Can Puppies Get Vaccinated with a Runny Nose?
Q1: Can a Dog Receive Vaccinations While Sneezing?
When a dog is sneezing, it might indicate a respiratory infection, which can weaken their immune system. It's generally not advisable to vaccinate a dog in this condition. Pet owners should promptly treat the dog's illness. Once the dog has fully recovered, wait for an additional week without any other symptoms before scheduling a vaccination at a veterinary clinic.
If the dog's sneezing is due to a cold, medications like Geng His Ning and Canine Fu Nuo can help alleviate symptoms. If the sneezing is caused by a foreign object in the nose, cleaning the nasal cavity should resolve the issue quickly. However, if the symptoms are due to canine distemper or other viral infections, a longer treatment period may be necessary. It's recommended that pet owners continue treatment and wait until the dog is completely healthy before getting vaccinated.
Q2: Under What Circumstances Should Dogs Not Be Vaccinated?
1. Ill Dogs Should Not Be Vaccinated: Whether the dog is sneezing, coughing, vomiting, or experiencing diarrhea, any sign of discomfort means vaccination should be postponed.
2. Dogs Recently Dewormed Should Not Be Vaccinated: Vaccination should be scheduled at least 7 days after deworming.
3. Pregnant or Nursing Dogs Should Not Be Vaccinated: Vaccinating a pregnant dog can lead to complications like miscarriage, premature birth, or stillbirth. Vaccinating a nursing dog may pass the vaccine's weakened virus through milk, affecting the puppy's health.
4. Puppies Too Young Should Not Be Vaccinated: The first vaccination should be administered at least 45 days old, and the rabies vaccine should be given around 3 months of age.
Q3: What to Note After a Dog's Vaccination?
1. After vaccination, dogs should be observed in the clinic for at least 30 minutes. If any adverse reactions like skin swelling, pain, or vomiting occur, contact the veterinarian immediately.
2. Avoid bathing the dog for 7 days postvaccination to prevent catching a cold and to ensure the vaccine's antibodies develop properly.
3. Keep the dog indoors until the vaccination series is complete to avoid exposure to contaminants or diseases from unknown dogs.
4. To confirm the success of the vaccination, it's advisable to have an antibody test done 15 days after vaccination. If the antibodies are insufficient, a booster shot should be administered promptly.
These are the key points to consider regarding dog vaccinations. If you have any further questions, feel free to consult with an online veterinary expert.