My puppy yelps when picked up after shots; what should I do? There is absolutely nothing to be worried about; read on to know more.
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Puppy owners are always worried about the side effects of their cute little puppy when it comes time to take shots or vaccines. The trip to a veterinary doctor and adding a shot to the mix is an entirely new experience for the puppy that may scare them.
If your puppy yelps when picked up after shots, let me tell you that it’s completely normal. You need to understand that vaccines are essential for your pet as they protect your puppy from various dreadful diseases like rabies and parainfluenza.
Your puppy yelping after vaccination is not a major concern. But if you observe any serious side effects after taking the vaccine, you should contact your veterinary doctor.
Your puppy may feel uncomfortable for a few hours or one day. So you must make your puppy comfortable and make them rest after taking the vaccine.
My Puppy Cries When Picked Up After Shots, What Can Be The Reason?
Let us be honest. Whenever you take your baby for a vaccine, they cry a lot as it is very painful for them. Similarly, your puppy also expresses its discomfort by yelping after taking shots.
They may yelp when you pick them or while moving around here and there. Your puppy may cry sitting in a corner or while taking a nap, and when they wake up, they start crying once again. These are common signs, and you don’t need to panic about them.
Why Are Vaccines Painful?
Your puppy feels uncomfortable because the vaccine does its work on the body of your puppy. The vaccine strengthens the immune system by producing antibodies in a puppy’s body without causing the actual disease.
But the production of antibodies produces biochemicals that can increase the temperature of the body of your puppy. Sometimes, it can even cause inflammation. So your puppy may cry after you pick them after shots.
Anxiety And Nervousness
Again, going to the veterinary doctor is a new experience for your puppy. Your little puppies are not acquainted with it, which makes them anxious all the way. Taking a vaccine may make your puppy frightened too. So, after coming home, the memory of taking an injection may make them cry all day.
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Swelling
Some puppies may cry because they will have swelling on the injection site, which is very painful. Other puppies will cry even if the injection has not hurt them. Yet other puppies will not cry at all and remain silent after taking the vaccine.
They suffer the pain silently. Each puppy will have a different reaction after taking the vaccine because the immune system varies from one puppy to another.
These all things are normal signs after taking shots, even if it breaks your heart. Your puppy will be absolutely fine within a couple of days after taking the vaccine.
What Are The Other Side Effects In A Puppy After Taking Shots?
Yelping is a common sign after taking the vaccine. But in addition to yelping, your puppy may have few other mild side effects after taking shots. The side effects are as follows
- Sneezing
- Itchiness
- Slight Fever
- Loss of Appetite
- Vomiting
- Wet nose
- Cough
- Swelling
- A lump on the injection site
These side effects are normal, and you may observe any of these side effects on your puppy for the next two to three days after vaccination. Well, you need to monitor your puppy by keeping the following things in your mind.
- The temperature of the body of your puppy should be within 99-102-degree Fahrenheit.
- The heart should beat 60-100 times for large breed puppies, whereas for small breeds, the heart rate should be 100-140 bpm.
- The breathing rate of your puppy should be within 15-20 times per minute.
When Should You Worry About Your Puppy Yelping?
It’s normal to have few mild side effects in your puppy after taking the vaccination. But if the symptoms continue for more than three days, then you need to visit your veterinary doctor.
If you observe the following symptoms in your puppy immediately after taking shots, it is a major concern.
- Swelling on puppy’s face
- Your puppy may feel extremely weak.
- Rashes on the skin of the puppy
- If your puppy vomits persistently
- Difficulty in breathing
- If your puppy loses consciousness
- Repeated Diarrhoea
Let me reassure you that these symptoms are rarely found. The immunity of each species of puppy differs. So, the reaction after taking shots will vary.
Therefore, if you observe the symptoms above, that could be a sign of an allergic reaction. So, you need to call your veterinary doctor.
Well, it is not possible to know which shot your puppy is allergic to before you observe any reaction on their body. So there is no way to prevent these symptoms from happening. But I would reiterate that these symptoms are very rare. So you should not be worried about it.
Why Is My Puppy Lethargic After Taking Shots?
It’s normal for a puppy to be lethargic after taking shots because the puppy’s body is fighting with the vaccine. So their body becomes weak, or their energy level is reduced for two to three days.
You may find your puppy sitting in one corner of the room or will not play or move around here and there. Well, these things are normal, and you should not worry about them.
What Can You Do So That Your Puppy Will Feel Better After Taking Shots?
A puppy may show some signs of mild discomfort after taking shots. So, you have to make your puppy feel better for the next couple of days. Your puppy needs cuddling and comfort after taking shots. So if your puppy buries its head on you, then you need to allow your puppy to do it.
Again, make their bed or crate as comfortable as possible so that they can take rest properly. Try to put their favorite toys inside the crate so that the puppy will be helpful. You can keep food and water in the same room, so they don’t have to look here and there in the house for food.
If you observe any redness or swelling on the injection site, you can place some ice cubes on the particular area to feel comfortable. If it pains more, call your veterinary doctor and ask about any painkiller or any medicine to heal the pain.
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What Helps A Puppy With Pain After Shots?
If you want to give your puppy any pain relief medication after vaccination, you need to consult your veterinary doctor first. They will tell you whether it is safe or not to give medicine to your puppy or not.
Most veterinary doctors recommend aspirin for puppies. So, you should never give your doctor any anti-inflammatory drugs to your puppies after taking shots.
The correct dose for aspirin is usually 10-25 mg per pound of the dog’s body weight. Since you will give medicine to the puppy, it’s wise to start with a low dosage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it is normal for a puppy to hurt after shots?
Yes, it’s normal for a puppy to hurt after shots. Your puppy may show several signs of discomfort like pain and swell in the injection site, mild fever, lethargy, and others. But it will continue only for 24-36 hours, and after that, your cute little puppy will be back to normal.
Is it normal for my puppy to have a lump after shots?
Yes, it is normal. When a vaccine is injected into the skin or muscles of a puppy, it is likely to form a bump on the injection site. The lump will remain for a day or two, and then the puppy will be back to normal.
But if you observe any redness on the lump or find that the swelling is painful for your puppy, you can apply ice over it. Your puppy will feel better within a short time.
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Do puppies feel unwell after vaccination?
Dogs usually feel unwell after vaccination. They may have mild symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, mild fever, loss of appetite, crying, or mild cough with a runny nose. Well, these all signs are temporary and may continue only for 24-36 hours.
Wrap Up
Vaccines for puppies are designed in such a way that they will not be painful for puppies. But some puppies may have mild side effects or yelp after taking the vaccine. But these are normal signs.
The side effects of the vaccine may continue for 24-36 hours after taking shots. You don’t need to worry too much about your puppy.
I hope this article has given you some helpful information regarding the vaccination of puppies. Anyways, don’t forget to share your suggestions or how your puppy’s reaction after taking the vaccine in the comment section. And if you use any of the tips and tricks that we shared in our article, please share your experience so that our other readers can benefit from it as well.
Happy Training!