Diarrhea after annual shots common?

[Marni and Hanna]

I took Hanna for her annual shots Monday afternoon.  She just turned 4, so she had everything, incl rabies and lepto (1st time she had that one) She was fine Monday evening, a little sleepy, which they mentioned she might be, Tuesday morning and afternoon she seemed fine.  Had a mushy #2 Tuesday afternoon, ate normally Tuesday evening, same food, with a hard boiled egg yolk, like normal, no unusual treats.  Tuesday evening started having diarrhea.  Was up with her 3 times last night.  She walks around hunched over then squats but just a smaller amount of runny stuff. 

Sorry to be so descriptive, but is this normal?  I don't think she had this issue before?  Will it "run its course" in 24 hours or so, or should I be giving her something? 

Any recommendations?

thanks

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It could definitely be a reaction to the vaccines, particularly the lepto vaccine. If so, she should gradually get back to normal within a few days. You may want to call the vet's office and ask if diarrhea is a common side effect. In the meantime, you can try giving her some plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) or plain mashed sweet potatoes with her meals. The extra fiber may help firm up the stools.

In the future, you may want to consider staggering her immunizations rather than giving them all on the same day. It does cost more to do it in separate visits, but it's better for her in the long run. And of course, you will want to ask for the 3 year versions of the rabies vaccine and the core vaccines if you're not already doing that, rather than giving them every year. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

My vet, and I suspect others, do not charge for a visit if you go just for a vaccination.

[Marni and Hanna]

yes, in fact, mine doesn't even charge for the "regular annual physical" if you are a regular customer....just the vaccines. : )

[F, Calla & Luca]

Wow.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I just did a little googling, and it seems diarrhea is a common side effect of the lepto vaccines, particularly the older versions. The newer versions of the lepto vaccines require two shots given a month apart, so if you don;t have to go back for a second shot, she got the older version. 

[Marni and Hanna]

She is on the 3 year rabies and the 3 year of one of the other ones, which I was glad about.  We were wondering if it was a lot all at once, so Ill ask about staggering next time.  I will try the plain canned pumpkin tonight.  I just feel bad for her when she doesn't feel good.  Ill call the vet about the side effects as well. Thanks for your help !!! 

[Marni and Hanna]

She does have an appt to go back in a month for the 2nd lepto booster shot.  Maybe she is just sensitive to it anyways?  I will definitely call the vet though just so they are aware and have it in her records.

[Nala and Cooper]

Sometimes vaccinations can have side effects. These side effects include, in your case, diarrhea, and in other more serious cases, additional vomiting. Usually these are signs that you should call or visit your vetinarian immediately. Though it doesnt guarantee your dog is sick or God forbid caught one of the diseases, its definitely worth looking into. I hope Hanna will feel better!! This is not uncommon so dont even sweat it!

[Marni and Hanna]

I went home at lunch yesterday after also calling the vet, and tried giving Hanna some pumpkin and then some rice, which she wouldn't touch either.  I pulled out the cottage cheese and that did the trick-she then ate everything!  She was definitely better Tuesday evening, napped a lot.  Didn't eat her regular food, but did eat some more pumpkin and cottage cheese.  I only had to get up with her once last night (as opposed to 4 times the night before ) and didn't have to sprint to the door either !  : )  She is not 100% yet, but seems to be headed in the right direction ! : )