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My pug's eyes are swollen and itchy days after vaccinations. Why?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | neutered | 2 years and 3 months old | 24 lbs

Our 2 yr old pug had shots on Thursday March 7th 2019 and today Saturday March 9th 2019 we’ve noticed he’s very itchy and his eyes are swollen. We gave him 25mg of Benadryl This morning which helped. Tonight at 9 pm he was swollen again so we gave him another 25 mg of Benadryl He weighs 24 pounds. He had these shots : Vacc 1yr rabies Canine DA2P 3yr vaccination Bordetella / Adenovirus Intra Nasal Lepto 4 (K) Heart worm testing

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 9th, 2019

Hello, thank you for your question about Norman.

Based on the symptoms you are describing it sounds like Norman is having an allergic reaction. If he received his vaccinations on Thursday, it is unlikely that he is just now having a reaction to the vaccine. Most reactions occur within 24 hours after vaccination. However, some small dogs can be more sensitive when receiving multiple vaccinations. Based on what you've listed, the Lepto vaccine is the one that is most likely to cause a reaction because of the vaccine formulation.

It is possible that there is something else leading to the reaction - such as something in his environment (insect, spider, etc). If he continues to have swollen and itchy eyes in spite of the Benadryl I would recommend having him seen by a veterinarian so that they can administer injectable medications to help with this reaction.

Hope this helps, good luck!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Lauren Barry, BVSc, MRCVS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 2nd, 2017

    It is possible he's having a mild allergic reaction to one of the vaccines or proheart6 from earlier. You could try giving him benadryl (legally I cannot advise on the dose) and if that doesn't help him, or if things get worse you could take him to the nearest veterinary urgent care.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 21st, 2017

    Hello, sorry to hear about Shooter. You may be able to split vaccines and pre-medicate him with benadryl prior to the vaccinations to reduce the incidence of an allergic reactions. Alternatively, if your veterinarian thinks it is unsafe to vaccinate Shooter, then they may be able to give you an explanation for you to show your local animal control agency. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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