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Is my puppy's crying, yelping, and sleeping after shots normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 6 days old

My 9 week old puppy has it first injections today and since bring her home has been very wingy crying randomly and yelps like in pain when picked up she has also slept a lot since and has just not been herself at all. Throughout the day she has played eaten and drank normally. Just wanted to establish if this yelping crying is normal and if there's anything I can do thanks for your help

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 30th, 2017

Some puppies can have some mild pain from the injections. You could call your vet and see if he/she could prescribe an anti-inflammatory to help with the discomfort. It usually only lasts for 24-48 hours.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS
Veterinarian
The trip to the vets for first vaccines is stressful, and sometimes the vaccine can make the puppy a little drowsy or sick. I imagine a combination of both of these is making Koko feel a little poorly. As long as she is eating and drinking well I would just keep her really warm and comfy. Let her have some peace and quiet to rest. If she deteriorates call your vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
First of all be assured, this is a common reaction after a vaccination, this usually resolves withing 24 hours but unfortunately there is nothing that you can or need to do regarding this, this will go on it's own.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on August 14th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor baby!

I don't think what Pacer is doing at home is normal. They can sleep a lot after vaccines but crying in pain when he is picked up it not normal. Vaccines can cause pain in some animals after the shot. I recommend you call your vet and ask to pick up a dog safe pain medication. Do not give him any human pain medications as they can interfere with what your Vet may prescribe.

I hope Pacer is back to himself soon!
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why is my puppy whimpering and crying after getting 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 Lily evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Otherwise, Lily will likely start feeling better shortly. Good luck and best wishes!

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My puppy is shaking and yelping after vaccines. Is this normal?

My suspicion is that this is injection-site pain and not a "true" vaccine reaction, however I do know that dogs (especially small ones) can be pretty painful in the limb they were vaccinated in for up to 36 hours afterwards. I wouldn't call it "normal" but we definitely see it - both of my own small dogs were painful after their last lepto vaccine. Because they can be pretty miserable, I would recommend calling your vet and asking if they might dispense a bit of pain relief - perhaps only 2 - 3 days worth - to make sure Ted is comfortable over the weekend. And if you see other more concerning signs - swelling about the head or face, difficulty breathing, vomiting, collapse - take him right into an emergency facility.

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My puppy's arm is sore after shots. Why is he crying and how to help?

Buster is probably just sore at the injection sites. This can be normal in young, small puppies. The soreness will probably pass in the next 24 hours. In the meantime you can try icing the area and see if that helps. If he is still sore after a day or so you may want to call your veterinarian and see if you can pick up some pain medication to help him be more comfortable. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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Health & Wellness

Why is my puppy yelping and crying suddenly after her first vaccines?

You can see some pain where the vaccines were given. Do not give Penelope any human pain relievers, many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. You can try putting a cold compress on the area where she got her vaccines to see if that helps. She should be back to normal within 24 hours, but if she isn't, have her seen by a vet. Best of luck.

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Is my puppy's sleepiness normal after vaccinations, or should I worry?

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.

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My puppy is sore, crying, panting after vaccine. Is it normal?

This type of side effect is not uncommon, pain at the site of the vaccination can be severe but it is usually not considered to be an emergency. if the pain seems to still be severe tomorrow, take her to your vet to get it checked, if your vet judges that the pain is indeed severe he will probably give her a pain killer for a couple days.

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My dog is acting strange and yelping. Is this normal after a vaccine?

You can see some pain after getting vaccines, this is normal. Pali should be back to himself in a day or two. Do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. You can put a cold compress on the area where he got the vaccine to see if that helps.

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