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Why is my dog stiff, won't jump, and not eating after shots?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cairn Terrier | Female | spayed | 6 years and 1 month old | 14 lbs

Our dog got her annual vaccinations a week ago-rabies, Distemper, and the combo DA2PP. Now she is suddenly reluctant to jump or o up/down stairs, and is walking stiffly. When we tried to take her for a walk she started shivering and panting. The next day she seemed almost back to normal but then today she is off again. She is still eating but much more reluctantly than normal and she isn't finishing all of her food. She is a cairn terrier, 6 years old, 14lbs.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 20th, 2018

I'm sorry Dory isn't doing well at the moment. I don't suspect that her symptoms are related to her getting her vaccines because she received them a week ago. I would expect to see any ill effects to have occurred much sooner. It could be that she is painful for some reason, and arthritis could be a cause. Arthritis can be common in middle aged dogs, and would lead to a reluctance to jump, go up or down stairs, and walk stiffly. Pain also reduces appetite. Give your vet a call in the morning to make an appointment. The vet can diagnose if she is in pain, what's causing it, and can prescribe her pain medications. Please do not give her any human ones, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Rest her tonight, take her out to potty on a leash and bring her right back in when she's done. Best of luck.

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