Last Updated on May 9, 2022 by Marco
Is there a specific major leptospirosis vaccine reaction in dachshunds? Is the vaccine risky and is it worth it for your Doxie? Such questions are normal, especially when you realize that the lepto vaccine is not one that’s routinely prescribed for dogs. Why is that? Is it because it’s too risky?
What’s The Risk Of A Leptospirosis Vaccine Reaction In Dachshunds?
The potential side effects of the leptospirosis vaccine in dachshunds can vary but are all highly unlikely. Here’s a quick list of everything you might encounter:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Face swelling
- Hives
- Breathing difficulties
- Swelling at the injection site
- Lethargy
- Appetite loss
- Autoimmune response
- Anaphylactic shock
- A mild fever
- Seizures
Admittedly, many of these seem scary. However, keep in mind that the risks of the more severe of these side effects to a healthy dachshund are basically astronomically low. The more mild reactions such as a temporary swelling at the injection site, vomiting, and diarrhea are much more short-term and tend to pass within a day or two. All in all, there’s a reason why vaccines are recommended despite the risk of occasional side effects.
Learn more about: 9 Main Miniature Dachshund Health Issues You Should Know
Are Dachshunds More At Risk Of A Negative Leptospirosis Vaccine Reaction Than Other Breeds?
By all statistics we’ve found, there isn’t any increased risk of a negative leptospirosis vaccine reaction in dachshunds. That is – in standard dachshunds. Miniature Doxies are believed to be slightly more affected by the side effects of the lepto vaccine.
Is this increased sensitivity major? Compared to medium and larger dog breeds – yes, it’s a noticeable increase in the risk. However, the vaccine sensitivity of miniature dachshunds is on par with that of other small dog breeds like the Boston terrier, the pug, miniature pinschers, Chihuahuas, and others.
So, if you have a 30-pound (14 kg) healthy standard dachshund you shouldn’t expect any major health risks from the lepto vaccine. If you have a miniature dachshund or a dog with certain health predispositions, a more in-depth conversation with your vet may be a good idea.
All in all, however, the lepto vaccine is considered safe for all dog breeds. This can seem suspicious from a certain point of view given that the lepto vaccine isn’t among the routinely recommended ones. It’s intuitive to think that this is because there’s something wrong with it when that’s not the case.
When Should You Vaccinate Your Dachshund Against Leptospirosis?
Some pet vaccines are prescribed routinely while others, like the leptospirosis vaccine, are not. The lepto vaccine is among the latter but that’s not because of some major negative leptospirosis vaccine reaction in dachshunds and other dogs. Instead, it’s simply because the lepto vaccine isn’t often necessary.
Leptospirosis is a parasite, one commonly found in rat urine, in contaminated waters, and in the urine of other infected dogs or cats. As a parasite, leptospirosis can be more or less present in your environment.
For example, if you live in a big city with an ever-present sewer rat population, chances are that leptospirosis is a risk for your dog. So, getting in contact with garbage bins (sniffing, digging, etc.), swimming in the town’s lake, or even interacting with other dogs in the park can increase the chances of getting infected with leptospirosis.
Vice versa, if there aren’t many pests in your area and/if your dog is an indoorsy breed like the dachshund, then the risks of leptospirosis are lower and vaccination isn’t as needed.
In general, the simple tip is to just listen to your vet. They should know whether leptospirosis is common in your area and vaccination is recommended. If it is, it’s best to do what your vet recommends. If your dog gets infected with leptospirosis because you didn’t want to vaccinate it, this can mean a long course of intensive antibiotics and hospitalization in an intensive care veterinary clinic. What’s more, if your dog is infected, it can infect you and your family too if you come in contact with its urine.
So, as long as you’ve found a good vet you can trust, just follow their advice regarding the leptospirosis vaccine.
Read more about Dachshund Shaking And Lethargic Mood – 18 Possible Causes
FAQs
Is the lepto vaccine safe for dachshunds?
The leptospirosis vaccine is considered generally safe for dachshunds. Miniature Doxies seem to experience side effects a bit more often than Standard Doxies but in both cases, the vaccine is recommended if your dog is at risk of catching leptospirosis. This risk is generally assessed based on your dog’s habits and whether or not there have been leptospirosis outbreaks in the area recently.
If the risks of leptospirosis are low, chances are that your vet won’t bother recommending the lepto vaccine for your dog. If the risk of infection is too significant, however, the side effects of the vaccine are rare and safe enough to be worth it.
What are the side effects of the leptospirosis vaccine for dogs?
The standard expected side effects of leptospirosis vaccine in dogs include:
• Breathing difficulties
• Swelling at the injection site
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Face swelling
• Hives
• Lethargy
• Discomfort
• Temporary loss of appetite
• A mild fever
• Collapse
• Anaphylactic shock
• Seizures
• Autoimmune responses
Do keep in mind that all of these are very rare, even in miniature dachshunds who are generally more at risk of vaccine side effect reactions than standard dachshunds or other dogs.
How long do leptospirosis vaccine side effects last?
One or two days is the expected timeframe for most side effects of the leptospirosis vaccine in dogs. In many cases, it’s even less than a day before the dog is back to its normal safe. Your vet should give you more detailed information and timeframe based on your dog’s medical history. Your vet will also know best if the vaccine is recommended or unrecommended for your particular pet based on its health and condition.
Can lepto vaccine cause seizures in dogs?
It can but such cases are extremely rare. A good vet should know which dog breeds are more or less prone to such an adverse reaction to the vaccination and should also be aware of your dog’s general health and predispositions. So, if a good and informed vet recommends you the lepto vaccine, the rule of thumb is to just trust the expert and follow their advice.
Jordan is an animal–lover who specializes in dachshunds. He has owned and cared for dachshunds since he was a child, and his passion for these unique dogs has only grown with time. Jordan is an avid researcher and learner, and spends a large portion of his free time studying the history, behaviour, and health of dachshunds. He has a knack for training and socializing his own dogs, and loves introducing them to new experiences. When not caring for his own pets, Jordan likes to volunteer at local animal rescue shelters, helping to find homes for abandoned dachshunds. He is a true animal advocate, and dedicates his time to ensure that all animals receive the love, respect, and care they deserve.
