Rabies Vaccine Side Effects in Dogs

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 Connie (The Villages, Fl) on 11/16/2016

My dog that is 12 old and 2 years old had a reaction to the rabies vac .....right after it was give the first year. Seizure, loose stools, vomiting. This year he was pre medicated and same thing except he is having loose stools, blood from his rectum x4 weeks. This is off and on and it started that day. He goes several days normal and then it hits him again. We have him on pre digested food and no stress. He is miserable but our vet says it is unrelated

Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Gabriel (Sun City, California) on 10/15/2016

At 4 months Sophie Siberian Husky received her first rabies shot. Before she was fine and willing to be trained. After vaccine she does not listen, is very aggressive, is constantly biting on everything and anything, yelps for no reason, barks at my children and myself, strange dry sporatic cough and very hyper. I am so sad. She is a completely different dog that I loved so much.


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Tiffany (Texas) on 09/05/2016

I'm so sorry for this vaccination outcome for you and your dog, but it is expected. Over vaccination is a problem with all dogs and I've lost several because of over vaccination. I've learned however and I suggest you go to Dr. Wil Falconer, homeopathic vet web site: vitalanimal.com to learn all you can on vaccines for dogs. You will not be disappointed. There is nothing the vet can do but it is possible that Dr. Falconer has something on his website that can help you. His web site is a very good place to start your research. I'm thinking he might suggest a homeopathic medicine called Thuja Occidentalis to help your dog. It's made by BoIron or Hylands and available at health food store. Give 1 tab (rolled in cheese) 3 X's per day. Make sure your hands never touch the very small pellets as then they will be inactive. Hope its not too late for you to get a good response from Thuja (pronounced: Thu-Ya).


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Saddoggiemommy (California) on 09/05/2016

We just took my 16 year old bichon mix to get a rabies shot at one of those mobile vets (nationally known) as the groomer would not take her without her current shot. I was hesitant cause for her age she is pretty spunky, and even though she has not had a reaction ever from it, she was 3 years younger when she got the last one. They gave her the shot and almost immediately she started to cry and limp, we rubbed the area hoping she just needed a few hours to feel better. Well it's the next day and she is so lethargic, she won't eat she urinating on the floor. She is walking around with her tail in between her legs. I am watching her like a hawk...I have a terrible feeling about this, and I'm sure I will be headed to an emergency vet today (of course its labor day and my vet isn't opened) I should have gone with my gut and just not had it done :(

Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 11/16/2015

Hey Shannan,

While it is possible you are seeing a side effect of the rabies vaccine, it is also possible your dog got exposed to distemper or parvo while at the vet's office. I would also contact the vet and let them know that your girl is experiencing a side effect and ask for their direction ... and also ask if there were any parvo or distemper dogs in the office that day. If this were my dog I would get some activated charcoal into her ASAP and begin treating for parvo.


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Shannan (Az) on 11/16/2015

My 7th month old lab/border received the rabies vaccine on Wed night. She is still lethargic and won't eat. It's starting to really worry me. She just threw up a little tonight. I don't know what to do.

Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 07/13/2015

Hey Krissy!

I feel for your situation; being licensed anywhere requires a rabies vaccination. It is possible you can obtain a rabies waiver due to health conditions; discuss this with your veterinarian. While I have not had the pleasure of owning a weim, it sure does seem they are predisposed to vaccine reactions; based on this breed predisposition your vet may be OK with granting your dog a waiver.

Animal Control is involved and while distasteful it may be of benefit to cooperate. Is your dog under quarantine at present?

If you have animals over your city limit, you should find a way to immediately come into compliance with all city code. This may mean fostering some pets out for a spell of time. If you have a fence, make sure it is secure; if your property looks unkempt, clean it up and make it tidy. Now is not the time to fight a battle of ethics over how tall the grass is - just mow it, and do what it takes to be in compliance.

