The Rabies Vaccine For Dogs

Understanding the Rabies Vaccine

This is the vaccine that has most people up in arms! Mostly, because we have no say and no control of using it for out pets.

There is no cure for Rabies if contracted, so we must prevent rabies through vaccination. It has not been eradicated from this country, and is a risk to humans and animals.

Most states have laws surrounding rabies vaccine requirements. You are encouraged to delay the vaccine as long as possible. For most, that’s no sooner than 6 months of age.
The good news, if there is any, is the rabies vaccine has been around a very long time. Though it is not without risk to any dog. It may be managed if you plan and take proper action.

So again, we aren’t anti-vaccine here and want our dogs protected from this deadly disease. But we also want to see the laws changed against requiring vaccines for our dogs if they are still producing antibodies. We want to see Titer Testing accepted!

Rabies Vaccines Are Required By Law

Not everyone can simply “not vaccinate”. No matter how much we all wish to avoid them. And no matter how someone on the internet makes you feel — everyone will face the requirement and the decision at some point. And the stress it sometimes overwhelming.

• Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs

• Air Travel, International Moves

• City, State Requirements

• Grooming and Boarding liability requirements

• Veterinary procedures

• You move into an apartment

• You go camping at and RV Park.

• Involved in a Dog Bite

• You adopt a rescue dog or purchase from a less than holistic breeder

  • chances are they got all the things at once, and may even have been double vaxed if found as a stray or surrendered without records.

  • Read more about Vaccine Injuries - though this can happen to any dog at any time.

That’s just to name a few.

I encourage you to educate yourself about the vaccine and plan strategically.

One of the greatest challenges you will face is an major medical issue with your dog’s health and being told before they can see you you must vaccinate for Rabies. Despite the fact that manufacturing insert states to “Vaccinate Only Healthy Dogs” — this is getting much harder under corporate clinics to accommodate. I caution you to vaccinate your dog when they are already under stress / injury / or deteriorating health. But your vet may require it without offering a waiver.

What You Should Know About The Rabies Vaccine

There are a couple of issues you must be aware of before your consider revaccinating:

• The vaccine for your Yorkie is the same as the vaccine was for my Great Dane. There is no approved dosing differential at this time.

• The vaccine administered at 1 year and 3 years is the same vaccine. There is no frequency differential. What does differ is the labeling. And if your product was labeled as one year, you’re going to be expected to boost it 12 months later.

• Thimerosal is mercury-based compound historically used as a preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in multi-dose vaccine vials. Ask your vet for Thimerosal-Free, single dose vial products if you must vaccinate. They may not have it on hand — so call in advance.

  • Heavy metals require detox and may contribute to many health issues — as they have for my rescue dog Harvey. See Heavy Metal Testing

• The vaccine is only 88% effective. So approximately 12 % of dogs who have received the vaccine may be at risk. The only way to know for sure is titer testing.

• Most Titer studies tell us that most dogs will never need another vaccine after their first dose because the dog's body continues to produce antibodies.

• Having any antibodies present is considered immunity -- the range you hear people discuss isn't really relative unless it drops to 0.

• Your vet is required to get a Rabies vaccine when going into practice. They titer themselves before receiving another.

• Side effects are adverse reactions. What we are told is "normal" -- isn't normal to the body. It's just common to see with many dogs. We have been taught side effects are ok. They may not be for your dog next time.

• The liver must process the vaccine. This can be a compounding problem with other vaccines and environmental factors.

• If you are using something like Benedryl as an advanced preventative against possible allergic reaction — be sure that it’s xylitol free. Remember Benedryl is also not risk-free. I prefer homeopathic like Histaminium and Belladonna.

• Rabies Rage / Behavior Changes and Vaccine Injury — it’s all real.

I recommend to NOT administer the Rabies vaccine simultaneously with another vaccine, under stress, or with any other medical or surgical procedure. I can almost guarantee your vet will push back on this. Most pet parents will not want to spend the cost of an extra vet visit. But I encourage you to take this step to reduce risks.

We can support the immune system and detox pathways PRIOR to going in for the vaccine and AFTER. This is important to do. We do so with nutrition, essential oils, and homeopathy.

If it's nearing time for your vaccine, let's get you started on a wellness protocol available to members of my community and clients, building your dog’s immune sytstem and preparing for vaccine detox & possible vaccinosis.

Pay careful attention, and ask if your vet is using the mRNA vaccine. It’s too new and not well tested yet to trust this one, imho.