If you are a dog owner you must know the importance of vaccination for your pup, especially the rabies vaccine. But how often do dogs need rabies shots? Rabies vaccine is not just a medical requirement for your dog but it is an important factor to make sure your pup is safe and sound. Once you see the signs of rabies in your dog it is almost fatal and uncurable. Cure can be productive before the signs progress. Fortunately rabies vaccination can prevent the problem from occurring in your dog.
Rabies and vaccines
Rabies is an aggressive and fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals including humans. The viral disease is typically transmitted via a small bite of an infected animal. The disease has no permanent cure but fortunately, vaccines can prevent rabies in dogs.
How often do dogs need rabies shots?
While every state has its law for the dog vaccination schedule however in most states, the rabies vaccination should be given to your dog at the age of 12 weeks or before the 16 weeks age. Meanwhile, the second rabies shot will be given after 1 year of the first shot. Then depending on the vaccine given or your state’s law, your pooch will get rabies vaccination every year or every 3 years. It would be ideal if you concerned your vet for the requirements of rabies vaccination in your state.
Why rabies boosters are required
The purpose of a vaccine is to introduce your pup’s body to inactive or weakened virus form, to tell the immune system how to recognize and then fight the actual virus. With the passage of time, this immunity can be diminished. However, booster shots are helpful to strengthen the immune response to protect your dog from disease.
Why is it important to have a dog vaccine schedule
For the sake of health maintenance in your dog for the whole of their life, a dog vaccination schedule is necessary. Missing out on the rabies vaccination can put your pooch at a life-threatening risk. Though cost is an important consideration still health should be the priority.
Can a vaccinated dog get rabies?
While it is effective to have a dog vaccination schedule however no vaccination can ensure a 100% safeguard. The chances of disease contract in a vaccinated are too low but still, it is possible to capture.
The best thing you can do is to keep yourself updated on the rabies vaccination of your pup throughout their life.
Rabies vaccine cost
The rabies vaccination cost can vary depending on several factors however, on average, per dose of rabies shot may be roughly $40-$75.
Side effects of rabies vaccine
After vaccination, many pups experience tiredness, mild fever, swelling, or slight discomfort at the site of vaccination. But this is a normal reaction and will say bye in about one to two days. But if you see the side effects are getting worse or lasting more than two days then make a vet call to get a piece of advice.
Sometimes the injection site may remain swollen and firm for about a week but in case the swelling gets enlarged or lasts more than three weeks, make an appointment with your vet.
It is very rare for your dog to get serious side effects. These worsened reactions can seen within minutes to a few hours of getting a vaccine so the condition needs immediate medical care. If you see serious signs including the following, make an immediate vet call:
- Diarrhea or vomit.
- Hives.
- Muzzle swelling or around the eyes, neck, or face.
- Difficult breath, severe cough or even collapse.
Conclusion
How often do dogs need rabies shots is the question that comes to every dog owner. While every state has its own law so it is ideal to concern your vet for a dog vaccination schedule specially if you wanna get the discounted cost.