Part of compliance may mean your dog has to wear a muzzle. It is possible you can have a hearing to challenge such a requirement, or to challenge a 'dangerous dog' designation - particularly if you have a fair chance to explain the circumstances of the 'scratch'. As a sporting breed a certain amount of 'mouthiness' should be expected, but this breed trait may be surprising to thin skinned old men, so again if you can rationally and calmly explain the situation in a hearing you should do so. It might not hurt to obtain a legal opinion; google 'dog advocate lawyer' and similar and see what names come up.

If your puppy is a handful get training classes and CGC certification ASAP - prior to any hearing if possible.

Because you will be required to get rabies, plan ahead. Dose Thuja Occidentalis before the rabies vaccination and after, and continue dosing afterward for up to three days. Because you know the breed may have renal complications do a panel before the shot for a baseline, and then follow up to ensure your boy isn't crashing.

In my experience the key here is to satisfy A/C that you 1) do not have a rabid dog, 2) you do not have a dangerous dog and 3) you have a dog with health issues/breed disposition such that vaccination is not recommended by your vet/per your vet waiver.

Good luck and please report back!


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Krissy (California) on 07/13/2015

We have raised Weimaraners all our lives. We have had 3 die of renal failure within 2 weeks of getting rabies vaccines. Our young Weimaraner was induced to play with a thin skinned old man and his tooth, not a bite, nicked his forearm skin. The lying man reported a dog bite and now Animal Control is involved. I won't license or vaccinate my adopted and previously vaccinated dogs because I don't want them having the same fate as 3 of our who have died. Yes, many have not died, but 3 is too many. Especially since canine rabies has been eradicated from the USA. In a pickle and don't know what to do. They demand we license the dogs, doing that means we have to vaccinate. Now, what!

Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Julie (Vegas) on 05/29/2015

Death reported 6th days after my snooky got her booster & 3yrs rabies shot & something inserted thru her nostrils. She was 4yrs old under 4lbs shih tzu


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Katie (Northport) on 05/12/2015

Beth, in case you don't know who to contact for homeopathic vet help, here are some suggestions. These vets are homeopaths and I believe they all do phone consultations too. Note: I've seen a number of articles written by Dr. Falconer on vaccinations and vaccination side effects in places like Dogs Naturally Magazine and on other places on the internet. I hope this helps you and your dog.

Dr. Will Falconer, DVM, 512-288-5400

Dr. Michael Dym, DVM 609-413-2194

Dr. Charles Loops, DVM 919-542-0442


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Katie (Northport, Ny) on 05/12/2015

Contact a homeopathic vet immediately, do not wait! They are supposed to have excellent success in antidoting and possibly reversing the negative side effects of vaccinations, including rabies.


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Beth (Wooster, Ohio) on 05/11/2015

I have a 6 year old lab mix. She received her rabies vaccination on April 23,2015. I have never had any issues with her health until after this shot. Her symptoms did not show until 4 days ago which would have been May 8,2015. She now seems to have lost functioning on the left side of her face and her motor skills are very bad. She seems way off balance and her left ear and left side of her lip does not move. She still seems happy and is eating ok and using the bathroom as usual but I am very concerned maybe she had a stroke or something is very wrong. I have contacted my vet but he ensures me that in his 28 years of practice he has never seen any reaction to a rabies shot as I have described. Please HELP!

Thanks, Beth

Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Sylvia (Spartanburg) on 03/16/2015

I know it has been years since this last post but wondering if anyone found an answer to the incontinence after rabies shot? My 1.5 yr old husky/shepard just had her yearly shots and has lost control of her bladder on 3 separate occasions while sleeping.


Rabies Titer
Posted by Noelle (Ne) on 02/19/2015
★★★★★

Our city limits require a rabies vaccination or else you get a nasty-gram from the Humane Society. Three strikes and you can no longer own pets. Anyway, that being said, I get a rabies titer every year for my dachshund. He has chronic pancreatitis and the rabies titer is allowed in lieu of a current vaccination.


