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My dog is limping and lethargic after shots. What can I do to help?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 11 years and 10 months old | 65 lbs

Simba (my dog) received vaccinations yesterday (Rabies, Distemper, leptospirosis) and has been limping since. Seems to be a little worse this morning. When feeling around he whimpered when I was feeling around his shoulder on the leg that received the shots. He seems to be more lethargic than normal (lazy dog normally). Should I be concerned? What can I do to help him feel better??

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 3rd, 2019

While you can see some pain after receiving vaccines, it should easy in 24-48 hours. Rest Simba. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to potty on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. Do not feel the area where he got the shots. You can apply a cold compress gently to that area to see if it helps. If he is still this way in the morning, have him seen by a vet.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Published on March 3rd, 2019
I'm sorry to hear that Papo isn't feeling well! Some dogs can experience a bit of lethargy and discomfort at the injection site after vaccinations. You can try applying a warm compress to the sites of his vaccine and microchip administration to see if this helps relieve some discomfort. More serious side effects, such as allergic reactions with facial swelling, hives, vomiting or diarrhea are uncommon, but if he experiences anything along these lines, contact the Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach in San Marcos or an emergency veterinarian. This discomfort should resolve in the next day or two. I hope that Papo is feeling better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

Why is my dog limping and in pain after a recent vaccine shot?

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.

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My dog is limping after his rabies shot. Is this a normal reaction?

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!

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My dog is shaking and limping. What should I do or watch for?

It sounds like Simba was painful if he was favoring one leg. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Best of luck.

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Puppy's leg swollen, painful, lethargic after shots. Is it normal?

Poor Luke! Swelling at the injection site is pretty unusual, but can be very uncomfortable. The swelling can be controlled with anti-inflammatory medication, and should definitely be reported to your vet so they can potentially modify the vaccines Luke gets in the future. In the meantime, you should try to keep Luke comfortable and calm until he can be seen by his vet. I hope all is well!

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Why is my puppy weak in rear legs and lethargic after shots?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Chase. The rabies vaccine is typically given in the right rear leg and leptospirosis in the left rear leg. This can result in muscle soreness in some pets. This could be making him uncomfortable and not wanting to use his rear legs normally. However, labrador puppies are pretty tough. So it is unusual for him to still be so painful. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian again or you seek a second opinion. In the meantime, do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

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Why is my puppy limping, crying, and stumbling after his first shots?

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Why is my dog lethargic and shaking after getting his shots today?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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