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 Ssumrz1 (Adrian, Mi) on 02/21/2010
my 3 yr old shih tzu received her annual rabies vaccination in November of 2009. Since then she has had increasing behavior problems. She has always been a real playful and affectionate dog, but now has started exhibiting very aggresive behavior, snarling, growling and snapping at my grandchildren as well as my husband and myself for no apparent reason. Is there anything that we can do to reverse this behavior? As much as I love my dog, I love my grandchildren more and do not want them hurt. Help!!!!
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Marvin (Green Bay, Wi) on 02/06/2010
Rabies Shots/Dog Dies
Thank you for this oppotunity to ask you my question.
We had the vet give out dog(mixed breed of maybe Austrailian Shepard/Border Collie/German Shepard) a rabies booster shot. This was about the 3rd one she had. Not too long after she developed Addisons Disease. Could this have resulted from having the rabies booster shot?
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Erica (Boston, Ma) on 01/18/2010
Side effects from rabies vaccine
My 2 yr old shih tzu got his second rabies vaccine along with his distemper.We never had any problems last year when he got his 1st set of shots. This time within 1 week he was shaking all over and he had a lump at the injection site. It's been 3 months and he is still shaking. He has never been the same since that day. When I took him back to the vet she said he was fine. So, I am now going for a 2nd opinion. This is horrible. I was only trying to keep my dog safe.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Tina (New Braintree, Ma, Usa) on 12/20/2009
My 10 year old cat, who was perfectly healthy (not just another cat but my soul mate) receieved a rabies booster shot, within 4 months she was dead from severe liver damage. Any information you have regarding this would be appreciated. Do you think that the shot could cause this?
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Rina (Ashland, Ma) on 12/19/2009
I took my perfectly healthy Maltese for his required by law RABIES shot to the Vet. Before the shot he was surprised how healthy he was. I feed him dog kibbles, shredded carrots and three drops of fish oil daily. He drinks water and has one cup of food daily. He is 12 pounds. He took a couple of blood tests and while there I decided that he was due for his RABIES shot. The VET gave him his shot and I paid my $175.00 fee for his visit. When I went to the car, he had a reaction that put him into a shock - I ran back into the hospital and they had to give him intravenous, steroids, and benadryl, he was at death's door. He was in the hospital all that day. I picked him up and had another bill of $155.00 dollars. I spoke to the Vet about this and his statement was "I could have put him down, but I brought him back". I was shocked at that statement. He was perfectly well when I brought him in - now I have to pay an additional payment because he did me a favor by reviving him? What are the results of this reaction? He told me that the blood tests that were taken prior to the Rabies shot found that his kidney count was very high and that he would have to go on a special food called KD by prescription. Can't I make special food for him? He seems to be okay, but has been lethargic, his kidneys are functioning fine and he lets me know when he has to go out. Can you help me? I adore my dog and I want him to live out his years in good health - how can I do that?
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Suzanne (Jackson, Mi) on 12/18/2009
Our dog, Lily had her Rabies vaccination on Monday 12/14, by Tuesday night she was very lethargic, and all week she just lies there and cries and whines and has a hard time getting up. Once she is up, she seems ok, but definitely not her usual self. She is moving very slowly. She is only 5 and a golden retreiever, normal weight and never has had a reaction to a shot or medication before. Does anyone know if they get better???? What do you do? We are going to the vet today.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Arthur (Park Rdige, Illinois) on 12/16/2009
Had my dog vaccinated with three year rabies vaccine. Since then about one month he has been throwing up all food. Also if not fed for a day or so as vet suggested, he throws up a clear or sometime foamy very slimy throwup. Also he has almost lost control of hind leg(s) and has a hard time walking. VCet said to give my dog pipcod AC to settle his stomach, this has not helped. My dog weighed 99 pounds two weeks ago and had lost 15 pounds, now he is 84 pounds. Vet seems to be bewildered.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Suzanne (Glendale, California) on 12/11/2009
I just wanted you to be aware of the death of my beautiful Malamute, Sasha. She was 10 years young and so full of life and energy. In the morning, I took her to the local pet shop vaccination clinic for her regular rabies booster shot. She was prancing, dancing, and ahooing to everyone in the store. By the afternoon she acted like she had the flu, and the next morning fell over in the back yard like a tree in the forest. She was foaming at the mouth with shallow breathing. I tried to resuscitate her. My husband said it was a heart attack. The vet took no responsibility. I learned through research on the internet that older dogs often have compromised immune systems and because of the type of rabies vaccination they use that's what killed her. I warn everyone with an older dog, do not give them the shots. Sasha was in perfect health before she was given the shot. I miss her so much.
