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It’s natural for puppies to yelp after getting vaccinated. They may also be lethargic and refuse to eat or drink, but this is all part of the healing process.
By understanding why puppies yelp after getting vaccinated, you can help make them more comfortable and ease their transition into post-vaccination life.
We’ve all heard it: If you get your dog vaccinated, he or she will yelp after the vaccination. We will look at the most common reasons why puppies yelp following vaccination, and what you can do to help your puppy feel better in the meantime.
Table Of Contents
Why Puppy Yelping After Vaccination
let’s explain why puppy yelping after vaccination is a thing, starting with a puppy’s natural reaction to needles.
Puppies are born with a natural fear of needles, and this is why they yelp when they get vaccinated. Yelping is their way of expressing their fear and discomfort.
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In addition to the fear of needles, puppies may also yelp because:
1. Pain at the injection site
Puppies may yelp because of pain or discomfort at the injection site. This is most likely with vaccinations that are given intramuscularly (into the muscle), such as the distemper/parvo vaccine. The needles used for these vaccines are larger than those used for subcutaneous (under the skin) vaccinations, and they can cause some soreness.
2. Stress of the vaccination itself
Puppies may yelp because of the stress of being vaccinated. This is more likely with puppies who are resistant to being handled or who have a fear of needles. The yelping maybe a puppy’s way of expressing his fear or anxiety.
3. Other causes
There are other potential causes of puppy yelping after vaccination, such as an allergic reaction to the vaccine itself. This is rare, but if you notice your puppy having difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or neck, or hives, get him to the vet immediately.
What to Do if Your Puppy Experiences Excessive Yelping After Getting Vaccinated
There are several things you can do to help your puppy feel better after getting vaccinated:
1. Offer a comforting presence
If your puppy is yelping because of fear or stress, offer a calm and reassuring presence. Stay with him during the vaccination and offer gentle petting and words of encouragement.
2. Apply a cold pack
If your puppy is yelping because of pain at the injection site, you can apply a cold pack to help ease the soreness. Wrap the cold pack in a towel and place it on the injection site for 10-15 minutes at a time.
3. Give him time to adjust
It’s normal for puppies to be a little off-kilter after getting vaccinated. They may be tired and listless, and they may not have much of an appetite. Give your puppy some time to adjust and he will likely be back to his normal self in a day or two.
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4. Check for other signs of discomfort
As mentioned, there are other potential causes of puppy yelping after vaccination, such as an allergic reaction. If you notice your puppy having difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or neck, or hives, get him to the vet immediately.
What Can I Give My Dog For Pain After vaccinating?
There are a few things you can give your dog for pain after vaccinating:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
- Aspirin
Do not give your puppy any of these medications without first talking to your veterinarian. They will be able to recommend the best pain reliever for your puppy based on his age, weight, and health history.
When Should I See the Vet After My Puppy Has Been Vaccinated?
It’s always a good idea to talk to your vet after your puppy has been vaccinated, even if everything seems fine. They can answer any questions you have and help you troubleshoot if your puppy is having any problems.
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Additionally, you should see the vet if your puppy is experiencing any of the following after getting vaccinated:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face or neck
- Hives
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Refusal to eat or drink
These could all be signs of a more serious reaction and your puppy will need to be seen by a vet right away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Dog Behavior Change After Vaccination?
It’s not uncommon for dogs to experience a behavior change after vaccination. This is usually due to the stress of the vaccination itself and should only be temporary. If your puppy is experiencing a more significant or prolonged behavior change, talk to your vet.
How Do I Know if My Dog Had Reactions to His Vaccination?
There are a few signs that may indicate your dog had a reaction to his vaccination: difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or neck, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and refusal to eat or drink. If you notice any of these signs, take your puppy to the vet right away.
What Are the Side Effects of Vaccinating My Dog?
The most common side effect of vaccinating your dog is a sore injection site. This is usually only temporary and can be eased with a cold pack. Other potential side effects include lethargy, decreased appetite, and behavior changes. These side effects are usually mild and should resolve within a few days. If you’re concerned about any of the side effects your dog is experiencing, talk to your vet.
What Can I Give My Puppy for Pain After Vaccinating?
You can talk to your vet about giving your puppy over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do not give your puppy any medication without first talking to your vet.
Do Puppies Feel Unwell After Vaccination?
It’s normal for puppies to feel a little unwell after getting vaccinated. They may be tired and listless, and they may not have much of an appetite. Give your puppy some time to adjust and he will likely be back to his normal self in a day or two.
Where and When Do Puppies Get Shots?
Puppies usually get their shots at the vet. Your puppy will need a series of vaccinations starting at around 8 weeks old. The vet will likely recommend booster shots every 3-4 weeks until your puppy is 16 weeks old.
Conclusion
If you’re new to puppy parenting, it’s important to be aware of the normal reactions your puppy may have after getting vaccinated. Vaccinations can cause puppies to yelp, act lethargic, and refuse food and water.
However, these symptoms are usually mild and short-lived. By understanding why puppies yelp after getting vaccinated, you can help make them more comfortable and ease their transition into post-vaccination life.
