Is it useful to vaccinate dogs against rabies?

Generally, after vaccinating dogs against rabies, they are less susceptible to infection with the rabies virus. According to investigations, ninety percent of dogs infected with rabies were not vaccinated. Moreover, rabies is a zoonotic disease, and if a person is bitten by a dog that has not been vaccinated against rabies, their chance of infection increases, and there is no cure.

Firstly, vaccinating dogs against rabies is not only to prevent the dog from being infected but also to ensure the health of people who are bitten or scratched by dogs. Rabies is a fatal disease that can affect both humans and animals. If a person is bitten by a dog carrying the rabies virus, they may contract rabies, with a long incubation period and no cure. Once the disease develops, it is fatal.

Secondly, the effectiveness of a dog's rabies vaccine usually lasts for 12 months, requiring a booster shot annually. Some domestically produced rabies vaccines last for 6 months, requiring two doses per year. As long as the dog's antibodies are adequate after receiving the rabies vaccine, they will be well protected against the rabies virus. The incubation period for rabies varies, and symptoms include fear of water, extreme excitement or suppression, and aggressive behavior towards humans or other animals.

Lastly, dogs must be healthy to receive the rabies vaccine, as injecting a sick dog may worsen their condition and fail to produce antibodies, requiring another vaccination after recovery. Dogs cannot take a bath for seven days after receiving the rabies vaccine and should not immediately change their diet or living environment. About 10 days before and after completing the immunization program, it is preferable not to take the dog outdoors to avoid contacting other sick pets before the vaccine antibodies develop.