Rabies Vaccine for Dogs

The Rabies disease

Rabies is a fatal disease which is very infectious. It is caused by viruses and it affects animals that are warm blooded. Examples of these animals would be a cat, a dog and a wolf. This disease will infect the nerves (including the brain) and is usually transmitted by a bite of an infected animal or even contact with its saliva. Symptoms of the disease will manifest themselves within a month of the bite. These symptoms will include uncontrolled anger and aggressiveness, wild animal’s fearlessness of people, pets and wild animals bite easily when provoked and paralysis. When these symptoms are seen then the infected person or animal is likely to die within a week. Rabies should be treated within a two days of a bite but first aid on the wound should be immediately administered. It is therefore clear that a rabies vaccine for dogs is very crucial for a pet.

The vaccine

dog Rabies Vaccine for DogsThere are some countries that require all dogs to get a rabies vaccine for dogs every three years but the vaccines are available for either a period of one year or a period of three years. However, if you get your dog a shot today and another one after one year then the dog will have immunity against the disease for about six years. These vaccines are usually administered by a vet and you should not do it yourself not unless you are a vet.

The side effects of the vaccine

The rabies vaccine for dogs might cause unwanted reactions within the vaccinated animal. There are the effects that could be witnessed within three days of vaccination. They include feeling like to vomit, swelling of the face, getting feverish, loosing consciousness and sometimes death may occur.

There are effects that may occur after period of up to a month of getting the shot. These effects would include becoming epileptic, allergic reactions, suffering from digestive problems, muscles could get very weak and even loose coordination, suffer diseases of the skin or even separation anxiety.

Ways of minimizing the side effects of the vaccine

The first and most important thing to do with your dog before a rabies vaccine for dogs is to make sure that the dog is in the best health condition. Since dogs are carnivorous animals, regularly feed your dog with meat so that his or her immunity can be at optimum. In addition, exercise the dog and show love to him/her. You can achieve these two by taking the dog with you during your morning jog or even your evening walk. In the event whereby the dog has had some reactions to the vaccine in the past, then consult a homeopath. He should give you homeopathic medicine which the dog should have in the recommended dosage before the vaccine.

If any side effect still appears after the vaccine you should visit the vet so that the effects can be treated.

Is the vaccine necessary for all dogs?

If there is a law from the government that all the dogs are vaccinated then only a veterinary officer can exempt your dog. This would be when a blood test shows high immunity against the disease.