Allergic reactions to vaccines are generally not very common

Relatively speaking, dogs rarely have allergic reactions after vaccination, as vaccines must undergo extensive testing before being marketed. However, due to individual factors, some dogs may still experience related adverse reactions. Generally, these allergic reactions are not fatal but must be treated promptly, or there is still some risk.

We know that regardless of whether a dog is large or small, the vaccine dosage they receive is the same. So, for some smaller breeds, the vaccine amount might be slightly excessive but usually does not cause harm. Due to the vast variety of dog breeds and the considerable weight differences, vaccine-induced immune responses do not correlate linearly with weight as typical drugs do. Therefore, it is impossible to assign different dosages to dogs of different weights to provide sufficient protection. Simply put, smaller dogs often receive an overdose of vaccines. Hence, vaccine safety testing is very important.

Known vaccine-related factors include:

Vaccine antigens, vaccine adjuvants, vaccine preservatives, vaccine stabilizers, and residues from tissue cultures used during vaccine production.

Since these factors seem unlikely to change significantly in the short term, we can focus on which dogs are more prone to allergies and understand ways to alleviate symptoms when adverse vaccine reactions occur.

Possible factors associated with vaccine adverse reactions:

1. Dog's weight

Studies show that dogs weighing less than 5 kg have an adverse vaccine reaction rate of 0.45%, while dogs over 45 kg have a rate of 0.1%. Dogs under 10 kg have more than twice the reaction rate compared to those over 10 kg. Therefore, dogs with very low weight may be more prone to adverse reactions.

Pay more attention to smaller-sized dogs

2. Dog breed reasons

Ranked by vaccine adverse reaction rates from high to low, the highest is Dachshund, followed by Pug, Boston Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, Chihuahua, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, Jack Russell Terrier, Toy Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Boxer, Pomeranian (detailed introduction), Pekingese, Shih Tzu, and English Bulldog. The reaction rates for these breeds range from 1.21% to 0.42%, significantly higher compared to large breeds like the German Shepherd at 0.13%.

3. Neutering status

Neutered dogs may be more likely to experience adverse reactions than intact dogs, possibly related to sex hormones reducing vaccine-related adverse effects.

Handling method after dog has adverse reaction:

1. Common treatment: combined use of antihistamines and glucocorticoids; or single use of either antihistamines or glucocorticoids. Some dogs show adverse reactions on their skin, usually relieved by administering chlorpheniramine.

2. If the condition is severe: treatments may include fluid infusion, oxygen therapy, diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as adrenal hormones.

Immunity still requires the full vaccine dose to ensure protection. For small or light-weight dogs, pay closer attention to their condition. Some owners worry about hospital infections and immediately take their dogs home after vaccination. However, for the dog's safety, it is best to wait about 10 minutes post-vaccination to monitor for adverse reactions. If none appear, the dog can then be taken home.