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 05/28/2014

I'm with your breeder on this one - wait until 6 months if you can, and if you aren't in a high risk area for rabies.

You will need the first rabies, and then at 1 year a booster; after that for the second year you can opt for the 3-year booster, which is identical to the 1 year booster but labeled differently [really]. You might wish to dose homeopathic Thuja Occidentalis 1 hour before the vaccination, and then immediately after the vaccination or as prescribed on the little bottle.


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Kay (Jax, Fl, Usa) on 05/28/2014

With my new pup the state law requires a rabies vaccine to be given to dogs at the age of 4 months. I am concerned about injecting this vaccine into my pup. The breeder recommended if I could wait until the pup is six months the breeder felt it better. Any input?

Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 02/01/2014

Hey Tonya!

I am so sorry for your loss of Roscoe :(

Thank you for sharing your story. I am sure like many Plotts, Roscoe was a very regal gentleman. The sky will be brighter tonight, now that Roscoe's star is shining down on us from the heavens.

{{{Tonya}}}


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Tonya (Northern Michigan, Usa) on 02/01/2014

Feb, 2012 I had my hound Roscoe vacinated with a "booster" for his rabies that the county requires. Roscoe was a very healthy, though elderly (12 yrs old) dog. He first showed signs that something was wrong within 2 months when a small rectangular area of his upper back at his shoulders started swelling. I suspected it was a fatty tumor, which my vet said was harmless... within two more months it appeared as 4 small "ball shaped growths on the rectangular area...

By August the original "balls" were the size of golf balls and were producing grape size similar "balls" on top of the original growths... My vet said "when he is uncomfortable enough we can let him go"... within the next two months the growths were tennis ball size and increased his original weight by 10#s... he had also lost his own body weight to where his ribs were starting to show, and his only joy was eating. Walking was hard as the growths were above his shoulder blades, where he had the injection.

December 1st I had already checked with other vets and they said "we can remove the growths" for aprox 830.00usd. I live on SSD and had no way of paying that money. No one takes payments anymore. So I had to say good by to my best friend who was so happy and healthy less than a year ago.

Thank you for letting me tell you about my dear Roscoe, a beautiful Plott Hound, I miss him everyday, and would never have approved his getting that vaccine if I had any idea that this was going to happen. Tonya

General Feedback
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 11/19/2013

Hey Megan!

The *only* vaccination required by law in NY and all other states is Rabies. You are not required by law to vaccinate for anything else, however boarding kennels may have a policy requirement that your pet have the standard vaccinations and kennel cough prior to accepting your business.

Most states DO have a rabies exemption or waiver IF vaccinating the animal with the rabies vaccine will endager or adversely affect the pet's health or life. The waiver can only be obtained with a written letter from a licensed veterinarian.

Link for NY Rabies law: http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/nycode/AGM/7/109


General Feedback
Posted by Megan (Horseheads, Ny) on 11/19/2013

A natural vet just told me that in the awful state of NY that even here you can get a letter to not vac your dog. She does't get hers done. However it's all or none in NY so I won't be able to get out of it for my dogs. but the next ones I will. Course I will be in NC by then out of this awful state!

Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 10/14/2013

I am very sorry for your loss, Corgi Mum.

Breeders know about adverse reactions with ivermectin and collie breeds, but by golly so should have your vet. It is astounding in this day and age that your vet prescribed an ivermectin drug without first doing an ivermectin sensitivity test.

There certainly is thinking that autoimmune hemolytic anemiahas a vaccine related component; in some states you can obtain a waver from your vet for senior animals to spare them rabies injections. I hope you get another corgi to heal your heart - and perhaps undertake seeking a new vet for this next generation.

It sounds like you were the best Mum ever to your fur kid - my condolences for your loss.


