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

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.