Rabies is a slow-acting virus - it can take weeks to months to result in symptoms - which allows a dog's body time to mount an immune response and fight the infection. Like other killed vaccines, the initial dose of a rabies vaccine triggers the immune system to be able to create antibodies that can fight rabies if the dog is ever exposed to the virus. While most vaccines require two to four initial boosters, the rabies vaccine is a little different. and Canada are inactivated, or killed, meaning the virus has been processed so it can't cause disease. How the Rabies Vaccine WorksĪll rabies vaccines administered in the U.S. Keep reading to learn how the rabies vaccine works, the side effects of rabies vaccine in dogs and how to know if rabies vaccine side effects warrant going to the veterinarian. Luckily, with proper vaccination, dog rabies is completely preventable. In addition to dogs, it also affects cats and other mammals, including humans. Rabies is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease.
