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My puppy has diarrhea after shots. Is it a vaccine reaction?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Our 5 month old husky has been having diarrhea after his last set of parvo shots & he also got the rabies shot. He has been having diarrhea for 4 days

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on December 23rd, 2014

It could be a reaction. A dog can have vaccine reactions at any point in life. Reactions usually occur within 24-48 hours after vaccination. For the diarrhea, withhold food for 12-24 hours then feed a bland diet (plain, boiled boneless chicken and plain white rice) in small, frequent amounts until the stool is normal. Transition slowly to the regular diet. If t doesn't resolve, see your veterinarian. In the future, separate the vaccines to determine which vaccine caused the reaction. Your veterinarian can pretreat with an antihistamine to avoid reactions. Call your veterinarian and report the possible reaction.

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56Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 4th, 2019

    Vaccination and side effects like diarrhoea are possible and should be transient and self limiting. As a first approach I would suggest to start feeding with a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice in small portion every 6 hours for the following 48hours. Then gradually reintroduce the normal diet over 5 days. I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist or you notice vomiting, lethargy or inappetence. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on September 11th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Possible side effects after vaccines include pain at the injection site, lethargy, inappetence, vomiting, diarrhea and general discomfort. This should subside within 1-3 days. If it does not improve or it worsens, have Gracie evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Otherwise, Gracie will likely start feeling better shortly if this is due to the vaccine. Good luck and best wishes!

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 27th, 2020

    Usually a vaccine reaction happens within 24 hours after the vaccine so I doubt her symptoms are related to that. I do suggest you take her to the vet for an exam so you can get a diagnosis and some treatment.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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