Rabies is a dangerous infectious disease that can cause severe damage to the brain and nervous system. The best way to prevent rabies is by vaccinating dogs and cats. Read the article below if you are a pet owner and want to know everything about rabies vaccination!
1 When should I start rabies vaccination for dogs and cats?
According to top international veterinarians, it is recommended to start the vaccination schedule for dogs from 8 weeks of age or older. Rabies vaccination can begin when the dog is 3 months old. If your new pet has not been vaccinated yet, it is important to avoid close contact with other animals and people until they receive their shots.
Wait for 5-7 days to observe and ensure your pet does not show any signs of incubating an illness. Vaccines are made from weakened viruses. If your pet is already incubating an illness, the vaccine could make them even sicker.
When to start rabies vaccination for dogs and cats?
Do not vaccinate dogs and cats too early as it can disrupt their natural immunity. Their immune system may not be fully developed, making them more susceptible to other diseases. Early vaccination also increases the risk of adverse drug reactions, leading to unpredictable vaccination incidents.
Vaccines contain weakened or inactivated pathogens. In favorable conditions, these pathogens can multiply and cause harm to the health of dogs and cats. Therefore, it is extremely dangerous to vaccinate pregnant animals, posing risks to both the mother and her unborn offspring.
There are various types of vaccines available on the market for dogs and cats, including a 7-in-1 vaccine for dogs, a 5-in-1 vaccine for dogs, a feline leukemia vaccine, and a rabies vaccine for dogs.
2 Is one dose of rabies vaccine enough for dogs and cats?
Usually, one dose is not sufficient to stimulate the immune system effectively. Your veterinarian will schedule multiple doses, typically around 3, spaced 3-4 weeks apart. For rabies vaccination, the first dose is given at 12 weeks of age, followed by booster shots annually to maintain immunity for your furry friend.
The price of the 7-in-1 vaccine for dogs and rabies vaccination can vary depending on the location. However, it is important not to compromise your pet’s health by choosing a cheaper option without ensuring its quality.
3 How long does rabies vaccination last for dogs and cats?
According to veterinary experts, the rabies vaccine for dogs and cats is effective for approximately 12 months. This means that during this period, the cells will remember and create rabies antibodies.
To protect the health of your pet and yourself, it is recommended to get booster shots annually for dogs and cats.
Rabies vaccination for dogs is effective for 12 months
4 Why can dogs still get rabies after vaccination?
There can be several reasons for this:
It could be due to the dog or cat’s health: Vaccines help prevent the disease, but their effectiveness varies. If your pet is in poor health or has a weak immune system, they may still be at risk.
It could be due to the pathogen: Pathogens are living organisms that can mutate and develop into different strains. Your pet may accidentally be infected with a stronger strain or a larger quantity of the pathogen, leading to the disease.
It could be due to the rabies vaccine itself: Vaccinating dogs too early, errors in the vaccine production and usage process, expired or improperly stored vaccines, etc., can all contribute to the ineffectiveness of the vaccine and the poor health of the animal.
5 How to prevent and treat rabies in dogs and cats
-
Get regular rabies vaccinations for your pets annually.
-
Administer the first dose to puppies when they are 4 weeks old.
-
If the mother dog has been vaccinated, vaccinate the puppies when they are 3 months old, followed by annual booster shots.
Get regular rabies vaccinations for your pets
In addition to regular rabies vaccination for your dogs and cats, here are some important considerations:
-
Keep your dog on a leash and don’t let it roam freely. Always accompany your dog when it goes outside.
-
Maintain a clean and hygienic living environment for your pets.
-
If your dog or cat exhibits unusual behavior such as loss of appetite or high fever, take them to a veterinary facility immediately for timely diagnosis and treatment.
-
Disinfect areas suspected or confirmed to be contaminated by the rabies virus from infected pets.
-
In the unfortunate event of your pet’s death, do not consume its meat, and properly dispose of or incinerate the remains.
Rabies is a highly dangerous disease with a rapid rate of transmission. It poses a threat to the lives of infected animals, their owners, and numerous other species that come into close contact.
6 Frequently Asked Questions about Rabies Vaccination for Dogs and Cats
How long can a dog or cat with rabies survive?
The rabies virus, belonging to the Rhabdovirus family, can remain dormant in the body for 2-8 weeks before any symptoms appear. If transmitted through a bite, the incubation period can be as short as 10 days.
After infection, the rabies virus initially invades and multiplies in muscle tissue. It can remain in this stage for several days or months, during which the animal appears healthy and shows no signs of illness.
Within 1-3 months, the virus begins to invade the nervous system, eventually reaching the spinal cord and brain. It takes 12-180 days for the virus to spread through the peripheral nerves and ultimately affect the central nervous system.
Reference:
What are the symptoms of rabies in dogs and cats?
Rabies in dogs and cats presents in two phases: the dumb or paralytic phase and the furious or excitative phase.
In the dumb phase, it can be challenging to determine if your pet has rabies as the symptoms are not yet apparent. During this phase, your pet’s behavior may change erratically due to the impact on their central nervous system.
In the furious phase, the symptoms become more pronounced. Your pet may become agitated and easily stimulated by sounds. They may exhibit uncontrolled biting, and in severe cases, develop red eyes and foam at the mouth.
Symptoms of rabies in dogs and cats
How long does the rabies vaccine last for humans?
The rabies vaccine for humans provides protection for a limited period, and the duration depends on the type of vaccine. There are two types of rabies vaccines available in the United States that contain inactivated rabies virus:
-
Human Diploid Cell Vaccine (HDCV): Produced in a culture of human diploid cells.
-
Purified Chick Embryo Cell Vaccine (PCECV) or RabAvert: Manufactured using a culture of purified chick embryo cells.
To protect your pets and yourself, it is essential to provide them with careful and attentive care. Ensure your pets are always safe, healthy, and in optimal condition. Wishing you and your furry companions a joyful and healthy life together!
Should Mothers Delay Vaccinating Their Babies during the Covid-19 Pandemic?
The article is professionally reviewed by Dr. Quach Nguyen Thu Thuy, a specialist in Pediatrics at Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
Should Mothers Delay Vaccination for Children During the Covid-19 Outbreak?
The article is professionally consulted by Dr. Quach Nguyen Thu Thuy, MD – Pediatrics Specialist at Vinmec Times City International Hospital.
Rabies in Dogs: Causes, Signs, and Prevention
Rabies is a formidable disease that predominantly affects dogs, and it is imperative to delve into its intricacies. Today, join us as we explore the enigma of rabies in dogs, unraveling its causes, signs, and essential preventive measures.
How Long Can Rabid Dogs and Cats Survive?
Rabies Virus (Rhabdovirus) is an extremely dangerous and infectious virus with a rapid growth and transmission rate. But how long does this virus remain undetected in dogs and cats? And what is the lifespan of these pets once they contract rabies? Find out now!
