- Home
- Dog Conditions
- Rabies Vaccine Allergies in Dogs
Rabies Vaccine Allergies in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 09/05/2016Updated: 01/12/2022
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
What are Rabies Vaccine Allergies?
Rabies vaccinations are something that almost every dog receives in their yearly trip to the veterinarian, and sometimes every 3 years. These vaccines are meant to prevent the horrible and incurable disease that plagues wildlife and unfortunately spreads to domestic animals such as cats and dogs. As with many things that are meant to help, they sometimes have side effects. Your dog can react to anything that enters their body that their immune system deems unsafe, but when it comes to vaccines many times veterinarians must work past the allergy to prevent a disease.
An allergic reaction to the rabies vaccine is your dog’s immune system having a hypersensitive response to the vaccine itself. Symptoms can range from skin rash to diarrhea, and in very rare cases acute kidney failure.
Rabies Vaccine Allergies Average Cost
From 571 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$400
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
Symptoms of Rabies Vaccine Allergies in Dogs
Your dog’s symptoms may not always be the same as what other dogs may experience. If you suspect your dog is having an allergic reaction to a vaccine, contact your veterinarian. Symptoms may or may not include the following:
- Discomfort and swelling at the site of injection
- Mild fever
- Lack of appetite
- Decrease in activity or desire to play
- Swelling of face, eyes, and ears
It is important to note that swelling at the injection site is somewhat common and may last up to a week after shot is received, though it should still be reported to the clinic. If the site begins to appear infected or an abscess forms, your pet should be seen by your veterinarian. If a tumor grows at site of injection, report it to the veterinarian.
Rare and more serious symptoms may occur within a few minutes, hours or days of the vaccination. If any of the following symptoms develop, seek veterinary attention immediately.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hives or itchy skin
- Collapse
- Respiratory distress
Types
Hypersensitivity, or allergic reaction, could be a result of the vaccine antigen or other minerals and proteins found in the vaccine. BSA (otherwise known as Fraction V or Bovine Serum Albumen) and Fibronectin are proteins usually derived from cows that are used in vaccines and have been known to have antibody reactions from dogs.
- Type 1 - Acute anaphylaxis: angioedema (large welts), anaphylaxis or shock, and death
- Type 2 - Cytotoxic reactions of the Type 2 variety can be the cause of several different diseases in dogs such as blood clotting issues, muscle and skin disorders, and anemia
- Type 3 - Cutaneous ischemic vasculopathy which has been associated with the rabies vaccine can occur at the site of injection or another, more distant location such as the tips of the ears; this is known as the immune complex
Causes of Rabies Vaccine Allergies in Dogs
Your dog’s body has a wonderful defense system to keep it safe from the many things that could make him sick, this is called the immune system. The immune system attacks anything that enters your dog’s system that it feels will cause it harm to the body, sending antibodies to attack the foreign substance. Unfortunately, sometimes it will attack things that are actually meant to help, such as vaccines. This is the same process that causes some dogs to react to seasonal allergens such as pollen. There are many things that can cause an allergic reaction in your dog; here is a brief list of some allergens your pet could develop or currently have:
- Bee stings
- Vaccines
- Protein sources (i.e. chicken and/or beef)
- Pollen (seasonal)
Diagnosis of Rabies Vaccine Allergies in Dogs
Most symptoms of an allergic reaction are easily diagnosed just through visual signs and symptoms. Many veterinarians warn clients of common reactions to vaccines that many pets have that are not cause for alarm such as mild lethargy, lack of appetite (only for 1 or 2 meals), mild pain at injection site, lack of desire to run and walk, and even sometimes a mild fever. These sometimes may last 1-2 days after the vaccines are given, however an allergic reaction to a vaccine may show before you even leave the clinic. Facial swelling or swelling of the ears will many times be a red flag and will cause your veterinary caregiver to take a second look. If symptoms occur a day or so later then your veterinarian may explore other options by testing with bloodwork to confirm that it isn’t something more serious, especially if your dog has had one or more severe symptoms.
Treatment of Rabies Vaccine Allergies in Dogs
If your canine immediately shows symptoms after the injection is given your veterinarian will, in many cases, inject either an antihistamine, corticosteroids, or epinephrine to calm the side effects. What your veterinarian chooses will be based on the severity of side effects. Your pet may also require IV fluids and oxygen, and if necessary ventilation and endotracheal intubation may be performed. In less urgent cases dexamethasone or diphenhydramine are given. When in the late stages of reaction to the substance, oral corticosteroids or antihistamines are usually prescribed for 2-3 days.