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Corgi Mum (Colo Spgs) on 10/13/2013

I had our 11yr old female Pemb Welsh Corgi vaccinated (rabies)--against my intuition. It was overdue because I was waffling. I had it done because the vet suggested it when taking her in for a sr dog check. A week and a half later, our Corgi was diagnosed with pancreatitis. She was treated and 6 months later, she ended up with end stage kidney disease and an autoimmune blood disease (can't remember the name right now, but her immune system was killing off all her red blood cells). I should have gone with my gut regarding the rabies vac!

Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Goldencat (Akron, OH) on 10/02/2013

It's been 4 years since the original post... Hope you check back!

I have had amazing results with switching to a raw food diet with my Ocicats and Siamese. Cystitis, dermatitis, feline herpes...gone.

There are raw prepared diets for dogs too, or you can find a good recipe by a pet nutritionist online/in a pet health book. Be aware your vet will almost certainly try to tell you it is bad, that domestic animals shouldn't or can't eat raw meat, etc.

KEY: meat prepared for pets as raw diet is cleaner than that sold for human use, because they assume it will be cooked! Ugh! Don't worry about parasites and germs from such diets. If you make your own, you'll need to add a disinfectant like GSE (grapefruit seed extract) to the meat to avoid contaminants permitted in people food. I use 3 drops in a little (maybe 1/4 cup or more) filtered water, per pound ground meat for my cats. It's ok for the food to be wet. Prey would be very juicy, right?

Option: feed a grain free, top line food like Wilderness, or Spot Stew. Add essential fatty acids to the diet for her skin and nerves.

If nerves persist, 1) a thunder shirt. 2) Bach's Rescue Remedy (a few drops in a gallon of water is fine - dilution is ok ONCE for the energy medicine to still work) Don't dilute it twice. Fizzle...

Last resort... Seek out a homeopath that can use the nosode for vaccinosis (vaccine reaction) on your dog. IDK the protocol. I do know "vaccinosis" is the condition you want treated... So a human vaccinosis nosode might be ok - ask a homeopath. Otherwise you will have to peel away the symptoms, a remedy at a time, under homeopath guidance: say, if she fits an Arsenicum profile, or a Chamomilla profile, see?


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Yukidongo (North Carolina) on 07/31/2013

My Dad lost his Weimaraner to the Rabies Vaccine, as well. The dog was fine, taken to the vet for the routine Vaccines, and was paralyzed within hours of the shot, starting symptoms before he ever got out of the office! The paralysis is an ascending one and is caused BY the Rabies. It demyelinates the Central Nervous system, taking the myelin sheath off of the nerves. A dog might recover in several months with Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, Co Q 10, and some fish oil. These contribute to the rebuilding of the sheath. This paralysis starts in the back ind and progresses forward until the dog is unable to move other than its head. IF the rabies progresses into the brain, the dog will die. The research is out there. Certain breeds, and older dogs do not need multiple rabies vaccines. The bloodwork for titre can be drawn and submitted to some licensing authorities as proof of vaccination. It is true. We are being forced to submit our dogs, our cats, and worse--our children--to unnecessary vaccination. The researchers estimated that the vaccinations for rabies after the first 3 year shot last at least 10 years. I have witnessed the disease first hand as a result of vaccination, and read and heard about it from other people. It is very real and there is research to back it up. My animals stand less chance of coming into contact with a rabid animal than dying from the shot. I made the educated determination that regardless of ordinance, they will receive ONE, and be done. It isn't worth the risk to me.


Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Christina (Dover, De) on 07/02/2013

Went to get my 14 pound, dachshund mix her rabies vaccine today. She is almost 4 years old and this was her 3rd time to receive her shot. It was the Defensor 3 by Pfizer.

