The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Connie (Warsaw, Oh) on 12/05/2009
My French Bulldog got a rabies shot 3 days ago. Within a few hours, he was paralyzed in his back legs. It has been 3 days, and he is not eating can't walk. My vet says he has never seen this happen as a result of a rabie shot. Is there anyone out there who has had this happen to their dog? Did your dog recover?
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Goldencat (Akron, OH) on 10/02/2013
It's been 4 years since the original post... Hope you check back!
I have had amazing results with switching to a raw food diet with my Ocicats and Siamese. Cystitis, dermatitis, feline herpes...gone.
There are raw prepared diets for dogs too, or you can find a good recipe by a pet nutritionist online/in a pet health book. Be aware your vet will almost certainly try to tell you it is bad, that domestic animals shouldn't or can't eat raw meat, etc.
KEY: meat prepared for pets as raw diet is cleaner than that sold for human use, because they assume it will be cooked! Ugh! Don't worry about parasites and germs from such diets. If you make your own, you'll need to add a disinfectant like GSE (grapefruit seed extract) to the meat to avoid contaminants permitted in people food. I use 3 drops in a little (maybe 1/4 cup or more) filtered water, per pound ground meat for my cats. It's ok for the food to be wet. Prey would be very juicy, right?
Option: feed a grain free, top line food like Wilderness, or Spot Stew. Add essential fatty acids to the diet for her skin and nerves.
If nerves persist, 1) a thunder shirt. 2) Bach's Rescue Remedy (a few drops in a gallon of water is fine - dilution is ok ONCE for the energy medicine to still work) Don't dilute it twice. Fizzle...
Last resort... Seek out a homeopath that can use the nosode for vaccinosis (vaccine reaction) on your dog. IDK the protocol. I do know "vaccinosis" is the condition you want treated... So a human vaccinosis nosode might be ok - ask a homeopath. Otherwise you will have to peel away the symptoms, a remedy at a time, under homeopath guidance: say, if she fits an Arsenicum profile, or a Chamomilla profile, see?
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Aisha (Houston, Tx) on 11/30/2009
My himalayan cat was given a Pfizer rabies vaccine when he was two years old. The injection site was at the base of the neck, however, I later learned that it's safer to vaccinate on an animal's hips or near the hind leg.
About an hour and a half after being vaccinated, my cat began vomitting blood. He must have vomitted 11 times! At the emergency room of the animal clinic, I was given the choice of administering Zantac (to coat his stomach) or another medication. I opted for the Zantac shot which made him feel more comfortable (the bleeding had chafed his throat). Thankfully, he recovered quickly. However, I have not taken him to get his latest rabies vaccinations. In order for him to be certified for travel, I will have to get him vaccinated eventually. Any suggestions on how I can ease the side-effects of the rabies vaccination would be greatly appreciated!
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Brenda (Lynn, Ma) on 11/17/2009
We took our puppy for his first Rabies Vaccine, we came out of the exam room and he suddenly was not right , he vomited and went down. Luckily this happened while we were still at the Vets, he needed oxygen and a shot. Very scary. thanks to the wondeful care he is fine. Isn't there anything else they can do for smaller dogs?
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Anita (Jacksonville, Fl) on 10/23/2009
Last Thursday we took our 2 year old cat for a rabies shot. This was required by the city since we were adopting a new kitten. The vet gave her a 3 year rabies shot and a leukemia shot. He had difficulty getting the shots in since she wouldn't be still. On Monday, she threw up all day and by Monday night she could not stand up and her eyes were not focused. They appeared to be vibrating and her neck was bobbing. We immediately took her to an all night emergency vet. She said she has Vestibular disease and that it was not caused by the vaccines. I totally believe it is!! If you look up the rabies shot side effects one of them is these same symptons caused by too much protein ruining the nervous system. We have her on a medicine for sea sickness and it appears to be working. This is Friday - 8 days since her vaccine and she is better but not well. She can walk slowly and is not falling down most of the time. She still can't jump and run. She appears very sad now. I pray she gets fully recovered. I WILL NEVER GIVE ANY OF MY CATS RABIES VACCINES AGAIN NO MATTER WHAT THE LAW READS.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Michelle (Calgary, Alberta) on 10/27/2009
I have had great success with Homopathic medicine to help my cats get over vaccines. Either find a homopathic vet or check with Dr. Pitcarn -
http://www.drpitcairn.com/
Or a homopath that works with a holistic vet in your area.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Cassandra (Gander, Nl) on 10/23/2009
Rabies vaccine side effect
My Boxer dog recieved his rabies vaccine at 6 months old and about 30-40 days later developed a severe attack of pancreatitis, afterwards his pancrease was left unable to digest his food and he is now on medication. We ruled out all other causes of pancreatitis. he also developed behaviour problems such as hyperactivity, aggression, and frequently wanting to be alone as if he was sick.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Nicole (Near Chicago, Il) on 10/07/2009
Hello, my dog (7 yr old female shih-tzu) was given her rabies shot approximately 24 hours ago at petsmart. We are unaware of the dose or brand given to her. She is incredibly lethargic, does not respond to her name, is taking quick, shallow breaths and resists any human contact. She is an otherwise outgoing, friendly, healthy dog. Is this temporary? My family does not believe in vaccines (for the most part) and we are worried for her immediate and lasting health. What should we do for her?
