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Could my dog's hives after rabies shot be an allergic reaction?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | spayed | 5 years and 11 months old | 10 lbs

My doggie just went in for a rabies vaccine. About an hour after we got her home she started running around and acting weird. She's a very calm. She she kept trying to get my attention before she started acting crazy. Once she started running around, I finally got hold of her, her tummy was covered in hives. Is an allergic reaction a possible issues due to rabies vaccination? We are at the hospital now, but I'm trying to find answers as I sit here at the hosptial.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Cara, DVM, cVMA

Veterinarian

Published on August 6th, 2017

It sounds like she could have had a vaccine reaction as they typically happen soon after being administeted the vaccine. Your vet will likely want to give her injections or steroids and diphenhydramine, and may keep an eye on her to make sure the swelling goes down. In the future she may need pre-medication prior to being vaccinated to avoid another reaction.

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