Within 15 minutes she was vomiting. They rushed her back to the room and administed a steroid, benadryl, and something to stop the vomiting. By the time they were done administering the shots my dog was laying down, unable to get up. Her eyes were fully dilated, and zoned out; lack of response with her surroundings. Her gums were stark white. Shallow breathing. She lost control of her bowels and pooped on the table twice where she layed. Her temperature also spiked. At this point it was just a waiting game. My husband and I sat next to her and tried comforting her as best we could. She just sat there for about 20 - 30 minutes with her head on the table, concentrating on her breathing. The vet checked her temps, gums, and heart every couple of minutes. After about 30 minutes she was starting to at least perk her ears up when we talked to her, and made eye contact with us again. Then she started to actually lift her head. Gaze around. She was really slow to come around, but I'm assuming it's very exhausting fighting for your life! After about a total of an hour of waiting for my dog to come around she was finally alert, her gums were pink, her temps went back down to normal, and her vet said it was ok to go home but to keep watch over the next 24-48 hours. She was still unable to walk; legs shakey from weakness, so we carried her out. By the time we got home she was able to walk from the car to our front door. I also noticed that she began to start scratching, a lot. Upon closer examination I notice red splotches on her belly, chest, throat, and ears. She had an itchy rash. Called the vet to let them know and they told me to do another dose with childrens benadryl. Did that and she is now back to her normal self for the most part. She is still tired but her rash has deminished.

Her reaction was TERRIFYING for me. Absolutely, emotionally draining and scary. And I have no idea what to do when she is due for her next one. If her reaction was this bad the first time, what will happen with her next shot? Will it be even worse?! I never want to give her another rabies shot again! What's the point of risking my dogs life to protect her from a disease that she only has a. 01% chance of getting! ? For me the risks outweight the benefits TREMENDOUSLY. I am not looking forward to any more shots... :(


Avoiding Vaccines
Posted by Ly (Wilmington, Delaware) on 02/26/2013

We bypass everything but the rabies shot. ONLY because its the law. The first set of shots they gave my dog almost killed her at 6 months old, which affected her immune system. I won't do it again. I'm also sorry we got her chipped. Researched the chip, read about the frequency in which alot of dogs are getting cancer in and around the injection site. My vet knows not to recomend all those shots they so eagerly sell animal owners.


Avoiding Vaccines
Posted by Wendy (Columbus, Oh/USA) on 12/03/2012

A rabies shot is the law in most, if not all, states. New puppies need the following:
* The first set of shots at 9 weeks
* intervet puppy distemper parvo only
* Second set at 15 weeks same vaccine
* Rabies no earlier than 6 mos of age
* One year boosters same vaccine
* Rabies as mandated by law -- You can request your vet to run a Titers every 3 years.

What is a titer test?A titer test is a simple blood test that measures a dog or cat's antibodies to vaccine viruses (or other infectious agents). For instance, your dog may be more resistant to a virus whereas your neighbor's dog may be more prone to it. Titers accurately assess protection to the so-called "core" diseases (distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis in dogs, and panleukopenia in cats), enabling veterinarians to judge whether a booster vaccination is necessary. All animals can have serum antibody titers measured instead of receiving vaccine boosters. The only exception is rabies re-vaccination. There is currently no state that routinely accepts a titer in lieu of the rabies vaccine, which is required by law.

There are commercially available vaccine titer tests for dogs that can be performed in a laboratory or also in the veterinarian's office for faster results. Several commercial and university veterinary diagnostic labs and Hemopet offer reliable titer testing for dogs, cats and horses.


Avoiding Vaccines
Posted by Marilyn (Oswego, Il) on 12/03/2012

I have a 2 lb., 3 mo. old yorkie. She is very small. I was thinking about not getting her any shots but she has had her first set of puppy shots. I also wanted to refuse her to get a rabies shot. Am I doing her more harm by avoding these shots which I know can kill? My worry is that she is very tiny. Also she only goes out on our deck to do her duties and then its back inside. No walks or any public contact. Am I doing the right thing?

Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Lisa (Bullhead City, Arizona) on 11/20/2012

Try contacting P. E. T. A. Though its not an abuse case they would be able to guide you the right way because they would want the truth. Sorry for your losses. God bless



NEXT 
Previous Page 1 2 3 4 5 ...15 Next Page