What Happens if a Puppy Receives a Rabies Vaccination Too Early?

Rabies vaccination for canines is mandatory in every state of the United States. This requirement is in place with good reason. Rabies is a deadly viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. In most cases, infection is fatal. As it is spread through saliva, the licking behavior of dogs makes them prime candidates for this virus to take hold in their bodies. Proper timing of puppy vaccinations can protect them from this disease.

  1. Mother's Protection

    • A mother dog passes her immunities to her nursing pups.

      A pup does receive some initial protection against rabies from its mother. In utero, the placenta does pass some antibodies similar to what its mother has in her bloodstream to the pup prior to birth. After birth, a pup gains considerable temporary protection within the first 48 hours so long as it nurses from its mother while she is producing colostrum, or the first milk. This contains antibodies that are identical to what protects the mother. Any vaccinations the mother has received in the prior two to three years will be passed to the pup. As rabies booster shots are required every three years, knowing when the mother's last booster was administered is good information when purchasing a pup.

    How Long Protection Lasts

    • Puppies receive protection from their mothers' milk for several months.

      The duration of protection afforded by the mother's colostrum is a bone of contention in veterinary and dog breeder circles. Much academic research has been conducted to determine just how long a pup is protected by its mothers milk. The answer is: It varies by breed and by quality of colostrum produced by each individual mother. In general, the antibodies passed from mother to pup provide protection for approximately three to four months from diseases the mother received vaccinations for prior to conception of and birthing of the pups.

    Proper Timing for Rabies Vaccine

    • Vaccinations should be administered by veterinary professionals.

      As with all other vaccines, if a rabies shot is given to a puppy while the passive immunity from its mother is still active, the inoculation will not accomplish long-term protection. The antibodies present from the mother will treat the vaccine as a biological invader and attack it by surrounding it with white blood cells, thus killing the viral strain aimed at providing protection. Most veterinarians use three months as the benchmark for giving rabies vaccinations. For the most part, puppies are kept from interacting with other animals until this age significantly reducing their risk.

    Potential Side Effects

    • A shot may make a puppy temporarily withdrawn.

      There are potential side effects to rabies vaccination, and an owner should keep them in mind. The injection site itself will be sore and susceptible to a secondary infection. Some dogs vomit after inoculation. Other side effects can include swelling, mild fever and lethargy. These symptoms pass within three days in most cases. However, some dogs have more violent reactions to vaccinations. These include shock, loss of muscle control and loss of consciousness. These symptoms require veterinary care.