Can a Pregnant Dog Be Vaccinated for Rabies?

Although the rabies vaccine is required for all dogs, there may be health concerns with vaccinating a pregnant dog. You have to consider several things before you make this decision.

  1. Relatively Safe

    • The rabies vaccine contains a dead version of the rabies virus, which is relatively safe for the mother and her puppies.

    Reaction

    • However, as with any routine shot, the pregnant dog does have a chance of experiencing a bad reaction to the vaccine. Although this is not normally a problem, it may be dangerous to the developing puppies.

    Wait

    • Most veterinarians agree that it is wiser to wait until after the puppies are born before having the mother vaccinated. Since pregnancy in dogs lasts only nine weeks, it rarely puts the mother in danger of getting rabies.

    Timing

    • If you have no choice but to have your pregnant dog vaccinated for rabies, try to have it done during the second half of her pregnancy, when it will create less risk for the puppies.

    Vaccinate Before Pregnancy

    • If you are planning to breed your dog, it̵7;s best to have her vaccinated a few weeks before the breeding. This will help keep both mother and puppies safe.