Why does my dog shake all over and hide under the furniture after her rabies shot?

Question

Me and my chihuahua go to the vet tommorrow to get her vaccinated for her tags.
I dread it because everytime we get her vaccinated she shakes and gets sickly and cannot stand on her legs.
What is causing this? Do all chihuhua dogs do this? She is 8 yrs old and I keep worrying she is going to die if we do it to her again. Is there some way to prevent it? Whats the deal with my dog? I told our 81 yr old vet, but he dont seem to worried.

Answer 1

Sometimes it's hard to understand exactly what someone is asking--what do you mean that she cannot stand on her legs? Are you saying she shakes violently and falls down? Is it possible she is having a seizure? If so, it may be an allergic reaction to something in the shot. Vaccinations often contain things like egg protein that the virus is grown on or mercury as a preservative that animals can react to. I can't tell from what you've said if this is the case, but it is a possibility.

Vets give thousands of these shots each year on a routine basis. After something happens the same way thousands of times, you tend to get complacent. Sometimes things become too routine, and the vet just automatically goes through the motions without even thinking about what he/she is doing. Go to another vet to get a fresh perspective. Maybe someone younger for whom giving vaccinations hasn't become a mindless drill. Most vets charge about the same price for vaccinations, so it's not going to hurt to try someone else. Basically, you have nothing to lose and possibly your dog's life to gain by going to someone else.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Does she shake the whole time she's at the vet's or does she only shake after she's had the vaccine?

If she's nervous about going to the vet, bring lots of yummy treats along. It won't solve the problem completely but treats can help make positive association with the vet visit.

If you think it's a reaction to the vaccine, take her to another vet because this one doesn't seem too concerned. The new vet may ask to watch her reaction to the vaccine and determine if the risks outweigh the benefits.

Answer 3

Get another vet. Some dogs cannot take regular rabies shots. Holistic vets test the blood when the time comes to vaccinate. If the level of protection is still high, he will not vaccinate. Your dog may be getting sick from overvaccination. Or it might just be that she's scared of the vet.

Answer 4

It is a common problem that rabies can cause a reaction in dogs and get them a little sick. True, it is no worse than you getting a little car sick, but it is still upsetting to you and to the dog... and a good vet will listen to you.

You might check with your neighbors and friends about the Vet that they use....

Answer 5

Chihuahuas are known for making their owners feel bad. Anything they do not want to do, they will shiver & shake and hide and give distressed looks. All designed to make you feel guilty. Don't allow it to work and don't give sympathy or it will keep it up. Ignore the bad behavior and it will go away.