Monitor your dog for the next week after reaction occurs for previous symptoms such as hives or vomiting and diarrhea to arise again. If symptoms return contact your veterinarian.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
Recovery of Rabies Vaccine Allergies in Dogs
If your dog should have an allergic reaction to any medication or vaccine, always alert your veterinarian and ask that a note be made in their file. Your dog may have to be dosed with an antihistamine or an anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prior to vaccinations for the rest of his life to prevent reactions to the vaccine itself. For the safety of yours and other animals, rabies shots are required at the minimum for dogs in most states. It is rare that states give an exemption to the rabies vaccination by the authority of your veterinarian. Though in some states it is allowed if a veterinarian determines that, for health reasons, the dog should no longer receive said vaccine until the patient is deemed healthy enough to receive the vaccination again. The veterinarian may also request that your pet stay in the office up to 30 minutes after your appointment has finished to monitor your dog’s reaction to the vaccination.
In some cases, your veterinarian may choose to continue using the same vaccine type, but from a different manufacturer, though it should be noted that the same proteins that caused a reaction in one vaccine may very well be present in another and so changing the manufacturer does not guarantee that your pet will not have a reaction. Depending on the severity of the reaction, once medication is given, your pet may improve within 15-30 minutes.
Routine vaccinations can be expensive but aren’t usually covered by pet insurance. The good news is, wellness plans can put 100% of the bill right back in your pocket within 24 hours. Check out our pet wellness plans to find the right match for your pet!
Rabies Vaccine Allergies Average Cost
From 571 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$400
Top
Rabies Vaccine Allergies Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Dachshund
Olive
10 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
My 9# dachshund got her rabies shot Sunday morning. (Two days ago). We took about an hour long walk afterwards and spent the rest of the day at home. By the evening she was walking very slowly and generally lethargic. She’s still eating all meals and drinking water. Over the past day or so she’s almost refusing to walk. I can’t find any painful spots, even the injection site. This morning her body began shuddering with each breath, although no wheezing or coughing.
Are these semi-typical reactions? Will they fade over a few days or is a trip to the vet in order?
Feb. 27, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Rabies vaccines can cause a short term flu-like reaction, and since her behavior is so close to her Rabies vaccine, that is possible. It would be a good idea to have her rechecked by your veterinarian, as there may be a short term pain medication that she would benefit from, or there may be more going on, and your veterinarian can examine her and make sure that everything is okay.
Feb. 27, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Dachshund
Maddy
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fever
Lethargy
Vomiting
Lack Of Appetite
Partial Paralysis
Severe Pain
Sleeplessness
My 12# Dachshund has had reactions in increasing severity with every Rabies vaccination. The last and most severe reaction following the rabies vaccine included: partial paralysis of her hind quarters (from the injection site back) and crying all night following the vaccine. The vet is adamant that her symptoms are not related to the Rabies vaccine, and insists I get her shot updated. I'm seriously concerned.
Jan. 30, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Depending on your location, Rabies vaccines may be available that are licensed for three years, so that he can have less frequent vaccines. You can check with your veterinarian to find out what the regulations are where you live. He may benefit from injections of a steroid or an anti-histamine before his vaccines to decrease his reaction to the vaccine. You can talk to your veterianarian about options for him.
Jan. 31, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Puddle
Toby
10 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain
My toy puddle has developed a big swelling around the area of the shot. He had the shot a weeks ago and it seems painful when I touch him. What should I do? Is this normal?
Jan. 4, 2018
0 Recommendations
Some swelling can be considered ‘normal’ for a period of time after vaccination due to the local inflammatory reaction, however a large swelling should be seen by your Veterinarian to determine if the swelling is to be concerned about or not especially if it isn’t getting any smaller. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Jan. 4, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
toy poodle
Toby
10 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain When Lifted
Hello,
I have a 10 year old toy puddle. A week ago he revived rabies shot and he developed a kind of big swelling where the shot was admistered. He seems to be in pain when I touch him’. What should I do? Is this normal?
