Why Shouldn't You Give a Pregnant Dog Rabies Shot?

Animals pass rabies, a virus that attacks the nervous system and brains of mammals, through scratching or biting another animal or human. The rabies vaccination allows the vaccinated animal's immune system to resist the rabies virus and has proven to grant immunity 100 percent of the time. All American localities require dogs to receive the rabies immunization, and local regulations range from requiring the vaccination anywhere from every one to three years. Veterinarians recommend that dog owners refrain from vaccinating pregnant dogs because the vaccine may adversely affect the unborn puppies' health.

  1. Rabies Vaccine

    • The rabies vaccine contains a killed rabies virus, which is relatively safe for the mother and her puppies. Some dogs experience allergic reactions, including heavy breathing, rashes, swelling or vomiting. These dogs should receive veterinary care immediately. A pregnant dog that has an allergy to a rabies vaccination may pass some of this physical distress on to her puppies. Since the owner doesn't always know beforehand if his dog has an allergy to the rabies vaccine, veterinarians recommend that dog owners refrain from giving rabies vaccines to a pregnant dogs .

    Vaccinate Before or After the Pregnancy

    • The gestation period for dogs spans 58 to 63 days. Veterinarians will vaccinate the dog before she becomes pregnant or will wait until after the puppies' birth before vaccinating the mother.

    Complying with the Law

    • The law in most localities states that dogs should receive a rabies vaccination at least every three years. Puppies should receive a rabies vaccination at 4 months, and a booster at 1 year.

    Professional Breeders

    • Professional breeders try to ensure that their bitches receive their rabies vaccines before they mate. This reduces the possibility of the mother dog's adverse reaction to the vaccination affecting the puppies during pregnancy.

    How to Vaccinate a Pregnant Bitch when Necessary

    • If the mother dog must receive a rabies vaccination during her pregnancy, she should receive it during the second month of her pregnancy to minimize any adverse effects that it may have on the puppies.