Some lethargy, achiness, and general malaise is pretty normal with vaccines (in humans, too), though it's also normal to see none of that. Since your pup seems a little sensitive, you may see more of the same as she went through with the distemper, but it's impossible to predict for sure. My oldest (just under 20lbs as an adult so fairly small at his first rabies vaccination, though I don't remember his weight at that time) never had trouble. We now live in a rabies-free country, so my younger dog hasn't had that vaccination.
There is an extremely small percentage of dogs that have truly severe reactions, but it's rare and impossible to predict before it's happened. Like, really rare. I've only ever known one dog personally that was exempt from further rabies vaccinations because it was potentially unsafe for that particular individual. However, rabies is infinitely more unsafe - incurable once symptoms appear and 100% lethal - and not vaccinating could put you at risk for hefty fines and (if the worst happens and they bite someone) your dog at risk for being seized, quarantined in an animal control or shelter facility, or even euthanized to test for rabies. The vaccine is 100% worth it.
Having your local emergency clinic's phone number and address on hand just in case might be helpful to give you a better sense of security that you know who to contact outside your vet's open hours, but that's something every pet owner should have available anyway. And never be afraid to call your vet with questions if something seems unusual during their open hours. Phone calls are free, and any good vet would rather someone call in for something that's normal and not a concern than wait too long with an issue that should have had immediate veterinary intervention.
There is an extremely small percentage of dogs that have truly severe reactions, but it's rare and impossible to predict before it's happened. Like, really rare. I've only ever known one dog personally that was exempt from further rabies vaccinations because it was potentially unsafe for that particular individual. However, rabies is infinitely more unsafe - incurable once symptoms appear and 100% lethal - and not vaccinating could put you at risk for hefty fines and (if the worst happens and they bite someone) your dog at risk for being seized, quarantined in an animal control or shelter facility, or even euthanized to test for rabies. The vaccine is 100% worth it.
Having your local emergency clinic's phone number and address on hand just in case might be helpful to give you a better sense of security that you know who to contact outside your vet's open hours, but that's something every pet owner should have available anyway. And never be afraid to call your vet with questions if something seems unusual during their open hours. Phone calls are free, and any good vet would rather someone call in for something that's normal and not a concern than wait too long with an issue that should have had immediate veterinary intervention.
