All states in the U.S. have laws in place requiring dogs to be immunized to prevent the spread of Rabies.
As of March 2009 Alabama is the one last remaining state requiring an annual Rabies shot. However, there is a proposed rewrite of their law in process now to remove the 1-year requirement there as well. All other states require the 3-year Rabies vaccination instead.
The convenience of taking your dog to the vet for a Rabies shot only once every 3 years offers a nice savings, as veterinarian office visits are rapidly approaching the cost of taking your own kids in for a doctor’s visit.
The big question is which Rabies injection is better for your dog? Is there a different formula used in the 3-year Rabies vaccination? Is the quantity of drug being injected larger and, therefore, potentially more dangerous for your dog?
These are all legitimate concerns that we will explore…
Any Differences?
Here’s a shocker for you: the actual 3-year Rabies shot contains the same drug and is given in the same amount as the 1-year Rabies shot.
The only difference is the label on the bottle indicating 1-year vs. 3-year.
It’s done that way purely to satisfy state laws. Some of the bureaucrats just haven’t caught on that research has shown one single Rabies vaccination can provide protection for a number of years. Current research is being done to verify a dog’s protection from Rabies over periods as long as 5 to 7 years.
Rabies Vaccination Schedules
For the purpose of convincing pet owners to return for a booster shot with young dogs, the first Rabies vaccination should take place at 4 to 6 months, followed by an annual Rabies booster. This will build up antibodies to protect the dog quickly. After that first annual shot, you can then move on to a 3-year Rabies vaccination schedule.
Even though the Rabies shots are essentially the same, simply being labeled a 1-year shot will place the animal in a noncompliant status as far as the state is concerned (when that year has passed). To again be considered protected (according to the state), your dog will need another Rabies vaccination, and then repeated Rabies vaccinations every 3 years thereafter.
Is The Rabies Vaccination Safe?
The Rabies vaccine does come with some risks. There is a potential for serious life-threatening allergic reactions that you should be aware of.
If your dog is breathing heavily, his face is swelling, his eyes are watering, or he’s vomiting, your vet should be notified immediately. These reactions to the Rabies vaccine are indicative of a medical emergency for your dog. Fast action is imperative, as immediate treatment is critical for your dog’s survival.
Other common reactions include agitation or aggressive behavior, skin rashes, digestive disorders and muscle weakness.
Your Dog’s Chances Of Getting Rabies
Did you know the Rabies vaccine is the only immunization that is required by law for pets in the United States?
Because of the extensive Rabies vaccination program, as of 2007 Canine Rabies no longer exists in the U.S. Of course, dogs can still contract Rabies from other animals living in the wild though.
Because there is a known chance of some dogs having a severe reaction to the Rabies vaccine, you should be aware that you do have the option of obtaining an exemption from the procedure. You see, veterinarians are authorized to exempt animals from the inoculation in cases where an animal’s current medical condition would indicate a risk to their well-being.
Q: Does this mean I only need to see my veterinarian every three years?
A: Regular wellness examinations (at least once or twice a year) are the most important preventive measure that you can provide for your dog. Vaccinations are just one component of the wellness visit. To help keep your dog in optimum health, regular wellness examinations are critical — regardless of how often vaccines are administered. Remember, dogs age at a much faster rate than humans, so a once-yearly exam is similar to a human getting a physical every 5-7 years. Plus they don’t always show signs of early disease, and they can’t easily communicate discomfort to us. Source
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