When your dog is old and doesn't have a long time to live, should they be exempt from having Rabies shot?
2007-10-27 08:21:14 · 16 answers · asked by wolfkiss 7 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You should NOT vaccinate an old dog. There's too much that can go wrong. Vaccines are not just some injection of antibiotic. It's the rabies virus itself. There are a lot of adverse reactions, and your vet will always tell you to look for anything like swelling, vomitting. People and pets do get very sick and sometimes die from vaccines.
If your dog has been vaccinated all its life, it probably has an immunity built up. We over-vaccinate our animals. We don't vaccinate ourselves every 1, 2, and 3 years. Tetanus vaccines last 10 years... small pox 30 years. We can probably stop vaccinating our pets after they get their puppy/kitten series.
And, if you're really worried, you can do titers, which will tell you if your pet has an immunity to rabies.
2007-10-27 08:34:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I think rabies shots last for three years after the first shot depending on where you live. I am not sure where you live, but if your dog is an inside dog and does not go out I would not worry if he or she has never bitten anyone or been in any fights with another animal. If however the dog is in good health I would speak to my vet about it. Some medications especially in smaller dogs can actually do more harm than good. So I would speak with your vet. I hope your baby is fine and lives a long healthy life. The loss of my beloved pet is something I will never forget. I cry for him everyday and cannot wait until we cross the bridge into heaven together.
2007-10-27 18:21:16 · answer #2 · answered by teresa m 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, there should be an exemption. I just got an exemption for one of my dogs that had suffered all summer and fall from airborne allergies - the vet refused to give her a shot. He got an exemption from the County Animal Control. Sick dogs and old dogs shouldn't get shots. Each County is different and it might be worth a phone call to find out. Good luck.
2007-10-27 20:06:49 · answer #3 · answered by Little Ollie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You CAN get a rabies vaccine exemption from your vet. There is an ACTUAL form that has to be filled out. It is for just the situation you have. I have one for my 19 year old cats and my one mixed breed dog that is 15 and could go at any moment.
Ask your vet!!
2007-10-27 15:41:44 · answer #4 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No, no pet is exempt from the rabies vaccination. I work with some that have severe life-threatening reactions to the vaccine, but state law does not allow any exemptions for any reason.
Also think about it this way. Say, the rare occasion your pet was attacked by or even just comes into contact with a rabid animal and the pet isn't current, your pet will have to be euthanized. Do you want to live with the fact that you have to put your pet down sooner for that reason? Overall, it's your decision if you comply with state law, but also I don't want to risk that scenario or expose myself or another human to rabies because I didn't want to vaccinate my pet.
2007-10-27 15:40:07 · answer #5 · answered by angel_eyes 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I think sometimes they should. If the dog is ready to die the stress of taking it to the vet and getting shots could speed up the dogs death. If the dog is inactive and inside most of the time how the hell is it going to get rabies? Go with your heart and do what's best for YOUR dog :) Just my humble opinion
2007-10-27 15:28:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
YES! if they have been regularly vaccinated prior to becoming ill. They likely have enough built up immunity. Many rabies vaccines are now guaranteed for 3 years by the manufacturer.
But keep in mind if you have a lot of rabies in your area and your dog can easily be exposed..........rabies is almost always fatal in humans and animals!
2007-10-27 15:35:02 · answer #7 · answered by Jen 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
In my opinion? Once a dog has had two consecutive rabies shots they should be exempt. Their titer will always be high enough to prevent the disease.
So yes, I feel an older ill dog should be exempt.
2007-10-27 16:09:49 · answer #8 · answered by mama woof 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
no your dog should have rabbi shots because if your dog comes in contact with an animal with rabies your dog will catch it and possibly spread it then they will have to put your dog down so get the shots
2007-10-27 15:26:23 · answer #9 · answered by boss 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NOOO! Anything can happen.. you need to keep all pets updated with their immunizations, no matter how long you think they are going to live. They could pass a lot sooner if you exempt them from their shots.
2007-10-27 15:24:00 · answer #10 · answered by *miss k 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