Rabies Vaccine for Dogs: A Must-Have Defense

If you shed a tear the first time you watched Old Yeller (and the second, third, and fourth times), then you already know why the rabies vaccine is so important for dogs.

Vaccinations help keep your good dog healthy and protected from preventable, and often deadly, diseases. The rabies vaccine holds particular importance, as rabies is an incurable viral disease that can be transmitted to humans and other mammals. In both humans and dogs, once rabies symptoms take hold, death is all but certain. By vaccinating our dogs against rabies, we not only protect them but also our communities.

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of the rabies vaccine for dogs, its recommended timing, average cost, and how it’s administered. Your city/state may also have laws that require your dog to be vaccinated against rabies, and consulting a veterinarian is crucial for personalized advice and guidance.

Rabies 101

Rabies is a dangerous viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans and dogs. Once a rabies infection takes hold and symptoms begin, there is no cure.

Rabies is caused by the rabies virus, a member of the Lyssavirus genus, and is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected mammal, typically through bites. The virus targets the central nervous system and causes severe inflammation of the brain, which results in the death of the infected individual within a few days or weeks of the onset of clinical signs. 

However, the onset of clinical signs after rabies infection can vary widely and may not become apparent for a very long time, making it extremely tricky to identify mammals infected with rabies. Fortunately, the rabies vaccine provides an extremely effective defense for both humans and animals.

How does the rabies vaccine for dogs work?

The rabies vaccine is the most effective method for preventing rabies in dogs. By vaccinating dogs, we reduce the risk of rabies exposure to humans through animal bites, thus safeguarding public health. Men and women who are high-risk for rabies exposure (such as people who work with animals), can also benefit from a rabies vaccine.

The rabies vaccine stimulates the dog’s immune system to produce protective antibodies against the rabies virus. In the event of exposure to the virus, these antibodies quickly neutralize the virus, preventing its spread and the onset of the disease. Widespread vaccination of domestic animals, including dogs, helps prevent the transmission of rabies from wildlife such as raccoons, bats, and skunks.

We spoke to veterinary surgeon Dr. Linda Simon, who emphasized the importance of the rabies vaccine for dogs:

“The rabies vaccine is mandatory in some areas. This is to protect the canine population but also humans, as rabies is a zoonotic disease that is fatal in both humans and animals. Keeping the most animals vaccinated against this disease is the best way to eradicate it once and for all.”

Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS

In addition, veterinarians and doctors are in total agreement: The rabies vaccine is safe, effective, and potentially lifesaving.

There is no debate over the effectiveness of well executed rabies immunization and control programs to reduce the risk of dog-transmitted rabies virus to humans…where control programs are in effect, human rabies virus infections are rare. According to surveillance data from the Centers of Disease Control, human rabies deaths in the US have been declining steadily since the 1970s.

Georgia Veterinary Medical Association

Benefits of the rabies vaccine for dogs

Rabies vaccination offers several benefits for both dogs and public health. Vaccinating dogs contributes to the control and prevention of animal rabies, reducing the risk of transmission to other animals and humans. 

The rabies vaccine usually costs $50 or less. However, your veterinarian may perform several vaccinations at the same visit, which can affect the overall cost. For just $50, this vaccine protects you and your dog from one of the most-feared diseases in the world.

Timing of the rabies vaccine

According to the recommended vaccination protocol, puppies should receive their initial rabies vaccination at around 12-16 weeks of age. This puppy vaccine schedule ensures puppies have developed a sufficient immune response to the vaccine while minimizing the risk of interference from maternal antibodies.

After the initial vaccination, a booster is typically required within one year. The timing and frequency of subsequent booster vaccinations vary depending on local regulations and the specific vaccine used. Your veterinarian can tell you how often your dog needs a rabies booster shot.

Rabies vaccine side effects

The rabies vaccine is very safe for dogs, but as with any medical intervention, it can have potential side effects. It’s important to note that severe reactions to the rabies vaccine are rare, and the benefits of vaccination certainly outweigh the risks. Mild reactions to the vaccine are more common, though in rare cases, allergic reactions or anaphylaxis can occur.

