Some dogs experience limping as part of an adverse reaction to vaccines.
Vaccines are available for dogs and puppies, just like they are for humans. Vaccines can help protect your dog against potentially life threatening diseases. There is a small risk your dog could experience an adverse reaction to a vaccine that can result in pain or limping, so be sure to discuss the dangers and benefits of vaccines with your veterinarian.
Dog Vaccinations
Vaccines are important tools you can use to help protect your dog's health now and in the future. When your dog is vaccinated against a disease, your veterinarian injects him with an antigen. This antigen resembles the disease, but will not make your dog ill. Your dog's immune system reacts to the antigen as though it is the disease, creating antibodies to fight it. If your dog is exposed to the disease in the future, he will either not get sick or experience a mild case of the sickness, states the ASPCA.
Core Vaccines
Your veterinarian will tell you which vaccines your dog should have. The requirements vary according to your location, your dog's activities and state laws, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Vaccinations to protect against rabies, parvovirus, distemper and hepatitis are recommended for most dogs in the United States. If your dog is often around other dogs, either in shows or in kennels while being boarded, you might want to vaccinate him against kennel cough as well.
Adverse Reactions
According to "The Complete Healthy Dog Handbook," about 38 out of every 10,000 dogs vaccinated will experience an adverse reaction to the vaccination. Adverse reactions include fever, lack of appetite and intestinal problems such as diarrhea, swelling and pain near the injection site and lameness. The most serious reaction to a vaccine is anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal if not treated right away. These symptoms usually show up within 72 hours of the vaccination being administered.
Treatment
If your dog is limping after receiving a vaccination, then he is probably experiencing pain from the injection site. Keep an eye on your dog for the next two days. Most adverse reactions to vaccination clear up within a couple days. If your dog continues limping or if it becomes lethargic and does not eat, contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can prescribe pain medication if necessary while your dog recovers.
Considerations
To protect your dog's health, it is a good idea to schedule vaccinations so that you will be able to keep an eye on him afterwards so you will know if he experiences an adverse reaction. If you are concerned about the schedule of vaccinations and boosters that your veterinarian recommends, you might be happier working with someone different. Each veterinarian's recommended schedule is different.
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