Before we dive into what type of bad side effects can happen after a Shih Tzu has been given a vaccination, it’s important to note that moderate to serious side effects are exceedingly rare.
In a large
study done by the American Veterinary Medical Association, consisting of 1, 200, 000 canines, reactions were seen just 38.2 dogs out of every 10,000. The benefits of protecting your canine family member against serious and sometimes deadly disease far outweighs the risk. This said, a puppy or dog can have a bad reaction even if they were tolerant of a previous vaccination. It is the second round of shots that reactions most often develop.
Adverse reactions can be broken down into 3 categories:
Mild.
This is the most common type. Signs include those listed under the previous ‘Aftercare’: soreness at the injection site, nasal discharge, lethargy, decreased appetite, and possible nasal discharge (if intranasal drops are given for Bordetella). These symptoms should clear up within just a few days.
Moderate.
This level of reaction should be taken seriously since it can quickly develop into the next stage of ‘severe’. This typically involves a skin reaction (known as urticaria) that presents as swelling (often around the eye/s, mouth, and/or neck), rash, hives, and/or severe itchiness. Take immediate action by bringing your Shih Tzu back to the veterinarian. Treatment will involve a corticosteroid injection with follow-up home care of Benadryl.
Severe.
This can escalate swiftly, leading to life-threatening anaphylaxis marked by breathing difficulties, collapse, and potentially death. Symptoms extend to vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and incoordination, often occurring immediately post-vaccination while still at the vet, allowing for prompt treatment. If anaphylaxis is suspected on your way home or after arrival, treat it as an emergency requiring urgent care. Treatment includes establishing an airway, administering oxygen, IV fluids for blood pressure, and medications like epinephrine and corticosteroids. With timely intervention, there are generally no lasting effects.
Cuteness break!
Jax, at 7 years old, photo courtesy of Jordan Griffin
Reader Q&A
Do I have to, by law, have my Shih Tzu vaccinated?
In many areas, the only vaccine that is required by law is the rabies vaccine. However, skipping some of the other core vaccines could mean placing your Shih Tzu at risk; and in some cases, great risk. Which means that owners are morally obligated regarding some vaccines. Aside from this, having proof of vaccinations may be needed in an array of ways, including traveling, enrolling your Shih Tzu in training classes, using doggie day care, kenneling, attending dog shows, and more.
Can pet vaccinations cause cancer?
The most prevalent concern is a supposed link between vaccines and sarcoma (a cancerous tumor arising from skin and/or connective tissues). While there is some evidence of this with felines, in regard to dogs there is no conclusive proof that vaccines cause cancerous skin tumors.
This suspicion was based on a very
small study consisting of 15 dogs
which saw a slight increase in sarcoma developing at the injection site of the rabies vaccine. Since that small study was released, anti-vaccine propaganda has made a lot of unsubstantiated claims.
And, despite persistent theories and articles that warn about other types of cancers, there are no other accredited studies that show connections.
This said, it is best to be vigilant. Do not over-vaccinate and keep an eye on your dog for any sort of reactions, including sores or skin lesions at the injection site, which should be reported to the veterinarian asap.
Are vaccinations still given on time if a Shih Tzu puppy is underweight?
If a pup is undersized and possibly having trouble with nourishment, an assessment should be done at the 6-week mark. At that time, the vet may deem that vaccinations be held off until the 8-week mark, while steps are taken to help make the puppy stronger. This may involve nutritional supplements.
Are vaccinations given if a dog is ill?
Vaccinations are made to be given to healthy dogs only. So, if a Shih Tzu is ill with anything ranging from an ear infection to a more serious disease, a titer test should first be given to check antibody levels. With an acute illness, if it is deemed that a vaccination is needed, the vet will often recommend waiting until a dog has recovered.
In the case of chronic disease, while it does depend on the exact circumstances (prognosis, if a dog is kept inside, etc.), in many cases the vaccination will not be given.
In regard to the rabies vaccine, which is legally required in most areas, the AVMA has released new guidelines that will allow an owner to circumvent this law with a letter written by the veterinarian to the city, stating that a dog is too ill to receive it at the present time.
Can pregnant dogs be vaccinated?
No. A veterinarian will know not to vaccinate a pregnant dog, since it can cause birth defects, loss of the fetus, and/or health issues for the pups in the future. If you only
suspect that your Shih Tzu is pregnant, bring this up to the veterinarian before shots are scheduled. It may then be recommended to have a pregnancy test performed which can be done as early as Day 22 (from the day of the pairing).
Are there holistic alternatives to vaccinations?
There are not. There are no herbs, plants, or other remedies to prevent distemper, rabies, or other serious canine diseases. To keep vaccinations to the minimum, once the puppy shots are complete, ask for titer testing before any boosters are given.
Does my Shih Tzu need to be vaccinated if they are always inside?
If it were 100% accurate that a Shih Tzu literally never exited the house (not even to go to the bathroom), there was zero chance of any other dog or animal ever visiting the house, and every human entering the house was cleaned and cleared of possible contamination from the outside world, technically, that Shih Tzu would not need any vaccinations other than rabies (if you wanted to remain within the realm of the law).
However, one thing to keep in mind is that circumstances change. It cannot be known for certain that at some time in the future that essentially quarantined dog would indeed need to leave the house (family emergency, moving, etc.). This is something to keep in mind if you are thinking of not having vaccines given to a dog that stays inside.