sore dog after shots

Question
HI.
So my girlfriend is upset. I told her that it is normal for a dog to be sore after there shots. This is a 3 yo, male, 7 lb pom. He had his vaccinations today and also some blood drawn.  This took place around noon.  Now the dog is every sore in his auxiliary "arm pits" to the point where he snaps at her when she tried to lift him.  the dog shoes no signs of soreness but does show signs when he goes down the stairs.  Any ideas why the shot made him sore? is it from the vet tech's holding the dog down for the shot/blood draw?  

Answer
It is fairly typical for a dog to be sore after getting vaccines, especially small dogs.  Generally the soreness is isolated to where the vaccines were given, so if he was given shots in both shoulders, that can certainly explain why he is snapping at her when she tries to pick him up.  I don't believe the soreness is from the tech holding the dog down, unless the dog was being uncooperative and he kept pushing against her.  But I think he would have really had to have been difficult for that to be the case.  You should contact your vet to let them know so they can mark it in his file that vaccines make him sore.  You can also ask them if you can give the dog some aspirin for the soreness, as well as instructions about possible giving it before the vaccines next time.  Generally any discomfort dissipates within a day or two.

Amanda