Vaccines and Vaccine Safety

Vaccinations for dogs and cats are very safe, and can prevent extremely serious, even fatal disease.  However, reactions to any medication are possible.  To minimize the risk of problems, we recommend the following safety precautions:

1.) Only vaccinate for the diseases for which your pet is at risk.  Discuss with your veterinary professionals the risks and benefits of each vaccine.  Vaccine protocols are continually changing.

2.) Monitor your pet for one hour after a vaccination for signs of an allergic reaction.  Possible signs include vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the face, or difficulty breathing.  Call the Lodi Veterinary Hospital immediately if you think your pet is having an allergic reaction.  These types of reactions are rare, but can occur at any age.

3.) Monitor the site where your pet was vaccinated.  Some animals will develop a painless, jelly bean sized lump 1-2 weeks after the vaccination.  The lump should go away on its own.  Your pet should be examined if the lump is not going away, if it is painful, or if it is enlarging.  In cats, a rare kind of tumor associated with vaccination sites has been reported.

4.) Be sure your pet is healthy at the time of a vaccination.  All pets should be examined prior to a vaccination, as certain illnesses or medical conditions can interfere with the immune response to the vaccine.

Please discuss any concerns you may have with a certified veterinary technician or a veterinarian.