Vaccination

[Beamur]

I took my dog to the vets on Friday for annual jabs (including kennel cough) but she's been a bit off colour yesterday and today she has been sick (lots of grass in the vomit) and I offered a tiny amount of food which she hasn't eaten.
Is this a usual reaction? I can't remember what she was like last year and although she's an older dog, I've only had her for 2 years.
She was perfectly well before the vaccination so I wondered if that might make her feel a bit off for a day or two?

She could just be having a reaction to the jab, just like humans can! Keep an eye on her and if she doesn't get better I'd recommend taking her to the vet. Have you looked into doing titre tests instead of vaccinating every year? It lets you see if she is still protected or if she needs re vaccinating.

Thanks, I will do.
I haven't heard of those tests. How does that work? Blood test?
She's looking a bit sorry for herself, but was happy enough to come for a walk.

It is a blood test, but it makes sense rather than over vaccinating if she's been unwell after this lot.

I feel her pain I had a tetanus jab last week and felt grim for a few days, I hope she feels better soon!

Sorry posted without explaining what it is! It just tests to see if she is still immune to the viruses that the vaccines protect against. My puppies breeder has recommended I do this rather than vaccinating him every year. It makes sense as vaccines in humans aren't done nearly as regularly as dog vaccines are!

That's interesting. I usually keep them up to date as we need to occasionally put the dog into kennels and they ask to see the vaccination cards.

Some places will apparently accept titre tests showing they are still protected.

Lots of dogs have vaccination reactions. Unfortunately, annual vaxxs are a money maker for a vet. Definitely get a blood test next year in case of over vaccinating. A few clients of mine have lots dogs like that.

Lost*

My dog seems back to her usual self again today! Much perkier, eating normally, waggy and happy! I will ask vet about vaccines next year though seeing how much it seemed to upset her this time.
Thanks!

Most kennels will need proof of up-to-date vaccinations to keep with their licensing and insurance conditions.

It may have been a one off, she could have been slightly off colour before the vaccinations and the weakened immune system made her ill.

Vet here.
Vaccination reactions are rare.
Annual check ups are very important for animals and allow us to monitor health and detect all sorts of issues which may not be apparent to owners (since most owners are not animal health experts). Yes, that is how vets make their income. Not sure whether you think we should exist on thin air, ICantCope. It is not always appropriate to vaccinate animals every year and I for one do not always do so. However, the diseases against which we vaccinate are relatively common and are serious-to-fatal in nature.
The mark-up on vaccines is not high. I was recently charged over twice as much for a flu jab (with no clinical exam) as I charge for the full complement of annual vaccines plus head to toe clinical exam plus various pieces of advice plus free nail clip and anal gland squeeze.

I pay a monthly fee (which I think is a reasonable amount) which covers all vaccinations, flea and worming treatments, fixed price for some treatments such as dental and 20% discount on medicines, food, etc. Plus 6 monthly check ups and a free 'fat club' for overweight pets!

Who does the titre tests, the vet?

Amazed that you have a "few" clients who have lost their dogs through over vaccination ican'tcope I've been a vet nurse for over 20 years and can think of 2 dogs that have had a serious vaccination reaction.

Yes the vets can run a titre test. Some have it in house, otherwise it can be sent to the lab which costs even the vet practice an arm and a leg so it isn't just the vet charging to make money because you don't want to vaccinate. The problem with titre testing is that it only gives you the immunity of that dog on that given day. There is no data or protocol to say when you should test again, so for all we know the dog drops below the recommended level (say) a month later and isn't covered until the next vaccination (or titre test).
Most practices only vaccinate against leptospirosis every year, and the other core vaccines three yearly. You can't titre test for lepto.
Also you need to check whether your insurance is still valid if the dog isn't vaccinated.