My puppy is sore, crying, panting after vaccine. Is it normal?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Alaskan Klee Kai | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 4 days old | 6.4 lbs
My 3 month old Alaskan Klee Kai had her 2nd round of vaccinations today at 3:30. She seemed pretty sore at the injection site, a couple hours after. She woke up at midnight crying and panting. I let her out of her crate to drink water and it's been about an hour and she's sleeping again, just restlessly and still breathing quickly. Should we call on call vet or is this normal? Thank you!
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on November 13th, 2017
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 28th, 2019
Aww, poor Katie! Some pets can be a little sore at the injection site after vaccination, and the amount of soreness/ sensitivity can vary from one dog to another, just as some people can be a bit more sensitive to vaccines than others. You can try icing the area for 10 minutes at a time 3 times as day. If Katie is still sore in the morning, I recommend you call your vet, as they may recommend some pain medication to help her feel better. Your vet may also recommend pain medication prior to her next round of vaccines to help reduce the risk of soreness. Pain medications meant for humans can be very dangerous (and even deadly) for dogs, so I do not recommend giving any to your pup without consulting with your vet. If you notice any facial swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing, make sure to have Katie seen by a vet right away, as that could indicate an allergic reaction, although what you are describing sounds more like just a little tenderness at the injection site, which can be normal.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 7th, 2016
No worries. Pets are normally sore for the first 24 hrs following vaccinations. Just avoid touching the area and do a cold compress for 5 mins if tolerated. And the swelling (if a small bump) is the vaccine contents under the skin, this will go down gradually within the next couple of weeks.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 24th, 2019
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is normal to have a bubble at the site of the injection. If Mack seems painful when you touch it I would apply an ice pack to the area for about 10 minutes 3-4 times today. It should go away in the next couple of days. If the lump is there tomorrow use a warm (not hot) compress. Good luck and kisses to Mack!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 23rd, 2018
Sometimes after vaccinations dogs can be sore from them. They can also get a localized reaction which can feel like a lump where the vaccination was given. I would call your veterinarian and explain your concern. They can prescribe an anti-inflammatory for him and can evaluate the lump to see if it is a localized reaction. This is not an emergency unless he is in a severe amount of pain so you can wait until your regular veterinarian opens tomorrow. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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