Earth Clinic readers have reported numerous side effects to the Rabies Vaccine over the years. Side effects from the Rabies Vaccine include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, drooling, neurological problems, swelling, itching, weight loss, and wounds at the site of the vaccine. Some side effects present right away, others take some time to be apparent, including arthritis and growths at the site of the vaccine. Some pet owners have experienced that their dog has a dramatic change in behavior, for the worse. Sadly, a number of deaths have been reported.
Side Effects from Rabies Vaccinations in Dogs
Earth Clinic reader Diana from PA experienced a variety of side effects when her dog got his Rabies Vaccine. “I had always followed the “rules” and allowed my Papillon to receive his prescribed rabies shot. About four years ago, after receiving the shot, we had just arrived home about 20 minutes from the vet’s office, when I noticed his behavior was becoming a bit frantic, he was drooling and his little face was beginning to swell. I became hysterical, phoned the vet’s office and told them we would be returning pronto… Upon arrival, they whisked him back and gave a shot of epinephrine and steroids. Since that time, whenever he gets his rabies shot, he must always get a steroid shot first.
This year my Papillon is 11 years old and he went for his rabies shot, as usual, he received his steroids first. But this year was different. It’s been several weeks now and he seems withdrawn, cautious and something all family members have noticed is that his hearing seems to have significantly deteriorated since receiving the shot. I had been suspicous of the shot all along, however now even more so. After reading other posts, I will do more research and decide what to do from this point forward.”
In New Mexico, Summer’s Toy Fox Terrier “developed a bald spot on the right shoulder just above the leg from the rabies vaccination injection. The hair di not grown back after several months and the spot is completely bare. Our vet did not seem concerned about it and gave the next injections under the front right leg. He has since developed a small bump under the skin at the second injection site.”
Reducing Risks of Side Effects from Rabies Vaccinations
Puppies should not receive Rabies Vaccines before the age of 16 weeks. Please be familiar with your local laws; some states do not require the vaccine before 5-6 months. It is always preferable to delay vaccinations until puppies are older and stronger, whenever possible. A three year Rabies Vaccine is preferable to a yearly vaccine; a yearly shot is a lot of stress on the immune system. You may also be able to request a Rabies Titer instead of a Rabies Booster. It is best to avoid any vaccinations when a pet is already sick.
If your puppy or dog experiences side effects from the Rabies Vaccine, please be sure to let us know. Continue reading below to read testimonials from hundreds of our readers who reported suspected side effects from the rabies vaccine. Be forewarned that some of these testimonials have tragic endings.
If you suspect your dog is experiencing side effects from Rabies Vaccine, please visit our rabies side effects treatment page here.
Farrah
He most likely has some heavy metals and a virus. The rabies shot replicates the symptoms.
I would give him a tiny pinch of cilantro, 2x a week to gently remove the metals. A smidge of non gmo lecithin. That will help his liver.
An antiviral remedy we gave our dogs was l lysine. Open a capsule of 500mg and give 1/4 of the powder in a ball of liver sausage. 4x a day, for 3 days
Janet
Side effect reported
Hi, I recently 11-11-18 got my 6 year old yorkie male his rabies shot. she told me that he may feel sleepy. so we left got into the car . He did go to slepp for a little. then fine. the next day I come home he was asking afraid to come down the steps. then he was shaking little. so I gave him some food and he drank water. we went out side he pee that was it. He was looking at me as if he was in pain or not feeling good. idk what else to do please help! I rub him he act like he was still sore from the shot. idk if he sad about something he look like he wanted to cry idk what to do.
Side effect reported
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.
Side effect reported
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.
Side effect reported
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,
Hey Meg,
You might consider finding a holistic vet for the vaccine damage – that would be my first choice. Barring that, Google 'homeopathic remedy vaccine reaction' or similar searches and see what you can find. Most common homeopathic remedies are Silicea and Thuja – and I would not hesitate to dose either at this stage. I would also dose activated charcoal and milk thistle, along with acidophillus and other probiotics to establish good gut health. Please report back!
Side effect reported
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.
Hey Sparky3377,
You might consider a holistic vet that can repair vaccine damage – try finding one here: https://www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/
From the interwebs: "Many people automatically give the remedy Thuja after a vaccination, but it’s not the only remedy indicated for vaccine reactions. Silica is also a very important remedy in this regard. However, it’s important to remember that treating a reaction to vaccines is no different from treating anything else with homeopathy – the best remedy to give is the one that matches the symptom picture the dog is displaying…. That said, the vaccine reactions that dogs commonly experience often indicate Thuja or Silica. Some of these symptoms include:
When treating reactions to a rabies vaccine, Belladonna and Lyssin (also known as Hydrophobinum) should be considered. Belladonna can be indicated if the dog suddenly develops a high fever, especially if he/she has glassy eyes with dilated pupils. This is also a remedy to consider if the dog develops aggressive or compulsive behaviour (e.g. turning in circles repeatedly), or seizure activity.
Lyssin (also known as Hydrophobinum) is the first remedy to think of if the dog develops a fear of water (which can manifest as refusing to drink) or is agitated by the sound of running water."
Source: http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/homeopathic-treatment-vaccine-reactions/
Side effect reported
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
Side effect reported
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.
Side effect reported
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.
Side effect reported
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.
Side effect reported
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
Before going for any vaccinations please put the animal on vit c one week before; helps to cope with side effects, I don't vaccinate after 2.
Hi, My lab Belle had her first 3 year rabies vaccine on the past Sunday. She was fine up until Wednesday she my daughter noticed she was limping on her left leg. (The vaccine was given on the right side). I called the vet and took her in today, Friday. They said it could be a torn CCL. But she didn't injure herself, when she got up from lying down she was limping. I didn't bring this up with the vet because I just thought of this. We have an appointment with a different vet on Monday for a second opinion. I will bring this thought up with him. Any thoughts are appreciated!
Side effect reported
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.
Side effect reported
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