Your Dog Health Care Must Include Annual Rabies Shots!
Our furry canine friends are also
prone to a lot of diseases and rabies is one of the deadliest viruses that can
affect them. Rabies shots are the only effective treatment option to save our
pet dogs from a dreadful fate, in case of a rabies infection.
Pet care has evolved a great
deal, but there is no proper diagnostic or treatment option, if your pet gets
affected by rabies. And if your dog doesn’t have their scheduled rabies shots
taken, state law in many countries, mandates that - if they were to bite or be
bitten, or get a cut of unknown origin that may incidentally be a stray bite -
they should be quarantined, or worse, put to sleep, in order to keep other
people and animals safe.
Therefore, it is essential to
stay on top of your dog’s rabies
vaccination schedule.
Now, the question is...
How Long is a Single Rabies Shot
Effective?
Depending on trial and proof, the
longevity of preventative effects from a rabies shot varies anywhere between 1
to 3 years. State law in many countries, however, have fixed vaccination
schedules for rabies in animals - something your veterinarian should be well
aware of.
Does that mean…
Your Dog Should Get Annual Rabies
Shots?
Shortly, yes.
Once vaccinated, the rabies
vaccine teaches the body how to identify the rabies virus and create an immune
response to kill the virus, if it occurs. Over time, this fades considerably -
that is why booster shots are so important.
A yearly booster shot is like a
cumulative life-time coverage for your dog against the rabies virus and is
recommended globally by most veterinarians.
Rabies Vaccination Schedule For Your Dog
In most states, puppy rabies
vaccine is generally given at 16 weeks (not any earlier than week 12), and the
rabies vaccination is supposed to be good for one year. For adult dogs, a
single dose of the rabies vaccine is apparently good for three years. Your
dog's vaccination schedule is something to be addressed at the time of the
first visit to the veterinarian. For example, if your puppy would receive the
rabies vaccine at 16 weeks first, then the next dose should be when they're 1
year old and then again at age 4.
This may make it seem like yearly
shots are an oversight, but unlike most diseases, over-vaccination in case of
rabies, is not a thing. And it is better to be safe than sorry anyway, isn’t
it?
Side Effects from Rabies Vaccine
Common side effects of a rabies
vaccine can include mild malaise, swelling at the vaccination site, a slight
fever, and a decreased appetite and activity level. These symptoms can start
very shortly, presumably within a couple of hours of the vaccination and should
disappear completely in a day or two.
If they don’t, or if there is
swelling at the site of injection, which does not seem to be reducing with
time, or may seem to be increasing in dimensions, then it is pertinent to
contact your veterinarian right away.
Less common but more severe side
effects can involve:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Hives
- Swelling around the muzzle involving the face,
eyes or neck
- Decreasing activity level
- Severe coughing or difficulty in breathing
etc.
These effects might occur within
minutes to a few hours of receiving the vaccine. It is advised to contact a
veterinarian immediately in such situations of medical emergencies.
Vaccination Aftercare
In case of mild discomfort, here
are a few ways you can take care of your dog:
- Provide them with a nice and cosy nook to rest
in, maybe lay down a blanket in their favourite corner of the house
- Make sure they have access to water and their
favourite food
- Avoid petting or playing with them; they will
seek you out when they want attention
- Don't disturb them much with any kind of loud
noises and check on them every so often to see if they are comfortable
Rabies is a fatal disease for
your furry canine friends. Take care of them in the right manner by getting
them vaccinated regularly.
Book an appointment at the DCC
Animal Hospital today to get your pet’s
health checked up. We even have vaccinations available for all of our furry
four-legged friends.
Call now on (+91) 9311560101.
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