Jan. 4, 2018
1 Recommendations
Some swelling can be considered ‘normal’ for a period of time after vaccination due to the local inflammatory reaction, however a large swelling should be seen by your Veterinarian to determine if the swelling is to be concerned about or not especially if it isn’t getting any smaller. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Jan. 4, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Shih Tzu
Snoopy
6 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
We just had my Shih Tzu vaccinated today. He’s vomited a total of 4 times in about 2 hours. We don’t exactly have the money for the vet at this moment. Is there anything I can give him while keeping an eye on him in the mean time? He’s drinking lots of water and still seems to be active.
Dec. 23, 2017
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for contacting us about Snoopy. He sounds like he may be having a vaccine reaction to the Rabies vaccine - your veterinarian should have an after hours number that you can call for events like this, it would be a good idea to call them and let them know that this is happening, as I can't recommend any medication for him without examining him. If he seems to be otherwise healthy and normal, you can heave him examined when your vet opens in the morning, but if he continues to vomit overnight, becomes lethargic, or has a swollen face, he should be seen on emergency tonight to be treated for the reaction.
Dec. 24, 2017
What can we do at home for these side affects? Ie itching, lethargy, loss of balance
Dec. 23, 2017
Debbie G.
Was this question and answer helpful?
Chihuahua
Prancer
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Balding
Black Spots
Hi, my dog got her rabies shot as a puppy and she got a bald spot from the vaccine. And she just recently got her one year rabies shot and a couple days after, I noticed another spot that was starting to bald. And just this morning I woke up to find that her old bald spot is now turning black???? I called my vet immediately and she said she hadn’t ever heard of this before and they are taking a look at her tomorrow morning. And when I talked to the receptionist she said she would have to call the vaccine company??? She is walking and playing as if nothing is wrong and she’s still eating and drinking water. I’m so confused
Pitbull-Schnauzer Mix
Roscoe
11 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy, Tremors, Low Appetite
Our dog had a rabies shot over a week ago. He is lethargic, decreased appetite, having tremors, depressed, and I also feel like he is breathing too fast "at rest". We took him back to the vet and they ran blood tests. They told us his white blood count was a bit low, but not to the point of concern. They said his heart rate and temp were fine. They sent us home and are checking for lyme. They should be calling back tomorrow. Next step would be Xrays. Something is not right with our boy. This was not a gradual decline. He is 11 and a mixed pit/schnauzer.
Beagle
Baxter
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Granmal Seizures
Our Beagle, who was 4.5 years old, received his annual vaccinations on January 25th of this year, which included the 3-year rabies shot. On February 7th, he started with cluster seizures & was immediately taken to the vet who ran blood tests, which were all clear and stated this was a form of elipesy and prescribed phenobarbital. In 4 days, the frequency and severity of the seizures increased significantly with a total of 35 and the last 5 were severe granmal seizures. We made the heartbreaking decision to end his suffering on February 10th. We were given very little direction from our vet, after 2 trips to her and another 2 trips after hours to the emergency vet. Could the vaccinations have contributed to this? We're just attempting to understand what went to horribly wrong in such a short time.
Chihuahua
Cocoa
9 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itchy Hives, Severe Swelling To Fa
I took cocoa for his shot minutes after getting home his face swelled up severely he couldn't breathe.. Rushed him back and the vet gave him a shot. The vet told me to give him benadryl twice daily. Its been a week and he still needs the benadryl or the symptoms return.
Chihuahua
Peanut
4 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
Vomiting
Panting
Hives
My 4 yo chihuahua mix had her annual vaccinations yesterday. When she was a puppy (the last time she had her rabies shot since she gets the 3 year) her face swelled. Yesterday- she got her injections, we went out and she would not walk on her leash and was panting walking around the store, then she vomited and I immediately brought her back to the vet. They gave her a dyphenhydramine injection and we went home. She vomited 4 more times at home and on the way back to the vet. The vet then gave her a steroid injection and kept her for monitoring for 2 hours. We took her home. An hour later she broke out in hives all over her body and her muzzle swelled up like a balloon. We took her to the emergency vet where she was monitored over night. Brought her home this morning and she started swelling around the eyes and got a few more hives on her head. Those symptoms have now subsided and she has spent the day resting. This dog has only ever been to the vet for her annual. She has been very healthy over the 4 years of her life so I am positive this is a severe vaccine reaction. How do we prevent this in the future? Even with dyphenhydramine injection and a steroid injection she had hives and swelling. I can’t rush my dog to the emergency vet every time she gets a rabies vaccine... to me, it’s not worth her life.
Rabies Vaccine Allergies Average Cost
From 571 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$400
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
