The rabies vaccine is a must for your pets. Rabies is a virus, a vicious disease that can affect animals and people who are bitten or scratched by infected animal. Dogs and cats who spend a lot of time outdoors and in possible contact with raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes and bats are at high risk of contracting rabies. Rabies is incurable and almost always leads to death. Getting your dog or cat vaccinated against the rabies disease can prevent it from enduring this terrible disease.

Laws Require Canine Rabies Vaccine
All states require the rabies vaccine for dogs. Cats, including indoor cats in most states, are exempt from mandatory vaccination, but that doesn't mean it should be ignored. Cat owners are highly encouraged to vaccinate their pets, as cats currently have the highest rate of rabies infections among domesticated animals.

Most states require that dogs and cats be given their first rabies vaccine somewhere between four and six months of life, around the time they will be getting many of their other immunizations. They will need a booster shot a year after that. Once they have received their booster shot, the amount of time that can pass before they need another rabies vaccine varies depending on the state. In most cases, the rabies vaccine needs to be updated every two to three years. Some states and veterinarians require that the rabies vaccine be given more frequently than that; either every one or two years.

If you suspect that your dog or cat has been exposed to the rabies virus, get it to a veterinarian immediately. Though there is little that can be done for an animal who has been infected with rabies, it is vital to keep it from infecting other animals or humans. If your pet has been vaccinated for rabies, a trip to the vet is still in order, as many vets will prescribe a booster rabies shot after exposure to the virus.

Side Effects of Rabies Vaccine
There are some risks with the rabies vaccine, although serious side effects are rare. Some animals will develop swelling, redness or itching at the site of the injection. This usually clears up in a few days and is rarely cause for concern. Nausea, dizziness, hives, joint pain and fever are also possible, and extreme allergic reactions can lead to death. Although these risks may give pet owners pause, they are far less serious than the risk of rabies killing your pet and potentially spreading to members of your family.

If your pet suffers an adverse reaction to a rabies shot, get details from your vet about the brand of vaccine used. Several manufacturers supply rabies vaccine, and reactions may not occur if a different brand is used for booster shots.