One of the most important tasks of you as a pet owner is to have your dog vaccinated. The rabies shot is the only vaccination that is crucial to the wellbeing of your dog as well as legally obligatory in most locations. Rabies is a fatal virus which infects the nervous system of the animals and humans, and the only effective protection is vaccination. But what is the frequency of rabies vaccination of dogs, and why are booster shots mandatory? We shall discuss all that you need to know about rabies vaccinations of dogs.
The Reason behind Rabies Vaccination
Rabies is a viral infection that is fatal and which is transmitted by the saliva of infected animals which are normally transmitted by bites or scratches. As soon as the symptoms manifest, it is nearly always fatal, both in animals and people. Vaccination of your dog is a sure way of protecting your dog and also helps to stop the transmission of the virus to your family members and society.
The laws regarding the vaccination against rabies are very strict in most countries due to the possible danger that this virus causes. The indoor dogs still have to be vaccinated since they also may be exposed to the infected bats or stray animals.
The First Rabies Puppy Vaccination
At about 1216 weeks of age, puppies are usually brought to the veterinary to be vaccinated against rabies. This is the right time when they can react through their immune system. They have their immunity provided by their milk before this age but the protection expires in a few weeks.
The immunity to rabies begins to develop in the body of your puppy, and it will last a considerable amount of time, though it is not permanent after the first vaccination. That is why booster shots are required.
How Often Do Dogs Need Rabies Shots?
The vaccination rate of rabies is determined by local legislation and the vaccine type. In the vast majority of cases, two standard schedules exist:
One-Year Rabies Vaccine: It is a version that needs annual revolutions. It is required that every 12 months your dog has a new rabies shot so that it is perfectly safe and also does not break the law.
Three-Year Rabies Vaccine: This vaccine is a longer lasting vaccine that is being used by most veterinarians. Once you give your dog the initial shot and the first booster, all you have to do is vaccinate your dog once every three years against rabies.
Nevertheless, not all states or countries have allowed a waiver on the annual vaccination of rabies irrespective of its kind following the use of the vaccine. It is always necessary to verify your local laws or even get your veterinarian to verify what the schedule is in your area.
Why Booster Shots Are So Important?
The booster shots enhance the immunity of your dog. The level of antibodies in the body against rabies may reduce with time. Through boosters, the immune system will be reminded to be aware of a possible attack, and so will always be on guard.
Missing out on a rabies booster will not be of assistance. In case of lapses in the vaccination of your dog, and it bites a person, or is bitten by a different animal, it may have to be quarantined or killed in legally binding situations. This can be avoided by keeping up with the vaccines.
What Happens During a Rabies Vaccination?
Rabies vaccinations are fast and not very painful. The vaccine is injected by your veterinarian into your dog by the skin usually somewhere near the shoulder part. Majority of the dogs can manage it with few side effects.
Some of the mild symptoms that could occur after the shot include temporary soreness, sleepiness or a small bump at the site of injection. The effects can be expected to fade in one or two days. Severe allergic reactions are very extreme and this should be reported immediately to your vet in the event it happens.
How to Keep Track of Your Dog’s Vaccinations?
It is important to keep records of vaccinations. After every vaccination a rabies certificate will be issued to you by your vet, enjoy keeping this paper safe. A lot of locations demand evidence of existing rabies vaccination in order to register a dog, groom it, board it, or travel with it.
In case you relocate to a new city or country, you should take your dog to a new doctor and give them the vaccination records. It is also possible that you can ensure that you are kept up to date on booster dates by using digital reminders or pet health applications.
How Do I Know if My Dog Lost his Rabies Shot?
When your dog has forgotten a rabies vaccination, you should not be panicking, but act quickly. As soon as possible call the doctor of your dog. The vet could resume the immunization or give a booster based on the time taken since the last injection.
Lawsuits and health complications may arise due to lagging in the process of vaccination. In other areas an overdue dog can be considered unvaccinated and may have to be isolated or put under surveillance following a possible contact.
Cost of Rabies Vaccination
The average price of a rabies vaccine of a dog in the United States is about 15-50 dollars depending on where you live, the type of clinic and the type of vaccine (one-year or three-year). There are also various low-cost vaccination days offered by different local shelters or veterinary clinics, and this option should also be considered in case you have more than one pet.
Keeping Your Dog Happy Outside the Rabies Vaccination
Although the rabies vaccine is essential, it is not the only security that your dog is supposed to have. Every check up, de worming, distemper and parvovirus vaccine and leptospirosis vaccine to make your furry friend overall healthy. Keeping the environment clean, eating well and having preventive healthcare habit contributes to their life span and quality of living.
Conclusion
Rabies is a highly risky but avoidable disease in the world. The second and the most basic responsible pet ownership is to make sure that your dog is vaccinated against rabies and on time. Dogs are usually vaccinated against rabies at the age of 12-16 and also given a booster after one year and after that every one to three years according to the laws of the area.
It is not only your community that you are protecting by keeping up with vaccinations, but also your dog as well. It is also important to always talk to your veterinarian to know the optimal time to vaccinate your pet and maintain the record of his and her health.