Vaccinations, Reactions and Groomers

From LoveToKnow Dogs

When vaccinations, reactions and groomers collide, you've got a problem on your hands. What can you do when your groomer insists your dog get its boosters?

Vaccination

Visitor Question About Vaccinations, Reactions and Groomers

I have an eleven-year-old Toy Poodle. A few years ago she collapsed and had trouble breathing after receiving her boosters and rabies vaccination. She ended up at the emergency vet's and had to spend the night. I have not had her vaccinated again since then.

We usually take her to the dog groomer, but they are asking for her vaccinations to be brought up to date before they'll see her again. I'm scared. I almost lost her the last time, and it cost me over $1500.00.

What do you suggest?

~~ Ccruzin

Expert Reply

Hello,

I have a couple of suggestions for you to consider.

Let's begin by addressing the reaction to the vaccinations. Since your dog had such a reaction to the last set of shots, you could ask your vet if she can receive separate vaccinations spaced out over a period of a couple weeks instead of giving her a single combination shot.

Many vets are willing to give boosters on an altered schedule to dogs that have had reactions in the past. If your current vet doesn't want to do this, call around to find a vet who is willing.

Now, let's talk about your grooming dilemma. I think it would be useful to explain to your current groomer what happened to your dog the last time she received her boosters, and ask if they would wave the requirement. You could even offer to be the last appointment of the day, before they clean the shop for the night.

If that doesn't work out, check with your vet's office to find out if they have a groomer on staff. If so, maybe it would be better to have your dog groomed there where they understand the circumstances you're working with.

Hopefully these suggestions will help resolve your situation. Thanks for your question.

~~ Kelly.

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Comments

Hi Rebecca,

Sometimes a puppy will get a mild case of one of the viruses she is being vaccinated for. Under most cir...stances, this usually passes on its own as the immune system learns how to fight the virus. However, since your pup is a Chihuahua, I recommend you call your vet to discuss what's happening. Chihuahuas are extremely delicate, so it's best to watch them closely whenever illness strikes.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I do hope your pup will be alright.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My 11 week old chihuahua just got her second round of shots and is vomitting and shaking...is that normal?

-- Contributed by: rebecca

Hi Diane,

Some dogs find a session at the groomer's very stressful, and it can take a day to wind down. You can help your dog work off some of that stress by taking her for a nice walk so she can release some of that energy and settle into a better frame of mind. If you think your dog is really more stressed than you would normally expect, don't be afraid to ask your groomer how well your dog cooperates during grooming, and how the groomer handles it if your dog misbehaves. The discussion might be very enlightening.

As for the scooting, your dog might feel some discomfort if the groomer expressed the anal glands. Some groomers do this as a matter of routine while others only do it by request. Ask your groomer if he/she performs this service for you dog, and feel free to ask that person to discontinue it if you want to.

Thanks for your questions. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly
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