Dear Dr. Forsythe: Why is it that every year when my dog comes back from the vet after getting his shots, he is sick for a couple of days. He doesn’t eat, he just lies around, and I think he must feel really crummy. Don’t they have better shots these days so he won’t feel so bad? Or maybe I should just stop taking him in every year. It seems to be getting worse as he gets older, too.
Bear’s dad
Dear Bear’s Dad: It sounds to me like you are describing a vaccine response rather than a more severe vaccine reaction. A vaccine response is a “normal abnormality” that we sometimes see in dogs and cats after we administer vaccines. Remember that when a pet receives a vaccine, they are having foreign proteins injected into their systems which are designed to elicit immune responses in order to cause a build up of immunity in order to provide protection from disease. When humans and domestic species receive vaccines, it is not unusual for them to develop some side effects such as a low-grade fever as well as lethargy and fatigue as the body makes an initial immune response. This is actually telling us that your pet is responding to the stimulation of the vaccine. However, if after receiving the vaccine your pet begins to break out in hives, begins to have trouble breathing, or goes into shock, this would indicate an ADVERSE reaction rather than a vaccine RESPONSE. In that case, the reaction is a medical emergency and potentially very dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
It would be a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about your concerns regarding vaccine reactions. It may also be a good idea to check vaccine titers next time before deciding to give the vaccines. The antibody titers will let you know if your pet even needs to be vaccinated. If his titer level is sufficient (for distemper, parvo) then he effectively has sufficient antibodies in his bloodstream and can wait another year to get his vaccines updated. Most importantly, call your doctor if you suspect that a vaccine has caused a problem with your pet. Vaccines used by veterinarians today are remarkably safe, but since there is always a potential for a response and a tiny chance for a reaction, any concerns you have should be brought up with your veterinarian.
Thanks and good luck.
Dr. F
Dear Dr. Forsythe: My dog “Bowser” has begun having aggression issues, but only towards one person and only at one specific time. My girlfriend has begun staying over at my place more often and has always gotten along great with Bowser. Until recently Bowser has slept at the foot of the bed. Recently, when my girlfriend and I are being romantic, Bowser becomes upset, begins to pant, pace and bark until we stop. Yesterday he began growling and jumped up onto the bed showing his teeth. When we put him out in the other room, he still carries on. My girlfriend feels threatened and thinks he needs to go. I am not happy, either, and worry that he could become upset enough to bite. Your suggestions would be welcome.
Not happy in Boyes
Dear Boyes: Dogs are known for being very loyal and affectionate, but sometimes they can be possessive as well. If your Bowser is having concerns about romance with your girlfriend, it is important to “nip this in the bud,”
Whenever a client mentions a “behavioral” issue, I always make sure to rule out a health issue first, to be sure there is no underlying problem that would render your pet more sensitive than usual. (For example, a vision problem such as cataracts could make him “sound sensitive” at night due to poor visual acuity, or low thyroid could be preventing him from sleeping well or feeling well so he is more irritable in general.) Once your veterinarian rules out a health issue, you could consult with a behaviorist to clarify the root of the problem.
Perhaps there is something in your girlfriend’s actions that are bothering or scaring your pet. Making the bedroom off-limits entirely to the dog sounds like a smart way to start since this seems to be the place where the aggression is centered. Since your girlfriend feels threatened and thinks “the dog needs to go,” she already has her mind made up – perhaps you need to broker a deal between the woman and the beast and decide which one you want to keep in your life. Can you guess which one I’d vote for!?!
Good luck.
Dr. F
