In this article on our site, we are going to talk about the rabies vaccine for dogs, as it presents some particulars that make It is necessary that, as dog handlers, we have all the information about it, since, among others, canine rabies is deadly
Canine rabies is a zoonotic disease, which means that animals can transmit it to humansHence the imposition of vaccination programs for domestic animals, such as dogs, cats or ferrets, in order to stop its spread.
What are dog vaccines for?
The rabies vaccine for dogs works just like any other vaccine. Vaccines are preparations of different pathogens modified so that they do not trigger the disease. They are generally administered as an injection, although they are also administered orally or intranasally.
Once in the body, they act by stimulating the immune system, which activates to eliminate the pathogen. In this way, it creates antibodies against it and if in the future the dog comes into contact with this pathogen naturally, its immune system will react quickly against it. Thus, the disease does not manifest itself or does so slightly.
Vaccines are designed to treat severepathologies, life-threatening and highly contagious. If a dog is not protected by vaccinations, it is more likely that its immune system will not be able to tackle the pathogen quickly enough, and the disease will develop.
What is the rabies vaccine used for in dogs?
The rabies vaccine for dogs is necessary, not only to protect the dog, but also to prevent the disease from being transmitted to humans, since, remember, it is a zoonosis. Although there are areas in which rabies is considered eradicated, the truth is that in parts of Asia, especially in India, and South America this disease claims, even today, thousands of human lives
For this reason, in many territories the vaccine is even mandatory for dogs, cats or ferrets. Rabies in dogs is a deadly notifiable disease Although it manifests itself in different phases, it usually triggers a neurological condition with some characteristic symptoms such as aggressiveness or hydrophobia, that is, the fear of water. Symptoms conclude with paralysis and death.
At what age do dogs get the rabies vaccine?
The good news is that there is a rabies vaccine for dogs and we can access it at any veterinary clinic. This vaccine is administered around 3-4 months of age, after completing the schedule of vaccinations that, although not mandatory, are considered essential for the dog's he alth.
If we adopt an adult dog, we can give him the vaccine after a veterinary check-up and internal deworming, which is always recommended before each vaccination. The vet will set the most appropriate schedule for you based on your dog's specific situation.
How often is the rabies vaccine given to dogs?
Vaccines offer immunity to the dog, but not all will do so throughout his life, so it is necessary that the doses be repeated periodically. Although the rabies vaccine for dogs can guarantee protection for up to three years, in the localities where it is mandatory, the authorities usually require that it be administered with annual frequency
Therefore, more than the duration of the rabies vaccine in dogs, we have to find out about the legislation in this regard in our place of residence. If you still have doubts, in this other article, we answer the question: Is it necessary to vaccinate dogs every year?
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects in Dogs
It is rare for vaccines to cause any serious side effects, and the rabies vaccine for dogs is no exception. In some dogs we can notice:
- General malaise (first 24 hours).
- Fever.
- Reluctance.
- Swelling where the vaccine was given.
- Abscess (where the swelling used to be).
- Allergic reaction.
Allergic Reaction to Rabies Vaccine in Dogs
The symptoms of malaise and reluctance generally subside on their own. However, in case of allergy, it would be considered an emergency situation, so it should be seen by the veterinarian immediately.
For more information, we leave you this other article on our site about Side effects of vaccines for dogs.
Is the rabies vaccine for dogs mandatory?
In general, vaccines for dogs are optional, although some, because they protect against highly contagious and serious pathologies, are considered essential by veterinarians, so their administration is recommended to all the dogs. But the case of rabies is particular As it is a disease transmissible to humans and given its mortality, the he alth authorities have implemented the vaccination of dogs as mandatory by law, precisely to prevent the spread and consequent contagion to people. Therefore, if you are going to adopt a dog, find out about the legislation in force in your place of residence to find out if you are obliged to give it that vaccine.
What happens if I don't vaccinate my dog against rabies?
If you wonder what happens if I don't vaccinate my dog against rabies, you should know that in places where this vaccine is mandatory, its lack or absence of revaccination with the required frequency entails the imposition of financial sanctions as it is considered a serious offense.
Price of rabies vaccine for dogs
The rabies vaccine for dogs must be administered by a veterinarian in a clinic. The price may vary depending on the center we go to. This is due to the fact that each veterinary association sets recommended prices for each clinical action, but it is ultimately the veterinarian who is free to set them. As an average amount, we can talk about about 20-30 €
