My dog walking slow after distemper vaccine. Is it a reaction? Will steroid help?

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!

Vaccines can occasionally cause mild lethargy, a slight fever, or pain at the site of the vaccine. If Bear's booster vaccine was given near his backside it is possible that the pain is making him not want to walk and cautious about his back end. I would recommend contacting your veterinarian in the morning - even if Bear seems much better they can note this possible vaccine reaction in his record and potentially prescribe pain medication for him. If he is having difficulty walking, vomits, seems extremely lethargic or develops facial swelling or hives you should see a veterinarian right away as these could be signs of a more serious reaction.

I am So sorry to hear that Pacer is having such a hard time after his vaccines. It sounds like relatively normal reaction, however, it seems as though he is sensitive to this vaccine. For this reason I would call the veterinarian who gave him the vaccine to discuss this fact. It will then be recorded in his medical records and precautions taken when it is given again. You can try a cool compress over the painful area.

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!

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.

Cruz is adorable and looks quite sad for himself! Most vaccine reactions occur within the first few hours of the vaccine, but some can be delayed by up to a week. Delayed reactions are more likely to involve vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. Cruz should go back to his vet because he will likely need a course of steroids and antihistamines to help this issue. Until you can get to the vet, try to tempt him to eat with a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken and white rice. I hope that he feels better soon!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bella. I try to avoid chronic high doses of steroids in dogs whenever possible as there are side effects internally and externally. However, an injection to control a reaction is not something that concerns me if she is not taking other medications. Steroids can interfere with certain drugs. If her veterinarian deams it necessary after seeing her, then I would go ahead and have it administered. Great question!