The Importance of the Rabies Vaccine for Dogs

Rabies is a serious, often fatal disease for dogs and other animals. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent rabies in dogs. In today's article, our vets in Kent discuss how long the rabies vaccine lasts in dogs, potential side effects, and more. 

What is rabies and how can my dog get it?

Rabies is a very serious viral disease that can infect dogs and all other mammals, including people. Dogs can contract rabies if they come into contact with an infected animal's brain tissue or saliva, typically through scratches or bites, or if they get the saliva or brain/spinal tissue of an infected animal (dead or living) in the nose, eyes, mouth, or an open cut.

Wildlife, including skunks, bats, raccoons, and foxes, are common carriers of the virus, and dogs that come into contact with these animals are at high risk of infection. 

Additionally, domesticated animals like cattle, horses, and cats can also carry the virus and pass it on to dogs. It's important to keep your dog up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations and avoid allowing them to interact with wild or potentially infected animals to prevent the spread of this deadly virus.

What are signs of rabies in dogs?

The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system. In dogs and other animals, signs of rabies include:

• Behavioral changes (depression, aggression, barking differently, unprovoked attacks)
• Biting or licking the wound site where the exposure occurred 
• Loss of appetite or difficulty eating or drinking
• Excessive drooling
• Seizures
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Oversensitivity to sound, light, or touch 
• Staggering or falling down, with eventual paralysis  

There is no known cure for rabies. There are no tests that can be done on a living animal or person to tell if they are infected with rabies, and it is almost always fatal. An infected animal will typically die, usually within 7-10 days, once signs of rabies appear. 

For these reasons, it's vital to keep your dog's vaccinations up to date. 

What is the rabies vaccine?

Rabies vaccines stimulate a strong immune response in dogs, and the risk of vaccine failure is rare. The vaccine is the most effective protection you and your four-legged friend have against this disease. Most states have laws that require dogs to be vaccinated against rabies.

If your dog is not up to date on their rabies vaccine and is bitten by an animal, state law may require that your pet be quarantined for an extended period of time or even euthanized to protect other pets and people. 

How often does my pet need the rabies vaccine?

The mandatory rabies vaccine schedule for dogs depends on which state you live in. In most states, your puppy should receive their first vaccination when they are between 14 and 16 weeks old, followed by a booster shot one year later. After that, your dog should receive a booster shot every one to three years. 

Your veterinarian is the best resource to consult on how often your pooch should receive booster vaccinations. 

Why are rabies boosters required?

Vaccinations help the body recognize disease and create an immune response to target and destroy the virus should it enter your dog's body. 

Over time, this immune response wanes and won't be as effective. Booster vaccines rebuild your dog's immunity to keep them protected. 

Where can I get the rabies vaccine for my dog?

The rabies vaccine is included in our core vaccinations for puppies and dogs. Your vet can administer the rabies vaccine to your dog. Contact us to book an appointment for your dog's vaccinations. We can administer regularly scheduled booster shots during your dog's routine checkups. 

How much is the rabies vaccine for dogs?

The cost of the rabies vaccine will vary depending on many factors, including where you live and which round of vaccines your dog receives. For example, the three-year vaccine is more expensive than a one-year vaccine. Remember that your dog will need multiple rounds of shots and boosters. 

If you're worried about how much a rabies shot for dogs will cost, contact your vet for an estimate and ask about payment options. 

Can a vaccinated dog get rabies?

While rabies vaccinations are very effective, no vaccine can guarantee 100% protection. So while the risk of a vaccinated dog contracting rabies is extremely low, it is still a possibility. 

The. best way to prevent rabies is to keep your dog updated on their vaccines over their lifetime and avoid allowing them to come into contact with wildlife or dead animals. 

Are there any side effects of the rabies vaccine?

The side effects of rabies vaccinations in dogs will usually be because the vaccine stimulates the immune system. These can include:

• Mild loss of appetite 
• Mild to moderate energy loss for 24 to 36 hours following vaccination 
• Mild fever
• Potential swelling or soreness at the injection site

After a dog gets a rabies vaccine, it is possible for them to develop a small, painless swelling at the injection site. This swelling may last for a couple of weeks; in some rare cases, a circular area of hair loss may also occur. Not all dogs will experience side effects from the vaccine; if they do, they will usually go away within one or two days.

However, in rare instances, a dog may have a severe reaction to the vaccine, usually caused by an overactive immune system. These reactions typically happen within an hour or two of vaccination.

Rare reactions to the rabies vaccine include:

Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of the symptoms above.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Is your puppy or dog due for their annual rabies vaccinations? Contact our Kent animal hospital today to book an appointment for your pup.