Okay, so my dog, Buster, he’s a real social butterfly. Loves the dog park, daycare, you name it. Naturally, I wanted to make sure he was protected against kennel cough, so we got him the vaccine. But I’m one of those people who always worries about side effects, so I started digging in. Here’s what my experience was like, and what I learned about how long those side effects might last:
Getting the Vaccine
First things first, we headed to the vet. Buster, of course, was thrilled because he thinks the vet’s office is just a giant playdate. The vet explained that there are a few ways to give the kennel cough vaccine – a shot, a nasal spray, or even an oral one. We opted for the nasal spray, thinking it would be less stressful. (Spoiler: Buster still sneezed like crazy afterward.)
The Waiting Game (and Mild Side Effects)
After the vaccine, the vet warned me that Buster might have some mild side effects for a day or two. She said to watch out for:
- Sneezing: Yep, this definitely happened. Buster sneezed on and off for about 24 hours.
- Coughing: He had a very slight, occasional cough – almost like a little “ahem.” This also lasted about a day.
- Runny nose: Just a little bit of clear discharge. Nothing major.
- Mild lethargy: Buster was a tad less energetic than usual. He still wanted to play, but he tired out a bit quicker. This faded after about 24 hours.
When to Worry
The vet gave me very clear instructions.
The vet was very clear that those mild side effects were normal. But she also told me to call right away if I saw anything more serious, like:
- Difficulty breathing: This is a big one, and thankfully, we didn’t see this at all.
- Severe lethargy: If Buster had been completely out of it, refusing to eat or play, that would have been a red flag.
- Swelling of the face or muzzle: Again, nothing like this happened.
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea: Buster’s tummy was totally fine.
Back to Normal
Honestly, within about 48 hours, Buster was completely back to his old self. He was zooming around the dog park, begging for treats, and generally being a goofball. It was a relief!
My Takeaway
Based on my experience, the kennel cough vaccine side effects were super mild and short-lived. It was definitely worth it for the peace of mind, knowing that Buster’s got some protection against that nasty cough. If you’re on the fence, I’d say talk to your vet, but don’t let the worry about side effects hold you back. Most dogs, like Buster, will be just fine!
