Are multiple vaccines safe for my small dog? What are the risks?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Hello. My two Dachshunds who are brother and sister are due to have their 1 year health check soon at the vets. The vets have said that my dogs will be given kennel cough, DHP, lepto 2. My concern is this is a lot to give a small dog and one who is only just over 1 years old. Should I be concerned? Are side effects possible? Are all of these absolutely necessary? Should I ask for there to be a gap of a few weeks for these to be given, if all necessary. Thank you.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 20th, 2019
For small dogs, I generally do recommend to separate vaccines by a few weeks. This will decrease the chances of a vaccine reaction. You can also give the pups diphenhydramine prior to the vaccines to further decrease reaction rates. Definitely discuss these options with your veterinarian. Possible side effects of vaccines are vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling, lethargy and collapse. If your pups exhibit any of these afterwards, be sure to have them seen immediately. The vast majority of pets are fine with vaccines however and reactions are rare. Most vets vaccinate based up risks associated with life style and the diseases found in your area. I recommend to have a conversation about risk factors for your pups but I suspect they are present if your vet is recommending these vaccines. Clear communication however is always best. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on February 23rd, 2019
This can be a somewhat complicated question as it depends on how many vaccines he is getting at once, which vaccines he is getting and also how cautious the owner and the veterinarian are. Vaccine reactions in general are rare but small breed dogs are more likely to have them than a large breed dog. There are also many different vaccines. Some dogs only get 3 vaccines and some get as many as 5 or 6 depending on where they live and individual life style factors. If there are more than 3 vaccines due at once or if there is a concern for a reaction, I recommend to split vaccines up so not so many are being given at once. Pets can also get diphenhydramine prior to vaccines which can help to further decrease vaccine reactions. That being said, there are many small breed dogs who get more than 3 vaccines at a time and no diphenhydramine and the majority of them still do fine. I recommend to discuss what is the best option for Oscar. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post anymore additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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