We got Gaia her rabies vaccine on Sunday. Today she is curled up next to me on the couch, which she doesn't normally do, at least not for extended periods. She also just seems to have a general lack of energy, and just looks like she isn't feeling 100%. I called they vet, and they said that lethargy is fairly common in the first 24 hours after the vaccine, and that since it's been a couple of days, this probably isn't related to the vaccine. They said to keep an eye on her and bring her in if she continues this way.

I guess my question is, do huskies just occasionally have mopey periods? Maybe she's just being affectionate because she knows I'm not feeling well, I don't know lol.

It seems to be pretty normal for this to happen after a rabies vaccine.  After Link's last rabies shot he was very lethargic and got really sick.

The vets won't tell you this and it isn't really PC to say it but if you study vaccines and really understand how/why they work, they create illness in the body and weaken the immune system. Vets will always, always refuse any correlation to post-vaccine sickness or behavioral changes to the vaccine.

Rabies, of all the puppy vaccines, seems to be the most harsh and in our personal experience is the only one that creates a noticeable, overt reaction in our dog.  

Good luck.  Chances are very good that in a few days she will be fine.

Has she had mopey periods before?

Generally speaking dogs won't slip into a depression or get mopey in the sense that we do unless something changes either in their environment or their bodies.

For example, when we moved from our apt to our house Link was mopey and depressed for a week until he adjusted. Likewise, after his rabies booster, he got mopey and depressed and sick.

If the only thing that's changed recently is her immune system from the vaccine, then it is reasonable that you have your culprit in the vaccine.

seattlesibe wrote:

Has she had mopey periods before?

Generally speaking dogs won't slip into a depression or get mopey in the sense that we do unless something changes either in their environment or their bodies.  

For example, when we moved from our apt to our house Link was mopey and depressed for a week until he adjusted.  Likewise, after his rabies booster, he got mopey and depressed and sick.  

If the only thing that's changed recently is her immune system from the vaccine, then it is reasonable that you have your culprit in the vaccine.

I haven't noticed mopey periods before. I had read somewhere that huskies seem to be able to pick up on our emotions though, so if it's not the rabies vaccination maybe she is just upset because I am? (Just found out my grandmother is very sick and in the ICU.)

Well that's possible, yes.

That's nothing unique to Huskies though. All dogs are compassionate.

The combo of the two doesn't help either, as it could be both.

Sorry to hear about your grandmother. Hope all goes well.

seattlesibe wrote:

The combo of the two doesn't help either, as it could be both.  

Sorry to hear about your grandmother.  Hope all goes well.

Thank you. Gaia seems to have perked up quite a bit and is currently nomming my hands. I'll just keep an eye on her to be sure, but she already seems much better.

Read this book: Your Dog is Your Mirror

In terms of the vaccine, I have to space Dizzy's out and can't get more than one at a time. He definitely reacts and is lethargic and kind of mopey and sickly for a few days.

Late to the post but Bourbon was lethargic or mopey the whole day of the rabies vaccine. Actually any vaccine seems to turn the day into a nap day.

As far as the emotions Gaia could totally have been sympathizing/stressing with you. Hope Gma gets better soon.