EC: How very sad. We are so sorry for your loss.
Deirdre
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Connie (Warsaw, Oh) on 12/05/2009
My French Bulldog got a rabies shot 3 days ago. Within a few hours, he was paralyzed in his back legs. It has been 3 days, and he is not eating can't walk. My vet says he has never seen this happen as a result of a rabie shot. Is there anyone out there who has had this happen to their dog? Did your dog recover?
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Aisha (Houston, Tx) on 11/30/2009
My himalayan cat was given a Pfizer rabies vaccine when he was two years old. The injection site was at the base of the neck, however, I later learned that it's safer to vaccinate on an animal's hips or near the hind leg.
About an hour and a half after being vaccinated, my cat began vomitting blood. He must have vomitted 11 times! At the emergency room of the animal clinic, I was given the choice of administering Zantac (to coat his stomach) or another medication. I opted for the Zantac shot which made him feel more comfortable (the bleeding had chafed his throat). Thankfully, he recovered quickly. However, I have not taken him to get his latest rabies vaccinations. In order for him to be certified for travel, I will have to get him vaccinated eventually. Any suggestions on how I can ease the side-effects of the rabies vaccination would be greatly appreciated!
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Brenda (Lynn, Ma) on 11/17/2009
We took our puppy for his first Rabies Vaccine, we came out of the exam room and he suddenly was not right , he vomited and went down. Luckily this happened while we were still at the Vets, he needed oxygen and a shot. Very scary. thanks to the wondeful care he is fine. Isn't there anything else they can do for smaller dogs?
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Anita (Jacksonville, Fl) on 10/23/2009
Last Thursday we took our 2 year old cat for a rabies shot. This was required by the city since we were adopting a new kitten. The vet gave her a 3 year rabies shot and a leukemia shot. He had difficulty getting the shots in since she wouldn't be still. On Monday, she threw up all day and by Monday night she could not stand up and her eyes were not focused. They appeared to be vibrating and her neck was bobbing. We immediately took her to an all night emergency vet. She said she has Vestibular disease and that it was not caused by the vaccines. I totally believe it is!! If you look up the rabies shot side effects one of them is these same symptons caused by too much protein ruining the nervous system. We have her on a medicine for sea sickness and it appears to be working. This is Friday - 8 days since her vaccine and she is better but not well. She can walk slowly and is not falling down most of the time. She still can't jump and run. She appears very sad now. I pray she gets fully recovered. I WILL NEVER GIVE ANY OF MY CATS RABIES VACCINES AGAIN NO MATTER WHAT THE LAW READS.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Cassandra (Gander, Nl) on 10/23/2009
Rabies vaccine side effect
My Boxer dog recieved his rabies vaccine at 6 months old and about 30-40 days later developed a severe attack of pancreatitis, afterwards his pancrease was left unable to digest his food and he is now on medication. We ruled out all other causes of pancreatitis. he also developed behaviour problems such as hyperactivity, aggression, and frequently wanting to be alone as if he was sick.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Nicole (Near Chicago, Il) on 10/07/2009
Hello, my dog (7 yr old female shih-tzu) was given her rabies shot approximately 24 hours ago at petsmart. We are unaware of the dose or brand given to her. She is incredibly lethargic, does not respond to her name, is taking quick, shallow breaths and resists any human contact. She is an otherwise outgoing, friendly, healthy dog. Is this temporary? My family does not believe in vaccines (for the most part) and we are worried for her immediate and lasting health. What should we do for her?
Thanks, Nicole
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Linda (Eureka, Ca) on 10/05/2009
I recently had my mini doxie vaccinated with 3 year rabies vaccine. within 2 hours she developed bloody diarrhea. The vet refuses to acknowledge that it could be a symptom of the shot and says it is probably stress or irritable bowel. 2 days later the syptoms continue but are subsiding. She received her shot at a volunteer function. There is no amount given on her certificate, just the brand and ser. #
