Rabies Vaccine Side Effects in Dogs

Earth Clinic readers have reported numerous side effects to the Rabies Vaccine over the years. Side effects from the Rabies Vaccine include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, drooling, neurological problems, swelling, itching, weight loss, and wounds at the site of the vaccine. Some side effects present right away, others take some time to be apparent, including arthritis and growths at the site of the vaccine. Some pet owners have experienced that their dog has a dramatic change in behavior, for the worse. Sadly, a number of deaths have been reported.

Reader Reported Side Effects from Rabies Vaccinations

Diana from PA experienced a variety of side effects when her dog got his Rabies Vaccine. "I had always followed the "rules" and allowed my Papillon to receive his prescribed rabies shot. About four years ago, after receiving the shot, we had just arrived home about 20 minutes from the vet's office, when I noticed his behavior was becoming a bit frantic, he was drooling and his little face was beginning to swell. I became hysterical, phoned the vet's office and told them we would be returning pronto... Upon arrival, they whisked him back and gave a shot of epinephrine and steroids. Since that time, whenever he gets his rabies shot, he must always get a steroid shot first.

This year my Papillon is 11 years old and he went for his rabies shot, as usual, he received his steroids first. But this year was different. It's been several weeks now and he seems withdrawn, cautious and something all family members have noticed is that his hearing seems to have significantly deteriorated since receiving the shot. I had been suspicous of the shot all along, however now even more so. After reading other posts, I will do more research and decide what to do from this point forward."

Read More