What rabies is and why the vaccination protects
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. It is caused by the rabies virus from the lyssavirus family and is a zoonosis, so it can also pass to humans. Once the first symptoms appear, the disease can no longer be cured and is almost always fatal. According to the WHO, around 59,000 people worldwide die of rabies every year, mainly in regions where dogs are not sufficiently vaccinated.
Germany has been officially free of classic rabies in wild animals since 2008. A residual risk remains, however, through bat rabies and through animals imported from abroad. Because there is no treatment for the disease once it has broken out, vaccination is the only effective protection. An important side effect: vaccinated dogs are in a much better position in a suspected case than unvaccinated ones.
Is the rabies vaccination mandatory for dogs?
Domestically there is no general vaccination requirement. The Standing Committee on Vaccination in Veterinary Medicine (StIKo Vet) lists the rabies vaccination as a so-called non-core vaccination, since classic rabies has been eradicated in Germany. It is recommended nonetheless, and many vet practices advise it for most dogs.
It is different for travel: for trips abroad and also for re-entry into Germany a valid rabies vaccination is required by law and must be entered in the EU pet passport. In addition, some federal states or organisers require proof, for example at dog shows, in boarding kennels or shelters. And in the event of a rabies suspicion the veterinary office can order strict measures; for a vaccinated dog the chances are then better.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
When and how often to vaccinate
Vaccination protection starts in puppyhood. The first rabies vaccination is possible from about twelve weeks at the earliest. Depending on the vaccine, a further vaccination follows in puppyhood and a booster around one year later, so that the primary immunisation is complete. The exact schedule is set by the vaccine manufacturer, and your vet follows it.
After that, boosters are given at regular intervals. How often depends on the vaccine used. Many modern vaccines protect for up to three years, and the StIKo Vet suggests a three-year rhythm for dogs. Some preparations require shorter intervals. Your vet enters the right appointment for your dog in the passport. With the check below you can see what applies in your situation:
How long does the rabies vaccination last?
How long the protection lasts stands or falls with the vaccine. As a rule a rabies vaccination is valid for one to three years, many preparations up to three years. What always counts is the expiry date entered in the pet passport, not the feeling that the vaccination was not that long ago.
What this means: If you miss the booster appointment, the vaccination protection officially counts as interrupted, even if antibodies are technically still present. A completely new primary immunisation including a new waiting period can then be needed, which is expensive and stressful especially before a trip. Anyone questioning the vaccination interval can talk to their vet about a titre test, which measures the antibody level in the blood.
Rabies vaccination for travelling abroad
As soon as you cross a border, the rabies vaccination becomes mandatory. The lead time is important: the first vaccination must have been given at least 21 days before entry, only then does the protection count as effective. For later boosters given on time this waiting period does not apply. Because a puppy may be vaccinated from twelve weeks at the earliest, it can only travel from around 15 weeks.
For trips to certain countries outside the EU and for re-entry from such countries an additional blood test for rabies antibodies may be needed, the titre test. It needs lead time, so plan it early. Which other documents you need you can read in the guide on the EU pet passport and on the entry requirements by country.
What does the rabies vaccination cost?
The costs are based on the veterinary fee schedule (GOT) and depend on whether your dog gets a single vaccination or a combination vaccine. For a rabies vaccination alone you can roughly reckon with around 30 to 40 euros.
Rabies is often given together with other vaccinations in one combined shot, for example against distemper, parvovirus and leptospirosis. This means less stress for your dog and often better value for money. Such a combination vaccination usually costs between 50 and 70 euros. A general examination or entries can be added to this. Your practice will tell you the exact amount.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Side effects and what to watch for afterwards
A vaccination challenges the immune system, so mild reactions are normal. Typical for one to two days are some tiredness and fatigue, a slight swelling or tenderness at the injection site, a slightly raised temperature and a little less appetite. This usually subsides on its own.
Give your dog one to two days of rest after the vaccination and skip strenuous walks or dog sport. Stronger or persistent reactions are rare. If the symptoms do not subside or get worse, such as severe swelling, vomiting or signs of an allergic reaction, take your dog to your vet.
How Dalma protects your dog
The rabies vaccination is part of prevention, and that is exactly where Dalma comes in. In the health insurance tariff you can claim vaccinations such as the one against rabies via the prevention budget (up to 100 euros per year, for example also for worming treatments).
If your dog does become ill or injured, it is protected with Dalma's pet health insurance, including abroad. The protection applies worldwide and without any time limit. Treatment costs are reimbursed within your tariff up to four times the GOT rate, you choose 80 or 100 percent and an annual benefit limit from 1,500 euros to unlimited.
Frequently asked questions about the rabies vaccination for dogs
How often does a dog need to be vaccinated against rabies?
After the primary immunisation, boosters are given depending on the vaccine, often every three years. Some preparations require shorter intervals. What counts is the expiry date that your vet enters in the pet passport.
How long does a rabies vaccination last in dogs?
As a rule one to three years, depending on the vaccine used. Rely on the entry in the passport and have it boosted in good time, otherwise the protection counts as interrupted.
What does the rabies vaccination cost for dogs?
A rabies vaccination alone usually costs around 30 to 40 euros, a combination vaccination with further components 50 to 70 euros. The exact costs are based on the veterinary fee schedule and your practice.
From what age is a puppy vaccinated?
The first vaccination is possible from about twelve weeks at the earliest. Since full protection only exists 21 days later, your puppy can travel from around 15 weeks at the earliest.
Is the rabies vaccination mandatory for dogs?
In Germany no, but it is recommended by the StIKo Vet and many vets. For trips abroad and re-entry, however, a valid vaccination is required.
What side effects does the rabies vaccination have?
Usually only mild reactions such as tiredness, a slight swelling at the injection site or a little less appetite for one to two days. For strong or persistent symptoms you should see your vet.