Thanks, Nicole
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Linda (Eureka, Ca) on 10/05/2009
I recently had my mini doxie vaccinated with 3 year rabies vaccine. within 2 hours she developed bloody diarrhea. The vet refuses to acknowledge that it could be a symptom of the shot and says it is probably stress or irritable bowel. 2 days later the syptoms continue but are subsiding. She received her shot at a volunteer function. There is no amount given on her certificate, just the brand and ser. #
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Theresa R. (Eyota, Mn) on 10/01/2009
Rabies Booster Reaction
I don't know the exact amounts that were used on my 9 year old shitzu-poodle. She weighs only 11 pounds and now is in autoimmune crisis. We are sitting at deaths door with her while she is transfused and getting fluids and steroids.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Delidee (Ireland) on 09/11/2009
Hi there,
Just saw all these posts on side affects caused by shots. Here's my story.
I recently moved back to Ireland and in doing so both my dogs, pug girls, had to have rabies shots. Both are around 2 years old. My first dog had her rabies shot as a puppy and about 6 months later had a rabies titer test to comply with regulations to bring her back into Ireland. Weirdly, though she's a perfectly healthy girl she failed the blood test, probably because of the length of time between the shot and the test.So, my only option was to have the shot for her again and the blood test again a month later. This time she passed the test. All seemed well...until 3 months later when she began to lose hair inexplicably from her chest.She was also looking thinner but we had been hiking alot.Still, I took her to the vets about the hair loss and after a overall body check and blood test she was diagnosed as ANAEMIC! I was so shocked, other than the hair loss she was full of energy. In the month that followed the vet tested for everything to determine the cause of the anaemia and make sure her kidneys weren't failing or anything like that. My dog responded, thankfully to all the steroids and various medication but after tests and x-rays there was no answer as to what casued the anaemia. After all this the vet and I came to the conclusion that the 2nd rabies vaccine had been the cause. Funnily I had always suspected it. My dog is fine now, thankfully I could just about afford the treatment for her anaemia, though it left me broke she's okay and I guess thats priceless. However we do plan on travelling again for work purposes and now have to face more probably unecessary boosters.Thats just how the import/export of pets process goes. Luckily no rabies booster but I am fully against uneccessary boosters,unfortunately sometimes they are unavoidable but hopefully this will change and the blood tests that can determine wheter or not dogs need all these shots will become more affordable. :-)
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Angel (Taylor, Mi) on 08/27/2009
My chihuahua has been diagonsed with cancer. She received her 3 year rabies update and the hair fell out at her injection site. Her next 3 year shot she developed a lump and has been diagonsed with cancer at the injection site. She can't have surgery and has been given 3 to 4 months to live. Great shot.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Kat (Murrieta, Ca) on 09/02/2009
In case you are not aware of this: If your dog is unhealthy already you do not have to have them vaccinated. You should not give anyone or any animal a vaccine when they are sick or not healthy. Sorry about your pup.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Sean (City Of Champions, Pa) on 09/09/2009
Angel, I'm 99.99% sure that your Chihuahua doesn't have a cancer. My two Chihuahuas had their rabbies shot 2 years ago. One of them had a lump and I was told that it might be a cancer. I freaked out...and the doctor said to get blood test done first before we discuss about surgery. The blood test came back and it was fine. It turned out that she had allergy reaction to the rabbies shot. So, I warn you that Chihuahuas are very sensitive to those booster & rabbies shots. So, I would do research more on Chihuahuas before you do anything else. If you haven't had your Chihuahua's blood test done, go and do it. It will probably came back as negative.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Angel (Taylor, Mi) on 10/12/2009
Latest update on my belved Zsazsa. I wrote previously she was diagonosed with cancer at her rabies injection site, yes blood test confirmed it. Zsazsa was allergic to anesthesia and could't have surgery. The vet projected she may live 3 to 4 months. I just lost my little girl last week. Her tumor burst and had no choice but to put her down. It broke my heart. I asked the vet was there any way to know 100% her cancer was from the rabies vaccine and she said they could do a biospy and detemine. We also asked if our local college of vet. medicine would be interested in studing her cancer. Our vet contacted the company who produced the rabies vaccine and they have agreed to pay for the biospy to determine if their product caused the cancer and Michigan State University is going to do an autopsy and study her. If nothing else her number will be reported if it is found the rabies vaccine caused her cancer. I miss her dearly and want peple to know the dangers of this vaccine. I applaud the vet for going after the company to pay for the test and the company for stepping up to see if their poduct caused it.
