formulation of canine adenovirus vaccine has been connected to a form of eye inflammation known as "blue eye." The formulation has been changed, however; now blue eye rarely occurs.
  
  

Injection Site Pain and Swelling

• Your dog can develop pain, swelling, redness and irritation at the vaccination site within minutes to up to one week following injection. Abscesses resulting from an overreaction to the vaccine substance can also develop at the injection site.
  
  

Fever and Appetite Loss

• Your dog may experience a mild fever, appetite loss and depression within a day or two following vaccination; this occurs most often with a modified live vaccine. No treatment is necessary---unless the symptoms become severe and last longer than a couple of days.
  
  

Rabies-Specific Reactions

• Rabies vaccinations are mandated by law in several states, more for protection of humans than the dogs themselves. Most dogs can tolerate the vaccination, but some do not and become ill. The most commonly seen reactions to the rabies shot are aggressiveness, suspicion and uneasiness, destructive behavior, fear of being alone and barking at imaginary objects. To reduce the likelihood of adverse reaction, the dog guardian can administer a homeopathic remedy, specially formulated by their veterinarian for this purpose, within two hours of vaccination.