My Dog Is Limping on the Front Leg After Rabies and DHPP Shots

There are required vaccinations that dogs need to ward off illness and disease. Sometimes dogs experience side effects from these shots, but they usually pass in time. The benefits of vaccinations far outweigh any temporary side effects.

  1. Core Vaccines

    • Required vaccines, known as core vaccines, are usually given on a yearly basis. The laws regarding these vaccines vary from state to state. Most areas require that DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus) vaccinations be administered yearly starting as early as six weeks old. Dogs should get a rabies shot yearly starting at six months old.

    Leg Symptoms

    • It is not uncommon to see swelling, redness and lameness or limping in the affected leg where your dog was vaccinated. The area may be sensitive and seem warm to the touch. Most often these symptoms will disappear within five days.

    Care

    • If a lump appears around the injection site after five days and your dog is still limping, it is advisable to contact your veterinarian. Sometimes reactions to these shots do not show up immediately or the injection site can be infected and need further veterinary attention.