Senior Dogs: Caring for Them in Their Golden Years
Biogal Academy | Vaccinating the High Risk Dog (Brochure)
Which dogs are at a higher risk for vaccination complications?
Dogs that may have a higher risk of vaccine-related complications often fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Dogs with autoimmune diseases
- Dogs with immunodeficiency disorders
- Dogs undergoing immunosuppressive treatments
- Dogs with a history of adverse reactions to vaccines
What Are Autoimmune Diseases?
Autoimmune diseases occur when a dog’s immune system mistakenly identifies its own cells or proteins as “foreign invaders” and attacks them. These conditions are relatively rare in dogs, and their exact causes remain unknown.
Some of the most common autoimmune diseases in dogs include:
- IMHA (Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia) – The immune system attacks red blood cells, which carry oxygen. This can lead to weakness, pale gums, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, collapse.
- ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia) – The immune system attacks platelets, which are responsible for blood clotting. As a result, affected dogs may experience bruising and uncontrolled bleeding (haemorrhages).
- Pemphigus Foliaceus – The immune system attacks skin cells, causing cracks, fissures, pustules, scaling, and infections.
What Are Immune Deficiency Diseases?
Immune deficiency diseases occur when a dog’s immune system is weakened or not functioning properly, making them more vulnerable to secondary infections.
These disorders fall into two main categories:
- Primary Immune Deficiency – A rare, inherited condition where part of the immune system fails to develop properly.
- Secondary Immune Deficiency – A more common form caused by various factors, including:
- Viruses (e.g., parvovirus, distemper virus)
- Cancer or chemotherapy
- Certain medications
What Are Immunosuppressive Medications?
Immunosuppressive medications are drugs that weaken the immune system. They are commonly used to treat autoimmune diseases such as IMHA, ITP, atopic dermatitis, and others.
There are different types of immunosuppressive medications, with the most commonly used being:
- Steroids – Frequently prescribed for autoimmune diseases. Their immunosuppressive effects are dose dependent.
- Cyclosporine & Apoquel – These have a milder immunosuppressive effect compared to steroids.
- Chemotherapy- used to treat certain types of cancer.
Vaccinating an Immunocompromised Dog
Currently, there is limited research on the relationship between vaccinations and autoimmune or immunosuppressive diseases. However, because vaccines stimulate and affect the immune system, extra caution is necessary when vaccinating immunocompromised dogs.
How Can We Be More Careful?
- Avoid certain types of vaccines – Live or modified-live vaccines can have a stronger impact on the immune system, so using killed (inactivated) vaccines is often a safer choice.
- Prioritize core vaccines – Core vaccines are essential for all dogs, regardless of location or lifestyle. However, in some cases, certain non-core vaccines may also be important.
- Space out vaccinations – Administer different types of vaccines at least a few weeks apart to reduce immune system stress.
- Delay vaccination when possible – If a dog is undergoing immunosuppressive treatment, it’s best to wait until treatment is completed before vaccinating.
- Check if a booster vaccine is necessary – Using VacciCheck to help determine if a booster is needed, reducing unnecessary vaccinations.
Adverse Reactions to Vaccination
Vaccination stimulates the immune system, so mild reactions are expected and generally not a cause for concern. However, some reactions can be severe and require immediate medical attention.
Normal Reactions:
These mild symptoms usually resolve on their own without treatment:
- Pain at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Lethargy
- Reluctance to play or exercise
- Reduced appetite
- Sneezing (after a nasal vaccine)
Abnormal Reactions (Seek Veterinary Care Immediately):
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Facial swelling
- Hives
- Collapse
- Difficulty breathing
These symptoms may indicate a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, and require urgent veterinary attention.
Vaccinating Dogs with a History of Adverse Reactions
If a dog has previously experienced an adverse reaction to a vaccine, extra precautions should be taken before administering booster shots.
How Can We Be More Careful?
- Inform the Veterinarian – Always notify the veterinarian about any past vaccine reactions before giving a booster shot.
- Space Out Vaccinations – Administer different vaccines separately to minimize immune system stress and help identify which vaccine caused the reaction.
- Premedication – In some cases, the veterinarian may prescribe antihistamines and/or steroids before vaccination to help reduce the risk of a reaction.
- Post-Vaccination Observation – Carefully monitor the dog for several hours after vaccination. This can be done at home (if close to a veterinary clinic) or under medical supervision.
- Severe Reactions (Anaphylactic Shock) – If a dog has had anaphylactic shock from a previous vaccine, vaccination should be avoided whenever possible.
- Check if a Booster vaccine is Necessary – Using VacciCheck to determine if a booster is needed, helping to reduce unnecessary vaccinations.
Checking Antibody Levels with VacciCheck
Is there a way to determine if your dog truly needs a booster vaccine? Yes!
VacciCheck is a simple blood test that measures the levels of antibodies for 3 core viruses- Parvovirus, Distemper virus, and Adenovirus in our dogs.
- If the antibody levels are sufficient, there’s no need to give a booster shot.
- If the levels are low or there are no antibodies, a booster shot is needed.
Including VacciCheck as part of your high-risk dog’s annual vet checkup helps ensure they receive vaccinations only when needed, minimizing unnecessary risks.