Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

My dog got rabies vaccine twice in 2 weeks. Any side effects?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | unspayed | 4 months and 18 days old

My dog was vaccinated for rabies twice in 2 weeks by accident, is there any side effects I should worry about?

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on January 9th, 2016

There are [no ill effects](https://www.petcoach.co/article/can-vaccines-harm-my-pet) that I am aware associated with getting [rabies](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/rabies/) vaccinations close together. Just the usual possible side effects of any vaccination are possible. These may include, lethargy, fever, pain at the site of injection or a swelling at the site of injection. As long as she seems healthy, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Vote icon

118Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Image profile

    Answered By Susan England-Foster

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 4th, 2017

    It is possible for the rabies vaccine to decrease in strength over time. In the United States we vaccinate every 3 years. I do not think there would be much a difference in two weeks span. 1ml of rabies is the dose for all size people. If she accidentally got two vaccines close together she should be fine. I have never seen a patient have an allergic response to accidental double vaccination.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 29th, 2019

    Side effects can include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and pain at the site of the injection. Very rare side effects include protracted vomiting and diarrhea, hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What is the side effects of a rabies shot for dogs
Side effects can include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and pain at the site of the injection. Very rare side effects include protracted vomiting and diarrhea, hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Will the dog have higher rabies antibody in her system if she has rabies vaccine then another 2 weeks after? Also overdose of vaccine will harm her? Thank you!
It is possible for the rabies vaccine to decrease in strength over time. In the United States we vaccinate every 3 years. I do not think there would be much a difference in two weeks span. 1ml of rabies is the dose for all size people. If she accidentally got two vaccines close together she should be fine. I have never seen a patient have an allergic response to accidental double vaccination.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I am trying to get my 2 and a half month old dachshund puppy to get her rabies vaccine so that I can bring her into the U.S. is this safe? What are the side effects if she receives it? Will she die?
Yes, the rabies vaccine is very safe, and side effects are very rare. It's more than likely you won't see any side effects at all, but I will put a link below on what to expect after vaccination. The chances Daisy will die from it are extremely remote, but I can 100% guarantee she would die if she came down with rabies. I hope this helps. https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/What-to-expect-after-your-pets-vaccination.aspx
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog was accidentally given a rabies shot today. His last one was in June 2018. He’s supposed to get them every two years. Do I need to be concerned or take him somewhere considering this vaccination has been done twice now within a 7 month time sp
This is absolutely no problem. We often vaccinate against rabies more often when dogs need to travel abroad and need to show a particularly high vaccination titer. It is a normal side effect that your dog is a bit tired after the vaccination.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What will happen if a dog got a rabies shot in the past three month and he will be getting vaccinated again this moment?
Unless your dog had an allergic reaction to a vaccine, there is not a concern with him getting another vaccination within a few months (or even weeks) of the rabies vaccine. If he had the rabies vaccine already, however, he should not need the rabies vaccine again for a year (the rabies vaccine, unlike the distemper vaccine, does not require additional boosters when dogs are puppies).
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog got his first ever rabies vaccine in july. I went to register/license him for the town and they said the dog has to get his rabies vaccine after november. Which means i cant license him until he gets another rabies shot. He is now 8.5 months.
Yes! As long as he didn’t have any vaccine reactions the first time, this will not hurt him at all. If he didn’t have a vaccine reaction, just be sure to tell the vet so they can pre-medicate him with some Benadryl or steroids. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I vaccinated stela last year with rabies vacine, when should i repeat it?. Is there any side effect of rabies vaccine eg. Weaker the imune system of the dog?
I would check with your vet as to when Stela needs her rabies vaccine again. Certain ones must be given yearly, while other brands can be given every three years. It depends on the specific brand of rabies vaccine given. No, the rabies vaccine does not weaken the immune system, it actually strengthens is and protects the dogs from getting rabies. You can see some mild side effects for a day or two after vaccination, such as swelling at the vaccine site, lethargy, and/or decreased appetite, but no long term side effects. Good luck, I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Can my dog get rabies shot 2 times in 2 months?
Yes sure certain Rabies vaccinations (only certain formulations) needs to be repeated two times 3-4 weeks apart to be effective. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What happens if my dog gets a rabies shot again even if the first one isn’t expired yet?
Your pet will likely be fine as long as Scooby does not have an vaccine allergy issues. Many vets will try to get dogs on a schedule so that all vaccines are done at once (so clients don’t have to come in multiple times). If you have concerns, please discuss these with your doctor who will understand. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Will it hurt my puppy if she had her 12 week vaccinations twice?
In general, it will not harm a puppy to have vaccinations twice unless it is a vaccine that the animal has a reaction to. Of course, we don't recommend that you get the vaccines off schedule, but most vaccines are tested so that if they are given at a higher than usual dose, it will not be harmful to the animal. Your pet may be more lethargic, painful at the injection site, etc etc, but in terms of serious side effects, you should be OK as long as there are no actual adverse side effects or reactions to the vaccine itself.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored