The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Bob R. (Pensacola, Fl) on 12/13/2018
Our beautiful 5 month old Golden Retriever was a healthy pick of the liter and a very active puppy until the day she was given a 9 way shot and rabies shot that the vet told us was necessary if we needed her to be fixed later. The first day of the shot she was lethargic and could not use her front leg where the shot was administered (shoulder). Our puppy is 7 months old now and her condition has worsened and moved to the back hips. She has trouble sitting and getting up, has a hunched back and is in pain. (No other dog in the liter has any problems as we are in contact with the other six owners). We took her to the same vet today and they said it was the worse case of hip displacia they have seen for such a young dog. They denied that it could be the shots, but there is no doubt in our minds it was caused in part at least by the 10 "poisons" that were given all at the same time. We are considering putting her down as we do not want to see her in any more pain. 2 months ago she was beautiful, intelligent and very active but since that day of shots her hips are now twisted and her back is hunched. It breaks our hearts. Not sure what to do but pray.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Mary Lou (Las Vegas, Navada) on 05/19/2018
Yes I took my 2 year old chiwawa to get her rabies shot and she's limping on one of her legs
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Stellabru2 (New York, Ny) on 04/16/2018
Lump by Injection Site
I'm reporting that my 4 pound, 5 month old female yorkie who was in perfect health received her rabies vaccine & now has a dime sized lump by injection site. It's been 2 weeks, just noticed it calling vet tomorrow. The male has no lump but has been much more aggressive since receiving the shot. They received aluminum free, I asked for this based on other recommendations but unsure how to handle this now.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Mima (Arizona) on 03/25/2018
i just rescued a dog from the pound, and of course they had to jack her full of vaccines.she was a two out of five on the health scale since she had just had puppies, was skinny and someone had shaved her down in the middle of winter, probably because she had mite infestation. Approximately two weeks after her shots, she came down with a bad case of kennel cough. Guess what one of the shots was? Bordatella. Over the past 30 years I have had four dogs and four cats, none of which were ever vaccinated nor were they ever sick. Animal vaccines are stupid and useless. BTW- I didn't vaccinate my own child after she got sick after six week “well baby” shots in 1994 and I never missed a day of work to stay home with a sick baby. She Never had an ear infection or needed antibiotics for anything,
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Meg (Maryland) on 03/24/2018
We took our 10yr old Poodle/Beagle mix in for required rabies shots 2/22/18. He was perfectly happy and healthy. About 2wks after shot his bark became raspy sounding, but we thought it was from him barking outside with his brothers playing. Then 3/20 evening lost control of his back legs and his appetite not normal; had to feed scrambled eggs. He also wasn't drinking as much. By 3/21 morning no appetite, not able to stand even with help eyes glassy.
When we took him to vet they first said he appeared to be trying to be passing. His eyes were not glassy now, but he was limp like a rag doll. They initially ran bloodwork for heartworm, lymes, kidney function...all fine. They did the pinch tests on him because they said well he may have a brain injury(my son has one, so I know a lot about them already) he passed all the pinch tests and didn't have any falls or injuries to cause a brain injury anyway. When I mentioned the rabies vaccination and that I felt this was related; all I got was no his reaction would have happened immediately. So, $550 at that vets and off to vetER for weekend for continued IV, steroid and antibiotics in case it is some kind of tick bourne disease. They did do chest xray lungs are clear. His heart was a little enlarged but he had a murmur.
I know in my own heart it is the rabies vaccination that was given to him on the 22 of Feb that caused this with him. He may not have been a case of immediate reaction, but they can't explain what is going on and I know how he was and is acting. I see it in his sweet little eyes too...he is a fighter...but how do I counteract what was done a month ago when I can't get anyone to listen? Never again will I give any of my babies shots.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Sparky3377 (Middlebranch, Ohio) on 02/22/2018
3 year old shih tzu, went from my absolute baby (I could barely sit down before she was on my lap or shoulder) always excited, happy, snuggly dog to a shaky, cautious, scared, sleepy, unhappy dog that acts like she doesn't know anyone 3 days after a rabies shot. If she gets a treat, she snaps it out of your hands, she has slowed her eating of her food. I'm so worried that this is how she is going to stay, I can't find any info about it wearing off. I don't want to get any more shots for her. This has terrified me. My other shih tzu is fine, it was just another day to him.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Stacee (Ca) on 12/09/2017
My 5 month old Bernese Mountain Dog puppy received her first rabies, 1 year, vaccination yesterday and now this morning she is vomiting and refusing food, lethargic and whining :( I am so worried about her. I left a message at our vets office but they are closed until Tuesday. Today is Saturday Manuracturer Pfizer Serial (lot) number S406518
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Vicki (Wa) on 09/12/2017
Ok, last Thursday we had our 1 1/2 year old female Blue Heeler spayed and after the spay, the vet gave her the 3 year Rabies Vaccine and 3 year DAPv Nobivac. I had originally said several times beforehand that I wanted to do the titers, but they said she needed these vaccinations and then do titers next time. I also stated that wouldn't it be allot for her system with already having being spayed to have these vaccinations on top of it all the same day. They said they have done it many times with no issues. 2 days after the spay and vaccinations, she started acting very tired, continual temp around 103.3-103.9, not lethargic, but quite weak. She could barely finish going #2, as it was too tiring. She does have a good appetite, but doesn't want to drink water. I've had her back to the vet yesterday, they looked her over and they took blood. Should get results today. I'm kicking myself for letting them give her the shots. Probably could of avoided all of this and to know that I did it to her when she was perfectly fine. Other people need to read up on titer tests, as many don't know about them and the fact that they can kill an older dog by over vaccinating. It's true. I have read people say that the titers are expensive....but, they are not. The vet is over charging them. I only pay around $60 if that for a titer on rabies.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Vicki (Wa) on 09/12/2017