EC: We are so sorry for your loss, Angel. Thank you for taking the time to update the site.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by April (Sun City, Ca) on 08/26/2009
Negative reaction to 3 year rabies booster: My 13 lb. chihuahua mix breed dog is currently having adverse reactions to his 3-year rabies booster. It has been 1 day since the vacine was given. He is lethargic, sensitive to touch, has loss of appetite, and swelling at the injection site. He received the killed virus form.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Lisa (Fairfax, Va) on 08/17/2009
Feline Rabies shot reaction
Saturday the 15th, my 4 yr old Norwegian Forest Cat was given a "killed" rabies shot injection. She now is not eating, drinking, walking. I called vet right away and was told she "could of had a blood clot release" or a mild adverse reaction to shot. Her eyes are dilatied, 3 of 4 legs are limp. Vet said I could only watch and wait for this to end, he could do nothing to help her.
I had stopped all rabies vaccines in my cats 3 yrs ago when I started reading about reactions. My vet has always tried to pressure me into getting yearly boosters. This time he said vaccine was changed and safer and I agreed to try it. I have caused this terriable side effect to happen. I can only lay by my sweet "Boots" and hope she is strong enough to pull thru this. All my cats are indoor only and once again will never get another rabies vaccine.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Lisa (Apple Valley, California/usa) on 08/16/2009
On 07/02/09 my 4 1/2 year old poodle Tyson was given rabies vaccination. He was lethargic for days. He did not want to eat or interact with anyone. The site of the injection was very painful for him, he cried when touched and had a hard time sitting. I called the vet, and was told that sometimes there are reactions, but if they got really bad to come in. Eventually the pain stopped and got back to his normal self. BUT...now more than a month later, he has a large dark area where he was injected, and is losing hair at that spot. It looks really terrible, at first I thought maybe he had skin cancer. But after looking it up on the internet, I put two and two together. I cannot believe that I was not told about this side affect in poodles. Has anyone else had this happen, and is it permanent?
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Ritarae Elsberry (South Jordan Utah) on 05/23/2017
My white 5lb Poodle lost quarter-sized piece of hair on her back weeks after a rabies shot. After the booster shot 3 years later she lost a larger patch of hair from her backbone down to the belly mid-line. The white hair does not grow back. We had a plug of tissue sent to a lab for immune disorder and it came back negative. The second patch of hair loss is large and some hair that has grown beck along the edges is dark yellow. She wears a little shirt to cover her damaged coat but is she suffering. Dogs do not show pain. She acts fit and happy. We feed her Blue Buffalo small dog kibble. Her weight is perfect.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Jerris Vaslev (Oregon) on 05/24/2017
Unless your vet is very different than most, your little 5 lb poodle is getting the same dose of the rabies vaccine as a Great Dane. No wonder small dogs tend to have more adverse reactions! Consider finding a holistic vet as you may get an exemption from further rabies shots.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Fyreseer (Madison, AL) on 07/26/2009
Cat Vaccination Side Effect and ACV question
We adopted a moggy calico from a no-kill organization. When we got her, she was ill, and they gave us the medications to treat her. She had had the common vaccinations for kittens. We took her to get the first year rabies shot, and after getting her home she started acting very strange. Eventually she developed difficulty breathing, hot dry nose, stopped responding to touch, and we took her to the emergency clinic at around 1AM. Vet treated her for anaphylactic shock. Since that time, we have noted severe allergies to various things, such as flea bites and certain brands of food (we don't know if it's food coloring, preservatives, or whatever, though). I am going to start her and my male with ACV, because he gets diagnosed with FLUTD every time we take him to the vet, regardless of what we take him in for. They drink out of a pet fountain, but how much ACV should you give cats? Or is it a fairly standardized dose based on dilution with water?
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Pam (Huntsville, Alabama) on 07/26/2009
Have you tried goldenseal for your cats? I have 3 cats all 15 years old, all in good health. I give them a teaspoon of ACV a day in thier water dish. The only illness they have had is a uti in my female. She got cranberry juice in milk for about a week. I know they shouldnt have milk but that was the only way to get her to take it. cleared up a sinus infection in my tom with goldenseal applied to the scruff,have also used the ACV the same way. You may also want to look up activated charcoal for your kitten. If you need to know where to buy the goldenseal locally, since we live in the same area you can e mail me if you want. Hope all goes well.
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
Posted by Alexis (Ft Wayne, IN) on 07/24/2009
rabies vaccine reaction
My 7mo old,68lb german shepherd pup,ozzy, had his first rabies vaccine on tuesday afternoon. Later that evening i noticed he was groaning and lethargic. there has been no improvement and the pain seems to have worsened, now he whimpers when i touch him. he is eating and drinking ok, just a slight decrease in appetite noted, but he is voiding adequately. Does anyone have any advice for what i can do for him to help alleviate some of his discomfort or tell me how long this may last? my poor ozzy is obviously miserable.
EC: Please read the advice posts at the top of this section.
