Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My puppy hurts after vaccinations. Is hind leg pain normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd - miniature | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 3 days old | 7 lbs

My mini Australian Shepherd got his 14 weeks booster shoots along with a influenza and leptospirosis shot he now seems to be in pain when i pick him up pain seems directed towards is lower back/ hind legs. Is this normal?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on August 1st, 2018

I'm so sorry that Zeke is painful after his vaccination. Unfortunately, pain at the injection site is a possible side effect of vaccinations and some small dogs tend to become achy and painful all over. I would recommend contacting your veterinarian. There are some prescription pain medications that can be very helpful in decreasing pain and inflammation associated with vaccination. I will typically use Metacam which works very well. You may also ask your veterinarian if Zeke should have pain medication in the future before his vaccinations, so he does not have this problem again.
Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Zeke feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on July 16th, 2018
I'm so sorry that Twilight is so painful after his vaccination. Unfortunately, pain at the injection site is a possible side effect of vaccinations and some small dogs tend to become achy and painful all over. It sounds like Twilight's reaction is quite severe, so I would recommend contacting your veterinarian. There are some prescription pain medications that can be very helpful in decreasing pain and inflammation associated with vaccination. I will typically use Metacam which works very well. You may also ask your veterinarian if Twilight should have pain medication in the future before his vaccinations, so he does not have this problem again.
Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Twilight feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog's whole body hurts after vaccine. Is this a normal reaction?

This can affect any size dog. Little very loved dogs tend to show pain more than others. The more one feels sorry for them and tells them "poor baby" the more they yelp. This is because they are very clever and figure out it is a great way to get attention. They are in pain, no doubt, but tend to dramatize it a bit more than the big dogs. Pain in the leg from vaccination can sort of spread to the rest of the body. THere are nerves everywhere and some nerves sympathize with others. This is not unusual. Rimadyl is an antiinflammatory which will alleviate a lot of the pain, if not all. Depending on the weight of your dog you need to give it exactly as prescribed by your vet. The pain should subside fairly quickly and overall you should not need to give it any longer than prescribed. Overall, not a nice side effect, but not unusual, and manageable.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy is limping and crying after his vaccines. Is it 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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is twitching and has weak legs after booster shot. Normal?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy is sore after vaccine. What helps pain between shoulders?

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Bruno is such a cute pup! I am sorry he is painful. The pain is likely from the vaccine if you gave it in-between his shoulder blades. I would recommend calling your regular veterinarian for an anti-inflammatory medication or you can wait a day and see if the pain subsides. I would not give any over the counter human medication as it could have adverse side effects. Good luck and I hope bruno feels better!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

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

It is possible that the injection site is hurting a bit. We inject about 1cc under the skin and sometimes a dog reacts a bit sensitive to the vaccine. This is just a temporary effect and the pain should go away within 48 hours. Sometimes there is a swelling and that should also go away within about 48 hours. If the pain and/or swelling persists you will have to take Guss to a vet to have it examined, as in very rare cases the pet can get an injection abscess that would then need to be lanced,

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is it normal for my puppy to be sore and not walk after shots?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share