Why do vets use Benadryl and cortisone for puppy vaccine reactions?

Unless the veterinarian administered an immunosuppressive dose of dexamethasone, it should not interfere with the immune response for the vaccinations that were administered. The dose that we give for preventing an allergic reaction is lower than the dose given to suppress the immune system. I hope this helps!

Poor guy. Benadryl is normally safe in pets that don’t have underlying conditions that would contraindicate it’s use. Please follow this link to go over those few conditions, which mainly is underlying heart conditions. https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/ Best of luck with your pet Spike. I hope he gets well soon.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bella. I try to avoid chronic high doses of steroids in dogs whenever possible as there are side effects internally and externally. However, an injection to control a reaction is not something that concerns me if she is not taking other medications. Steroids can interfere with certain drugs. If her veterinarian deams it necessary after seeing her, then I would go ahead and have it administered. Great question!

Your dog should get an antihistamine before the vaccination. You should ask your vet about giving him a diphenhydramine , or chlorpheniramine injection about an hour before getting the vaccination. This should avoid the reaction or at least reduce the impact. Your veterinarian should have these injectables available.

A swollen face, swollen lips, red eyes, severe itching or difficulty breathing may all be symptoms of a vaccine reaction. An antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can be given but only under the advice of your veterinary. Legally, we are prohibited from recommending you medicate her in the absence of a physical exam and a VPCR (veterinarian-patient-client relationship). If her symptoms persist or worsen, have her examined by your veterinarian or at the nearest veterinary ER.

Poor pup! I recommend to have him examined again today. It’s possible the liquid Benadryl is making him throw up. The doctor may recommend to try a tablet instead. The doctor may also want to send him home with some oral steroids and perhaps a medication to stop vomiting. A bland diet for the next 24 hours may also be beneficial. I hope Kai starts feeling better quickly!

A short course of predisone is unlikely to have any adverse effects in an otherwise healthy dog but may be of more risk if she has other, underlying health conditions? It may however reduce the efficacy of the vaccine and limit the protection this gives her against rabies. It would be worth telephoning the clinic to assess the risks and benefits of her particular case if she has a complicated medial history