Why is my dog straining to poop and has back pain after shots?

Hello there, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear that Snapple isn't feeling well. It isn't entirely uncommon for dogs to feel sore and puny after a round of vaccines - just like people can. They can cause soreness at the area of injection and mild general malaise, which would explain Snapple's unwillingness to move and whimpering when you try to touch her. This will probably abate over the next day, but if you notice any other symptoms such as swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea, please call your vet as these may indicate a more serious reaction. This is very unlikely as most severe vaccine reactions occur within an hour of the shots, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. If she's still acting puny tomorrow, feel free to call your vet and let them know. They may be able to recommend or prescribe an anti-inflammatory/pain reliever that will make her feel much better. Do not give her anything over the counter as it may not be safe for her. Good luck, and I hope that Snapple gets back on her feet soon!

Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your question about Chichi! When a dog pees or poops, they often lower their back end towards the ground. This will put extra pressure on the back legs, and that could be why the pain is worse when she poops and pees. Dachshunds are also prone to back problems, and that would also cause increased pain when peeing or pooping. If she isn't getting better, I would recommend taking her back into the vet and having an x-ray done on her spine just to make sure there isn't a problem there as well. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

I'm so sorry that Zeke is painful after his vaccination. Unfortunately, pain at the injection site is a possible side effect of vaccinations and some small dogs tend to become achy and painful all over. I would recommend contacting your veterinarian. There are some prescription pain medications that can be very helpful in decreasing pain and inflammation associated with vaccination. I will typically use Metacam which works very well. You may also ask your veterinarian if Zeke should have pain medication in the future before his vaccinations, so he does not have this problem again. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Zeke feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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.

Thank you for submitting your question Haily. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. She could have a sore anal gland due to an infection or impaction. If this is not the case, she could be constipated or even have arthritis in her hips or lower back making it painful to defecate. Her veterinarian will carefully examine her and determine the source of he problem. From there, treatment can be started to make her more comfortable. I hope this information helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Roki. I would ask your veterinarian to take x-rays of his spine. There are certain changes such as collapsed disc spaces and calcification of intervertebral disc spaces that are consistent disc disease. A dog can be sore from an injection and have swelling in the injection site. This should resolve within 24 hours. I hope this information helps!

Hello, sorry to hear about Rocky. Given he had 5 injections, his bum and legs may be a little sore and he is unwilling to move. However, if he is moving, but dragging his rear legs, then I would have him evaluated by your veterinarian immediately as this could be associated with a severe injury. Alternatively, other causes may include a heavy burden of fleas infection, tick bite, or an immune mediated effect from all of his vaccines. Please have him evaluated if he continues to be unable to walk. Hope thin helps and best of luck.