Question about Rabies vaccines?
 

Where I take Poppy to be groomed informed me when I called to make an appointment that her rabies vaccination just expired. I had the option of taking her into the vet (which she doesn't really need an office visit) and PAY $60 for an office visit plus the cost of the vaccine...OR take her to the clinic the groomer runs every Saturday.

So we are going in a few hours, my question is about Benadryl. Prior to every shot she's ever received AT the vet, they've given her Benadryl so she wouldn't have a reaction to it, as I was told Yorkies tend to have reactions to vaccines. They do not do Benadryl at the clinic.

Should I give her a dose of Benadryl according to her weight (as I always was told to a four hours after I got home) prior to going there? I'm getting increasingly nervous, almost so much so that I'm starting to wonder if I should shell out the 100+ dollars it'll cost at the oh so very overpriced vets here in MA.

She was on the puppy plan that Petsmart offers and it just ran out LAST month. I don't want to make the very expensive switch to the regular vet as I'm moving next week to an area 40 minutes away and would prefer to just start up with the same vet my family uses.

(she REALLY needs to be groomed before next week, it's a bit overdue)


Thanks!!

I don't think it's worth the risk to not take her to a regular vet. Don't underestimate the importance of a yearly, hands on vet exam. Many problems are discovered on examination and it never hurts to have a second pair of experienced eyes to check your dog over once a year.. even when vaccines are not due. And just a reminder, do not vaccinate any dog that has an elevated temperature.

With a Yorkie that is prone to vaccine reactions, I would choose a full service vet, one that is familiar with my dog, to get any vaccines. Also, be sure she only gets her Rabies, no other vaccs that day. If she needs a DHPP booster, shedule that for a month later, both vaccs work better that way and it is safer for the dog. The vet should be willing to do the DHPP a month later for the cost of the vaccine only.

I would also just make the trip to the new vet you intend to start using after your move.

I would wait until you've moved and use your family's vet, if you're comfortable with that vet. It will not hurt to wait a couple of weeks past the vaccination due date. Also, are you sure a rabies vaccine is even needed? If the law allows, many vets are using a 3 year rabies vaccine. I wouldn't unnecessarily vaccinate.

So Poppy was born on May 6, 2009. She should have got 3 DHPP and 2 Rabies vaccines before May 6, 2010. If true, she's not due for another Rabies until 2013.

If she did not get a 2nd Rabies vaccine, she will need one, to establish immunity. If she did get a 2nd Rabies vaccine, ask the vet about the law in your state, I looked online and I believe Maine changed to a 3 year requirement for Rabies in 2004.
So, basically, a dog needs 2 Rabies vaccs, and then can go to the 3 year vaccines. DHPP is not a State requirement, but is boostered every 3 years. Again, check with your vet, and maybe a few others.

Sorry, let me check on Mass.

Okay, in Massachusetts, Rabies is required at 6 months, 18 months, then every 3 years.

I was told by the groomer,they have a policy that a rabies vaccine is required every year.

I called two other groomers (which I had no intention of using) and they said they required every year as well.

Oh crap, I'm really scared now.

If your Yorkie has never had a reaction and the benadryl is just a precaution, then the vaccine clinic is probably fine. We do benadryl subq before vaccines, not by mouth. Orally may be just as effective, but when the vet injects it, they know how long they should e waiting until the vaccine is given. If you give benadryl by mouth before leaving, get there and stand in line, the time thing may be a problem. You can always talk to the staff about it.

One problem with clinics is that they do usually carry steroids and benadryl for reactions, but they don't have a crash cart. They are likely not as prepared as a regular vet. They do have their place, but there is a lot to consider.

And also, groomers are not doctors and they should not be telling you to get the rabies vaccine more often than is required by state law. Only a vet has the training to be able to make that call. If the law just changed in your state, maybe the groomers haven't heard yet?

Personally, I certainly would NOT overvaccinate my Yorkie to satisfy a groomers requirement.

If you can't groom her yourself, you can ask your vet to trim nails, clean ears, and check anal glands. Or check with some local area breeders if they could recommend a groomer.

Are licensed veterinarians giving the rabies shots at this clinic? If not, you won't get a certificate from the state so she will have to be reinoculated when you move.

I personally wouldn't chance it since Yorkies have such a high rate of reactions to rabies shots.

Are you sure that your vet charges for an office visit to administer a vaccination?

Don't let a groomer dictate when you give Rabies shots. I would take your baby to a vet to have it done, and also only what is required by LAW in your area. JMO
Do you have records of her last shot?

Most vets around here do not charge an office visit if a tech does the shot.

The groomer runs a rabies clinic every weekend? Or is this a medical clinic? I have never heard of this,sounds odd :confused:

I would never ever get a rabies vaccination every year simply because of a groomer. There has to be a groomer who will accept minimal vaccinations. I use a mobile groomer who is like this.

I don't even like giving him rabies vaccine every 3yrs but unfortunately, every 3yrs is the law.

Btw, for shots, I use a respected spay/neuter clinic. The vet is knowledgeable and always does what I want her to do. I requested a Benadryl injection before rabies just for precaution [[since he had a reaction to lepto as a puppy, I tend to be over cautious with it]]. I get Jackson's shots all at the clinic for the most part. But I still bring him into his regular vet once a year, or for any big issues (like when he was limping, etc).