My dog is limping after his vaccine at Petco. Is this normal?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is very common- swelling and pain at the injection site are normal side effects. If you notice any vomiting, diarrhea, or hives take Auggie to the vet quickly. If it’s just the pain, do not give any over the counter medications but you can apply a cold compress for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times in the next 24 hours then switch to a warm compress if needed. If you feel like he needs something more, contact your vet for pain medications. Good luck and kisses to Auggie!

Usually the pain only lasts a few days. I find massaging the area helps them to feel better, also taking her for several short leash walks usually relaxed the muscle soreness that is probably causing the lameness. If the limp continues more than a few days please bring her in for an exam as that would be unusual from a vaccination and they will want to find the reason for the lameness. Smaller dogs such as Malia often show more discomfort after vaccinations. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Malia.

Not entirely normal but sometimes pain at the injection site can occur. Is he limping on the leg the vaccine was given in? If not, then no. If yes, then maybe. Do you feel anything at the site of injection? Best plan is to call your vet so they can make a note in his record that this occurred and discuss with you if pain medication is needed. If the limp is in a different leg then something else is likely causing the limp which require an exam with your vet. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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

Hello there, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear that Snapple isn't feeling well. It isn't entirely uncommon for dogs to feel sore and puny after a round of vaccines - just like people can. They can cause soreness at the area of injection and mild general malaise, which would explain Snapple's unwillingness to move and whimpering when you try to touch her. This will probably abate over the next day, but if you notice any other symptoms such as swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea, please call your vet as these may indicate a more serious reaction. This is very unlikely as most severe vaccine reactions occur within an hour of the shots, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. If she's still acting puny tomorrow, feel free to call your vet and let them know. They may be able to recommend or prescribe an anti-inflammatory/pain reliever that will make her feel much better. Do not give her anything over the counter as it may not be safe for her. Good luck, and I hope that Snapple gets back on her feet soon!

Maybe the injection has hit a nerve, it can happen sometimes, in such a case your dog might have severe pain in that leg for several days but it will eventually go back to normal. of course he might show this symptoms due to the disease he is treated from as well.

Rocco may be sore at the vaccination site. Do you know did they give the booster vaccine in that back left leg? With animals we give vaccinations under the skin and not in the muscle so it is pretty rare for them to be sore afterwards but it is possible. Some older vets still vaccinate in the muscle in which case they have a higher chance of being sore. Do you know if it was given in the muscle? I suggest you ice the area where the vaccine was given for 5 minutes 2-3 times per day for the next 2 days and let him rest. You can also give BUFFERED aspirin for 2 days ONLY to see if that helps. If he is not improved in two days then get him back tot he vet for a follow-up. You did not mention his weight for me to be able to give you an aspirin dose. If you can't figure it out from this dosing information sheet you are welcome to post again for more help or you can opt for a private consult and we can chat back and forth. ( https://www.petcoach.co/pet-medication/aspirin/ )