Some dogs may experience mild reactions after they receive a rabies vaccine. Symptoms may include:

• Soreness at the injection site
• Lethargy
• Mild fever

Allergic reactions to the rabies vaccine are uncommon but can happen. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate veterinary care.

• Facial swelling
• Hives
• Itching
• Difficulty breathing
• Anaphlylaxis

It’s important to monitor your dog after vaccination and contact your veterinarian if you notice any concerning symptoms. In general, the rabies vaccine is extremely safe for dogs. In fact, according to a 2005 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, only 2.4 in every 1,000,000 dogs will suffer an adverse reaction from rabies vaccination.

Know the signs of rabies

Here in the United States, about 4,000 cases of animal rabies are reported each year. The vast majority of these cases occur in wild animals, not pets.

About 28 days after their vaccination, your dog will have immunity from rabies. However, because this deadly disease is incurable, it’s important to know the symptoms of rabies in case you encounter an infected animal. While rabies can affect all mammals, bats are common vectors for this disease, as are skunks, raccoons, and foxes.

Symptoms of a rabid animal include:

• Flu-like symptoms (such as fever, fatigue, and weakness)
• Sudden and severe behavioral changes
• Anxiety, confusion, hyperexcitability, and agitation
• Unexplained paralysis
• Excessive drooling
• Loss of appetite

Wild animals infected with rabies may suddenly lose their fear of humans and become overly friendly, while domestic animals can become overly aggressive. Always practice caution around wild animals and unknown pets behaving oddly.

Is the rabies vaccine legally required?

Most U.S. states require rabies vaccination for dogs, and your local area might have its own guidelines and regulations. To learn about the rabies vaccine laws in your city/state, talk to your veterinarian, who can advise you of your legal obligations.

In addition, dogs entering or re-entering the country are required to meet specific guidelines, which many include proof of rabies vaccination. If your dog has traveled to a country with a high risk of rabies, they can be prevented from re-entering the country if you don’t meet the CDC’s guidelines. The CDC website states: “Your dog will NOT be allowed to enter the U.S. if they are not vaccinated against rabies and have been in a high-risk country for dog rabies in the past 6 months.”

Rabies vaccine dos and don’ts

Now that you know more about this disease, follow these simple tips to keep your dog and your community safe.

Do:

• Consult a licensed veterinarian to determine the appropriate timing and frequency of rabies vaccinations for your dog based on local regulations and your dog’s individual needs.
• Provide puppies with early protection against the disease, with their initial rabies vaccination around 12-16 weeks of age.
• Keep a record of your dog’s rabies vaccinations, including the dates, vaccine brand, and veterinarian’s information.
• Monitor your dog for any adverse reactions or side effects following vaccination.
• If you suspect your dog has been in contact with a rabid animal or observe any rabies symptoms, seek immediate veterinary care.
• Always contact your local animal control or public health department if you encounter a potentially rabid animal.

Don’t:

• Assume that all dogs require the rabies vaccine on the same schedule. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination protocol for your dog based on factors such as age, lifestyle, and local regulations.
• Rely solely on the rabies vaccine to protect your dog from infectious diseases.
• Delay or skip booster vaccinations. Regular revaccination is essential to maintain your dog’s immunity against rabies and ensure ongoing protection.
• Administer the rabies vaccine yourself or use unlicensed or expired vaccines. Rabies vaccines should only be administered by a licensed veterinarian using approved and properly stored vaccines.
• Ignore signs of potential rabies exposure, such as unexplained aggression, abnormal behavior, excessive drooling, or difficulty swallowing.

Remember: the rabies vaccine could save your dog’s life, but it does more than protect your pup and your pack — it limits the risk of rabies exposure for everyone.

The canine rabies vaccine and you

As responsible pet owners, we play a vital role in rabies control — not only for animal health and wellness, but also for public health. Many jurisdictions require a valid rabies vaccination certificate as proof of compliance with public health regulations. Alongside the standard dog vaccination schedule, you may also want to consider additional vaccinations such as the Bordetella and Lyme disease vaccines. 

By staying informed about vaccination protocols, consulting with licensed veterinarians, and adhering to government regulations, we can provide our dogs with the necessary protection against infectious diseases like rabies. 

Rabies vaccine: FAQs