Ok, last Thursday we had our 1 1/2 year old female Blue Heeler spayed and after the spay, the vet gave her the 3 year Rabies Vaccine and 3 year DAPv Nobivac. I had originally said several times beforehand that I wanted to do the titers, but they said she needed these vaccinations and then do titers next time. I also stated that wouldn't it be alot for her system with already having being spayed to have these vaccinations on top of it all the same day. They said they have done it many times with no issues. 2 days after the spay and vaccinations, she started acting very tired, continual temp around 103.3-103.9, not lethargic, but quite weak. She could barely finish going #2, as it was too tiring. She does have a good appetite, but doesn't want to drink water. I've had her back to the vet yesterday, they looked her over and they took blood. Should get results today. I'm kicking myself for letting them give her the shots. Probably could of avoided all of this and to know that I did it to her when she was perfectly fine. Other people need to read up on titer tests, as many don't know about them and the fact that they can kill an older dog by over vaccinating. It's true. I have read people say that the titers are expensive....but, they are not. The vet is over charging them. I only pay around $60 if that for a titer on rabies.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Rachel (Wa) on 08/13/2017
i wish there was a cure or a vet that didnt say I was lying. Sadly none of those exist. My dog has been vommiting since the rabies shot by zoetis back in feb. on 13th 2017 he got sick. He now still vomits 4 times a day so don't waste your time going to the vet.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Mary (Melrose Park Il) on 07/19/2017
I had my 2 13 year old maltese vaccinated for rabies by our county yesterday. One dog seems to be fine and the other was limping yesterday so I soaked his leg in warm epsom salt water. He didn't eat anything yesterday or today and has been sleeping both days. He developed diarrhea today. I gave him some peptobismol which usually makes him feel better but it didn't. I gave him a half pill of Imodium just a few minutes ago. Now he has vomited. I am pissed beyond words. I looked up reactions to this damn shot and now am so worried, so tomorrow we make a trip to the vet. I pray that he will be fine until then. They were vaccinated with the 3 year one. That's it for shots for them I say. In May my vet prescribed ear drops for an ear infection each one had. Both went deaf, the sick one now has partial hearing and the other has none. After I noticed I read the paper inside the prescription and low Andy behold, it stated at it may cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. Are you kidding me
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Dog Momma (Cleveland, Oh) on 06/15/2017
My 4 year old mini-goldendoodle had a rabies booster (defensor 3) yesterday afternoon. That evening, he didn't seem himself, but we thought he should be a bit off after getting injections. Our neighbor children stopped by to sell car wash tickets. When they rang the door bell, Bauer did not go to the door (he has never not gone to the door before). When he saw who it was, he acted afraid and refused to greet them. We again blew it off. This morning we were getting ready for work when we told him that he need to go pee before we left. I opened the back door to let him out and he again acted very afraid. He went to our couch and sat looking terrified. When I went to the couch, I sat down about an arm length away, but he didn't come to me. After a few minutes, I feared I would be late for work, so I reached out to him and he moved as far back as he could, showed me his teeth with a low growl and attempted to bite me. I quickly moved away and said nothing to him. Shortly after, my husband came into the room and I told him what happened. He repeated the same behavior. This is very unusual as our dog has never in 4 years ever tried to harm us or bite us. He even allowed the vet to scrape tarter off his teeth while calmly sitting on the table the day before. I decided to stay home and called our vet. The response I got was that she had never heard of behavior problems from rabies vaccines and it was likely related to pain. I assured her that I know he is not in pain, we have been through a broken leg, a torn MCL and bleeding gastritis, in addition to previous vaccines. This is not how my dog behaves in pain. He easily jumps on and off the furniture, is eating and drinking. He is not in severe pain to warrant aggression. A bit later, our housekeeper arrived. He greated her happily, laid on his back for belly rubs and seemed normal. About 20 min later, he looked out the front window, saw her car, started barking and ran to the garage door to meet her...but she was already in the living room standing behind her. He seemed so confused. So I called a larger vet center. The vet there told me that he must be in pain and mad at me for taking him to the vet! I felt so defeated. No one would listen to my concerns. I finally called a holistic veterinarian and have an appointment this afternoon to be evaluated and treated. I am highly concerned that behavioral issues after a vaccination is being ignored by medical professionals that I trust my baby to.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Ritarae Elsberry (South Jordan Utah) on 05/23/2017
My white 5lb Poodle lost quarter-sized piece of hair on her back weeks after a rabies shot. After the booster shot 3 years later she lost a larger patch of hair from her backbone down to the belly mid-line. The white hair does not grow back. We had a plug of tissue sent to a lab for immune disorder and it came back negative. The second patch of hair loss is large and some hair that has grown beck along the edges is dark yellow. She wears a little shirt to cover her damaged coat but is she suffering. Dogs do not show pain. She acts fit and happy. We feed her Blue Buffalo small dog kibble. Her weight is perfect.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Theresa (Tustin, California) on 05/22/2017
On Saturday May 13,2017 my six year old yorkie was given her shots, including rabies and has been sick now for a whole week. shortly after bringing her home form the Vet in Lake Forest California she just didn't seem to be feeling well, then the next day the diarrhea started and we can't get rid of it. The vet doesn't seem to be too interested in helping us. I will never get any vaccinations for my dog again.
Theresa
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Jana (California) on 05/14/2017
My 5 pound dog lost hair all over her body the day after her rabies vaccine. She also developed black spots all over. She doesn't seem in pain. I am taking her to vet and I am really worried. It could be autoimmune reaction to the vaccine. I tried to report the reaction but USDA site doesn't work. The vaccine manufacturer is Merial.
