Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My horse is on antibiotics. Can I safely get her vaccinated?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Farm Animal | Horse | Female | unspayed | 30 years old | 1140 lbs

Hello. I have a Standardbred mare, age 30, currently on SMZ's until Monday 15 April. The 4 way vaccination(Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis, influenza due to type A2 (Kentucky '97) is due to be given this Friday 12 April. Can I safely vaccinate the horse while on SMZ's?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on April 10th, 2019

Hi there. In general, there is no reason that vaccines can't be given while an animal is taking antibiotics - so as long as she's not actively sick (normal temperature, acting fine, etc.), this shouldn't be a problem.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

Is it safe to vaccinate my kitten while she's on antibiotics?

This will depend on why your kitten is on antibiotics. Usually a pet on antibiotics is ill and since only healthy animals should be vaccinated to ensure that the entire immune system is trained, it is advisable to wait with vaccinations until your kitten is healthy again and off the antibiotics.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Is it safe to vaccinate my cat while taking antibiotics for a UTI?

Hello, thank you for your question about Havoc. As a general rule most veterinarians do recommend waiting until a pet is fully healthy before giving vaccines. That way we know the per’s immune system can respond to the vaccines fully and appropriately because it is not currently dealing with any other infections. Hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog took antibiotics. Do they alter his vaccine effectiveness?

Antibiotics would not affect the immune system’s ability to respond to a vaccine. If he has a significant infection there might be some concern but if he’s been on the antibiotics for a little while and does not have a fever the vaccines should be effective.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat is sick with a URI and on antibiotics. Can she get her vaccine?

Yes this should be fine as long as she is feeling better. Also, you may consider putting her on a daily immune boosting vitamin like viralys or vetriscience lysine treats. It doesn’t treat the virus but it may help to boost her immune system. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Should I worry about an unvaccinated horse infecting me or my horses?

It is potentially possible for you to transport infections on clothing or equipment but general hygiene and washing of hands/clothing between groups of horses makes this less likely. Many infections are readily spread amongst horses and i would not recommend mixing them directly until he has been fully vaccinated

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is on antibiotics. Can I give her oral flea medicine?

Giving her the flea medication should not pose any issues if she is on antibiotics. You can wait about 2-3 hours after giving her the antibiotics before administering the flea medication (if it is oral) to be completely safe. That way, the antibiotics should be out of her stomach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Is it safe to vaccinate my dog after she just ate a dead bird?

Sure. There is no reason to avoid vaccination after she’s eaten a dead bird. However, none of the vaccines she receives are for diseases that she could get from birds, if that’s what you’re asking. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share