Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

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

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 5 years and 7 months old

I have a 4yr old Yorkshire. She received her annual DHLPP vaccination today. I brought her home and within 2 hours she wouldn't move. If I tried to pick her up or even touch her she would squeal. I immediately took her back to the vet. They said that it's a reaction to her immunization. I'm still concern because 1. I read it happens in larger dogs.2- It was given on her right back leg. Not understanding why it's effecting everywhere on her body behind her neck. 3. I have a Rx for Rimadyl 25mg.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 27th, 2018

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.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Actually vaccine reactions are much more common in small breed dogs, not large breeds. I don't know where you got that information. The reaction is a systemic hypersensitivity (from the immune system), not a local reaction where the vaccine was given. That is why it is affecting her whole body. Give her any medication the vet prescribed for you. If she is not acting better (or is worse) in the next 12 hours then I would get her back to the vet for more intense treatment. Hope this helps. Best wishes!

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my pet's swollen lump with green patches not getting better?
Is your pet's swollen, green-patched infection still bothering them after treatment? A certified veterinarian discusses proper diagnosis methods like biopsy and FNA.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my 5-week-old chick struggling to walk with splayed legs?
Is your 5-week silkie chick struggling to walk, with splayed legs & curled feet? A board-certified vet explains possible causes like Mareks and what to do next.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

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

Book Now

Sponsored