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Dog sore, barely moving after vaccines. Is this normal? How to help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 4 months old

Help! I took my dog Lexi to the vet today for her vaccines. She got the parvo and rabies vaccines. We got home and she wouldn’t walk correctly, when I touched her near her butt where she got the shots, she cried so loud. I went back to the vet and the nurse said it’s normal due to the shots & she recommended baby benedryl (I didn’t buy it). We are home and she doesn’t really do anything, barely even moves. Is this actually normal? If it is, how can I help her? What can I buy to reduce pain?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on April 2nd, 2019

Hi there. Yes, it's normal for dogs to be sore and lay around for a day or two after getting vaccinations - just like human kids! There is nothing over-the-counter that is safe to give dogs for pain, but you could call your veterinarian in the morning to ask about prescribing an anti-inflammatory med for her for a few days if she still seems pretty sore. For tonight, I would recommend just leaving her alone to rest. Most dogs are back to normal within a few days :)

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    Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 3rd, 2019

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Soreness and lethargy are common side effects from a vaccine. They are not reactions. I would try applying a cold compress over the site for 10-15 minutes every 6-8 hours as needed. If she won’t let you, just leave her alone. It should pass in about 24 hours. Please do not give any over the counter medications as there isn’t anything safe to give pets. Good luck and kisses to Mia!

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    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 11th, 2017

    The site where the vaccine was given can definitely be sore afterwards. It is not advised to give any medication, because the soreness usually goes away within a day or two. You can help by gently massaging the area and placing ice over it for 20 minutes twice a day. Most likely she will be back to normal soon.

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    Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 1st, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Soreness after vaccines is very common. I would use a cold compress on the areas where she got the vaccines for about 10 minutes at a time every few hours. I would also let her rest and not run around. She should be more comfortable by morning. If not, contact your vet for some anti-inflammatories. Please do not give anything over the counter as most things are not safe for dogs. Good luck and kisses to Lola!

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