What can I expect after my first rabies shot?

Soreness, redness, swelling, or itching at the site of the injection, and headache, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle aches, or dizziness can happen after rabies vaccine. Hives, pain in the joints, or fever sometimes happen after booster doses.


When do rabies vaccine side effects start?

If side effects occur, they typically start within an hour of vaccination and subside within a day or two. Occasionally, dogs develop a small, painless swelling at the injection site that can last for a couple of weeks. In rare cases, dogs may develop a small, circular area of hair loss at the site of injection.

Are rabies shots effective immediately?

An animal can be considered immunized within 28 days after initial vaccination, when a peak rabies virus antibody titer is reached.


How long do rabies vaccine symptoms last?

Studies of HDCV recipients reported local reactions (e.g., pain at the injection site, redness, swelling, induration) among 60-89.5% of recipients. Most local reactions were mild and resolved spontaneously within a few days.

What precautions should take after rabies vaccine?

It is advisable to perform a serological test 2 to 4 weeks after the last injection. Even if you have been vaccinated, you should still take precautions to avoid coming into contact with rabies if you are travelling in an area where rabies is found.


Is It Normal for a Dog to Become Lethargic and Weak after a Rabies Shot?



Do you feel ill after rabies vaccine?

Soreness, redness, swelling, or itching at the site of the injection, and headache, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle aches, or dizziness can happen after rabies vaccine.

What food to avoid after rabies vaccine?

Should we follow a special diet after taking the rabies vaccine? There is no need to follow any type of diet after taking the vaccine. The rumours that we shouldn't eat fruits like lemon are unscientific.

Do we feel sleepy after rabies vaccine?

The most commonly occurring adverse reactions are injection site reactions, such as injection site erythema, induration, and pain; flu-like symptoms, such as asthenia, fatigue, fever, headache, myalgia, and malaise; arthralgia; dizziness; lymphadenopathy; nausea; and rash.


What are the side effects of a rabies shot for a dog?

These acute reactions aren't necessarily limited to the rabies vaccine but can happen with any shots.
  • Vomiting.
  • Facial swelling.
  • Injection site swelling or lump.
  • Lethargy.
  • Urticaria (hives)
  • Circulatory shock.
  • Injection site pain.
  • Pruritus (itching)


Can rabies vaccine hurt you?

What are the risks from rabies vaccine? A vaccine, like any medicine, is capable of causing serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of a vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. Serious problems from rabies vaccine are very rare.

Can you get rabies if not bitten?

People usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal. It is also possible, but rare, for people to get rabies from non-bite exposures, which can include scratches, abrasions, or open wounds that are exposed to saliva or other potentially infectious material from a rabid animal.


Does rabies shot leave a bump?

A small, firm bump may develop near the injection site following the vaccination. No need to worry - while the site may feel somewhat tender, this is simply a result of your dog's immune system trying to resolve irritation in the area.

What are early symptoms of rabies in humans?

The first symptoms of rabies may be similar to the flu, including weakness or discomfort, fever, or headache. There also may be discomfort, prickling, or an itching sensation at the site of the bite. These symptoms may last for days. Symptoms then progress to cerebral dysfunction, anxiety, confusion, and agitation.

Do dogs sleep a lot after rabies vaccine?

Within the first 48 hours, it is very normal for your puppy to feel a little tired, even slightly lethargic. It is not uncommon for there to be some swelling on the site of the injection. Your puppy may not want to eat much and you may hear it sneezing or coughing. These are all normal reactions to the vaccine.


Do dogs act different after rabies shot?

“What I've seen happen is, after vaccination, dogs develop what we call the 'rabies miasm', where they become more aggressive, more likely to bite, more nervous and suspicious,” notes Dr Pitcairn. “They may also have a tendency to run away, to wander, and also sometimes to have excessive saliva, and to tear things up.

How long after a vaccine can a dog have side effects?

If in doubt, wait for 30-60 minutes following vaccination before taking your pet home. More serious, but less common side effects, such as allergic reactions, may occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. These reactions can be life-threatening and are medical emergencies.

How quickly does rabies vaccine work in humans?

Post-exposure rabies vaccination can provide as little as six months as it can vary with the vaccine received. Remember, the main purpose of post-exposure vaccination is to prevent full rabies infection, not protection against re-infection.


Can I take Tylenol after rabies vaccine?

A cold compress at the injection site may reduce discomfort. For discomfort and fever, you may take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or Ibuprofen (Advil®) according to the manufacturer's directions.

Is rabies vaccine taken in empty stomach?

A single dose vaccine will prevent rabies. Vaccines are more effective if taken on empty stomach. One should not take bath; eat meat and eggs during vaccination.

How do you clean up after rabies?

The virus is no longer infectious once the material containing the virus is dry. The rabies virus is also easily killed by most common detergents and disinfectants including household bleach, (1/2 cup per one gallon of water).


How long does it take to show signs of rabies?

Symptoms. The incubation period for rabies is typically 2–3 months but may vary from 1 week to 1 year, dependent upon factors such as the location of virus entry and viral load.

How long before a person shows signs of rabies?

Rabies virus travels through the nerves to the spinal cord and brain. This process can last approximately 3 to 12 weeks.

Can you survive rabies if you have symptoms?

You can survive rabies exposure if you're treated within a few days of exposure, before you have symptoms. Once you have rabies — that is, you're showing symptoms of the virus affecting your brain — there aren't any effective treatments available.


Do rabies shots go in the belly button?

No, the rabies vaccine has not been given in the stomach since the 1980s. For adults, it should only be given in the deltoid muscle of the upper arm (administration to the gluteal area is NOT recommended, as studies have shown this can result in a less effective immune response).

What part of the body do you get a rabies shot in?

For adults, the vaccination should always be administered intramuscularly in the deltoid area (arm). For children, the anterolateral aspect of the thigh is also acceptable.