rabies vaccine questions

[reesesgma]

I had my boxer pup vaccinated for rabies at 14 weeks. The vet said this was fine. My neighbor went to her vet (a different vet) and her vet told her that if dogs are vaccinated under the age of 16 weeks they HAVE to be re vaccinated again. That the original vaccine is worthless and no good. This makes no sense to me. He also told her that there are state laws that tell when vets can give the vaccine. Since my vet is a military vet it is a different rule, and all state vets are legally bound to vaccinate only AFTER 16 weeks of age....Iv googled, but to no avail. Do I need to take my pup back in for another rabies shot?

[strangeduck]

I've always been told they can't do the rabies vaccine before 16 weeks of age, but I never bothered to ask why, I just always assumed that it had to do with the animal getting old enough to not be harmed by the vaccine.  I'd call another vet and talk to them about it.  If it turns out that he needs to be re-vaccinated because of the other vet's mistakes I'd ask for a refund.  And if it's harmful, I'd lodge a complaint about the vet.  Either way, I'm not sure I'd be going back to that vet again.

[Heather]

It should be fine. Rabies isn't done usually before 16 weeks but you'll need to get your dog done again at a year anyway and then the next time you can get a 3 year.

[Ratwings]

15-16 weeks is the age we typically vaccinate pups where I work. We avoid giving it younger because it is harder on their systems when they are so young. But it is certainly no less effective to give it younger, at 14 weeks.

[reesesgma]

Thank you all! I did call a vet after I posted this, The other vet told me not to worry. That the pup will be fine for a year, nothing "disappears" because of age. She was vaccinated 3 weeks ago, so the side effect thing is long gone. I was so worried. Im glad its all good!

[holly238]

Actually, a rabies vaccination can be given as young as 12 weeks (some obedience classes in our area require it), but the vet for whom I work suggests it at 16 weeks. Typically, the puppy vaccination schedule is DA2PPC (or something like that) at 6wks, 9wks, 12wks, and rabies/DA2PPC at 16wks. We consider the rabies to be the last vaccination, and the next one should obviously be a year from the date of vaccination.

PS. You can have the 3yr rabies next year; you only have to vaccinate with a 1yr once before it's okay.

[ScoutGotBig]

It depends on the vaccine.  It should say with the vets packaging at what age it's safe to give and is effective.  Some are 12 weeks, some are 16 weeks.  The issue is how much immunity do they have from the mother.

Here's the schedule my new vet uses.....

DA2PPLC & Bordetella - 8 weeks  Any DA2PPLC given before 7 weeks is NOT effective per what I've learned.
DA2PPLC & Bordetella - 12 weeks
DA2PPLC & Rabies - 16 weeks