The rabies vaccine is essential for the health, well-being and development of dogs. Even though it is mandatory by law in our country, many people still have doubts about the canine rabies vaccine. The virus that causes the disease also raises several questions, mainly because it is a zoonosis, that is, a disease that can also infect humans. But after all, from what point?How old should your dog be when it gets the rabies vaccine? Is it okay to delay immunization? How does the canine rabies vaccine protect your pet? Check out the answers to these questions and more information about the rabies vaccine below.

What is canine rabies?

One of the most dangerous diseases that your dog can get is canine rabies. This acute viral infectious disease can affect all mammals. It is caused by an aggressive virus of the genus Lyssavirus, of the Rabhdoviridae family, which is mainly aimed at the central nervous system of the animal - and is an equally delicate zoonosis in the human body. The transmission of the disease to theman occurs through the saliva of infected animals, mainly by biting. Ideally, you should find out all you can about the vaccine. Canine rabies is a dangerous disease, and vaccination is mandatory throughout the country.

Is canine rabies curable?

Rabies vaccination is the only way you have to protect your friend from the disease, since the cure for animals does not yet exist and the treatment indicated after diagnosis is usually euthanasia in the pet. The evolution of the disease is usually very rapid, leading almost 100% of patients to death. As a result of this reality, it is very important that immunization is done with the vaccineHowever, many neurological diseases can present symptoms similar to rabies and only a veterinarian can identify if your dog is suffering from the disease.

How does the rabies vaccine act on the pet's body?

Once applied to the uncontaminated organism, the rabies vaccine in dogs makes the animal's body develop antibodies against the disease virus. The first dose, when applied correctly, begins to take effect in two weeks and has limited effectiveness. Precisely for this reason, rabies vaccine boosters in dogs are so important: they are responsible for extending the quality of lifeand the welfare of the animal.

Is the rabies vaccine mandatory? How long does the rabies vaccine last in the dog?

Vaccine, rabies, dog: these words should always go together. This is because the canine rabies vaccine is one of those that form the list of mandatory immunizations in the dog because it is the only way to protect the animal and is the only one that has the obligation based on the law. Throughout the national territory, rabies vaccination campaigns are organized annually so that dogs are protected from rabies.This is precisely because the vaccine against canine rabies is a public health issue: the dog with rabies is the main vector of transmission of the disease to humans because of the proximity we have with the species. That is, a vaccinated animal does not get sick and, consequently, does not pass the disease on to anyone else - whether animals or people.

The effectiveness of the rabies vaccine for dogs is one year, which means that if the animal comes into contact with the rabies virus, it will not contract the disease while it is within this time interval. It is worth remembering that rabies vaccination also exists for humans.

Understand the rabies vaccination schedule for puppies and adults

As with other vaccines, whether mandatory or not, your puppy should ideally be protected before coming into contact with what causes the disease. The best way to do this is in the first months of the animal's life: the first dose of the canine rabies vaccine should be applied from 120 days (four months of age), when the mother's antibodies no longer have the power to cut off the disease.It should also take place before the pet starts walking on the street, having contact with the ground and other animals. This vaccine should be reinforced annually, either in vaccination campaigns or privately, with your trusted veterinarian: whatever is most practical for you is valid. It is important that the animal does not miss or delay any dose of the vaccine.

When the dog is rescued from the street or adopted after this phase has passed, it will need to be examined by a veterinarian to find out whether or not it has already been contaminated by the rabies virus. If not, the rabies vaccine for dogs should be done normally, since it is not possible to know the : the first dose as soon as possible and annual boosters until the end of life.

What are the effects of the canine rabies vaccine?

After all, are there any reactions caused by the rabies vaccine? Can a dog have side effects? Just like any immunization, the rabies vaccine for dogs can cause some side effects for the animal. This is extremely normal, since the rabies vaccine has components that aim to form antibodies in the immune system of the furry. There are pets that do notwill have a reaction to the rabies vaccine, it all depends on the animal's organism. When it comes to the rabies vaccine, dog may show the following symptoms:

• apathy
• small swelling at the site of application of the rabies vaccine
• dog with body pain
• fever
• hair loss in the vaccination area

Generally, these are the mildest signs of reaction to immunization and if they do not occur for more than 24 hours after the application of the rabies vaccine, the guardian should be unconcerned. Some effects may be more serious, generating reactions such as: vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, convulsions, itching, agitation, tremors, edema. In such cases, it is indicated that the pet be taken to the veterinarian for treatment.follow up on the case.