My stray dog is lethargic after vaccination. Is this normal behavior?

I'm so sorry that Buddy isn't feeling well after his vaccinations. I would certainly recommend calling your vet to discuss his side effects and decide if he needs to be seen or not. When we give a vaccination, the stimulation of the immune system can cause an inflammatory process that can result in some joint or muscle soreness. Some dogs will also be lethargic and can run a fever. These side effects will generally resolve within 1-2 days, but sometimes we will recommend giving medications to make the pets feel better in the meantime, so I would recommend discussing it with your vet. For the future, I generally will only give one vaccination at a time to dogs that have the potential to have vaccine reactions to minimize the potential for this to happen again. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Buddy feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi. It is normal to be lying around after vaccines. He may bring sore and lethargic. I'm not sure why he is growling, unless he just wanting to be left alone from being sore. He would need to be seen if there is vomiting, hives, swelling, or trouble breathing. Good luck

I'm sorry to hear that Lettie is not feeling like her usual self! It should be noted that even normal puppy vaccines can lead to some side effects such as lethargy (decreased activity, tiredness), swelling or tenderness around the injection site and even mild nausea (possibly the drooling). That being said, rarely dogs can undergo an allergic reaction to vaccines which often show up as vomiting, collapse, and swelling of the face or other limbs. If these have been observed she should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. In regards to the safety of administering the Heartguard and Nexgard along with the vaccines, it is standard protocol to begin these preventative medications at this time and are safe to give to a puppy of Lettie's age. The most important thing going forward is to continue to monitor Lettie for any worsening or changing of her clinical signs. For example, if she starts to vomit becomes even more tired or lethargic, continues to want to eat or do anything after more than a day, or even have swelling around her face then she needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Puppy's getting sleepy after their shots is a normal reaction to vaccinations. They can also have a low grade fever and/or one bout of vomiting/diarrhea normally that are no cause for concern. The concern arises when your pet is severely lethargic, not eating, non-responsive, pale gums, or excessive vomiting/diarrhea. If you notice any of these symptoms then it is best to take puppy to a vet asap for immediate care, because a mores serious vaccine reaction is occurring at that point.

Sometimes vaccines can cause dogs to feel a bit groggy, a bit like a person getting their inoculations. However it doesn't tend to be that pronounced. Dogs are very sensitive to new environments and stress so so wouldn't be surprised if a lot of it is down to the changes occurring. Whilst he is eating and drinking normally I wouldn't worry too much. However if he deteriorates or dies not return to his usual self in a few days it would be best to get him examined.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Possible side effects after vaccines include pain at the injection site, lethargy, inappetence and general discomfort. This should subside within 1-2 days. If it does not improve or it worsens, have Boomer evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Otherwise, Boomer will likely start feeling better shortly. Good luck and best wishes!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Morty. He may be painful at the injection site from his vaccine. I would contact his veterinarian in the morning if his symptoms persist. The vaccines can produce lethargy as well. In the meantime, keep him quiet and separate from the other dogs to allow him to rest. I hope this information helps!