Everything You Need to Know About Rabies Vaccines for Dogs
Photo by Chewy
The rabies vaccine for dogs is a core part of their preventive care. While there are many vaccines that your dog needs—rabies is one of the most important.
Rabies is transmitted to other animals via a bite or scratch. While canine rabies has been mostly eradicated in the United States, an infected animal can still infect dogs (and people, too). A rabies vaccine for your pup is the best way to protect them from this usually fatal disease.
Learn about when dogs typically receive rabies shots, possible side effects, and how much they cost.
Key Takeaways
- Rabies is a fatal viral disease, but it's almost entirely preventable with a vaccination.
- Once rabies symptoms appear, there is no effective treatment.
- Every dog should receive a rabies vaccine. Puppies typically get their first rabies shot between 12–16 weeks of age, followed by a booster one year later and then every 1–3 years.
- Rabies spreads through the saliva of infected animals, usually via bites.
- Most dogs experience only mild side effects after a rabies vaccine, such as soreness at the injection site or mild fatigue. Serious reactions are rare but require immediate veterinary attention.
What Is Rabies?
Rabies is a lethal illness caused by the lyssavirus. It affects the nervous system and is spread by bites through saliva or through mucous membranes (the moist tissues of the eyes, nose, and mouth). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 4,000 cases of rabies in animals are reported every year.
In the United States, five types of rabies are found in fox, raccoon, skunk, canine (coyote and dog), and bat populations. All five types can be transmitted to dogs and are almost always fatal once symptoms begin.
The incubation period of rabies—how long it takes to show symptoms—is usually three to eight weeks, but it is highly variable and can be as short as nine days or as long as a year. It depends on several factors. These include the age of the animal bitten, how far the bite is from the nervous system, and the dose of virus introduced to the body.
The virus attacks and replicates in the nervous system, causing the clinical signs of rabies.
There are two forms of rabies: the excitatory form (sometimes call the “furious” stage) and the paralytic form (also referred to as the “dumb stage.”) Not all animals experience both stages.
Symptoms may include:
- Erratic behavior, such as anxiety, nervousness, or seeking solitude
- Foaming at the mouth
- Easily overwhelmed by sights and sounds
- Weakness
- Paralysis
- Loss of eating and drinking
- Respiratory failure
Once symptoms of rabies appear, an animal generally has three to eight days to live. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for rabies.
However, the good news is this disease can be easily prevented via a rabies vaccine for dogs.
Does My Dog Need the Rabies Vaccine?
Yes, every dog needs the rabies vaccine to be healthy.
While not every city or state may require the vaccine by law, it’s still important to make sure your dog is covered.
How Often Do Dogs Need Rabies Shots?
The American Animal Hospital Association says that standard recommendations include administration of a single dose of killed rabies vaccine via injection under the skin or into the muscle to dogs no younger than 3 months of age.
Generally, puppies receive their first rabies vaccine between 12–16 weeks of age, which stimulates the immune system to make antibodies.
A second single dose of rabies vaccine is administered one year later, regardless of your dog’s age, and then every one to three years thereafter, depending on the type of vaccine given and your local or state health ordinances and legal requirements.
| Dose #1 | 12–16 weeks |
| Dose #2 (booster) | One year after first dose |
| Subsequent boosters | Every one to three years (ask your vet for guidance) |
This canine vaccination schedule helps bolster your pup’s immunity against rabies in case they ever do end up exposed to the virus. Be sure to keep track of their vaccines.
How Much Does a Dog Rabies Vaccine Cost?
The cost of a rabies vaccine for dogs varies greatly, depending on where you live and your veterinarian. Generally, though, expect to pay for a regular exam, plus the rabies vaccine, which costs an average of $35 for each shot.
If you’re on a budget, there are many options to get a reduced-cost rabies vaccine for dogs, including:
- Low-cost vaccine clinic at a pet store or feed store
- Low-cost vaccine clinic at a shelter
- Mobile or pop-up vaccine clinics
You can also ask your veterinary office if they run rabies vaccine specials. Lastly, some pet insurance companies have plans that do cover wellness, which may include vaccines.
Rabies Vaccine for Dogs: Side Effects
The rabies vaccine for dogs has a very low rate of severe adverse reactions.
Side effects may include:
- Soreness at the site of injection
- Fever
- Swelling where the injection was given
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Rarer side effects may include:
- Hives
- Hair loss at the injection site
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Swollen face, eyes, or muzzle
- Coughing
- Collapse or fainting
If you notice any side effects, contact your dog’s veterinarian for advice. If your dog is experiencing severe side effects, like collapsing or fainting, head to the nearest emergency vet.
FAQs About Rabies Shots for Dogs
How long is the rabies vaccine for dogs good for?
The initial rabies vaccine is good for one year. Additional boosters are required every one to three years, depending on the vaccine and where you live.
Is the rabies vaccine for dogs necessary?
Yes. All dogs should be vaccinated for rabies.
Can rabies shots make your dog sick?
Not exactly—but as with any vaccine, some dogs may have side effects. If you notice side effects, call your veterinarian.
Can a dog get rabies after vaccination?
It would be very unlikely, but no vaccine can prevent disease 100%. However, infection is rare in dogs who have been vaccinated for rabies.
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