World Rabies Day: What Every Pet Parent Needs to Know

On September 28, 2025 is the World Rabies Day, and yes, rabies is a serious, often fatal—but preventable—infection. But here’s the catch: the rabies vaccine isn’t without risks, especially when given too frequently. In this newsletter, I want to share some reasons why we need to be smart about vaccination—and what you can do to protect your pets safely.

A Safe, Non-Controversial Option: Probiotics

If there’s one thing almost every vet agrees on—holistic or traditional—it’s probiotics. These good bacteria are key to a thriving immune system, and if your pet has any chronic condition, they should absolutely be part of their daily routine.

We use a highly-rated, multi-strain formula with a high CFU count: Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE Probiotics for Pets.

The Hidden Dangers of Rabies Vaccines

There’s no question—rabies is deadly. But the vaccine designed to protect our pets isn’t always as harmless as it’s often presented. While mainstream veterinary medicine treats rabies vaccination as routine and risk-free, serious adverse reactions can and do occur in both dogs and cats.

Immunity Lasts Longer Than Labels Suggest

Drug companies recommend revaccination every 1–3 years. Yet studies measuring rabies antibody titres show protection often lasts at least five years, sometimes up to ten. Despite this, laws often force rigid revaccination schedules, exposing millions of pets to unnecessary vaccine risks.

Dogs: From Mild Reactions to Life-Threatening Problems

Side effects in dogs can range from mild to severe:

• Acute allergic reactions: Facial swelling, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, sudden collapse, or anaphylaxis.

• Neurological injury: Seizures, tremors, hind-end weakness, or behavioral changes (fearfulness or aggression).

• Autoimmune disease: IMHA, thrombocytopenia, polyarthritis, or skin eruptions triggered by the immune system.

• Chronic conditions: Some reports link repeated rabies shots to cancers, degenerative nervous system disorders, or endocrine problems.

Many reactions don’t appear immediately—they can surface weeks or months later, making the connection to vaccination easy to miss.

Cats: Especially Vulnerable

Cats face the same risks as dogs—plus a unique and serious problem:

• Vaccine-Associated Fibrosarcoma: An aggressive tumor at the injection site that may require radical surgery or amputation.

Other severe issues in cats include:

• Persistent swelling or pain at the injection site

• Kidney or liver damage, sometimes delayed up to 45 days

• Life-threatening allergic shock (anaphylaxis)

Why These Reactions Happen

Rabies vaccines provoke a powerful immune response. In some pets, this response overshoots, causing autoimmunity or neurological inflammation. Adjuvants and proteins in vaccines may trigger toxicity or chronic inflammation, increasing long-term disease risk.

Protect Your Pet Wisely

Here’s how I recommend approaching rabies vaccination:

• Know the science: Immunity is often long-lasting; titre testing can confirm protection.

• Question unnecessary boosters: If the law allows, choose the longest interval and avoid extra doses.

• Space out shots: Avoid giving rabies with other vaccines or medications if possible.

• Injection-site precautions for cats: Ask for shots low on a limb, so tumors can be treated if they appear.

• Watch closely after vaccination: Even delayed symptoms—loss of appetite, odd behavior, swelling, weakness—warrant a vet visit.

My Suggested Rabies Vaccine Protocol

• Only vaccinate puppies/kittens that are at risk or mandated by law.

• Indoor cats: Avoid rabies vaccination entirely.

• Vaccine volume matters: Large dogs receive 1ml, but a 3lb Toy Poodle? I recommend avoiding rabies unless legally required, and consider a half dose if necessary.

• Duration of immunity: I was vaccinated for rabies in vet school, and 10 years later still had protective antibodies—one dose can last a lifetime.

Practical Schedule

• Puppies & Kittens: Rabies vaccine at 6 months, avoid combining with other vaccines.

• Adult Dogs & Cats: Booster at 1.5 years if outdoor and at risk.

• No further rabies vaccines unless mandated.

• Rabies Vaccine Titer Test: At 5 years to check immunity.

Our dogs and cats:

• Tula (15 years) has never had a rabies vaccine while in our care. Thriving.

• Cassian, our indoor cat, will never receive another vaccine.

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P.S. Rabies vaccination is a public health safeguard, but ignoring its potential dangers does pets a disservice. Serious side effects—autoimmune disease, neurological injury, organ damage, cancer—can occur in both dogs and cats.

P.P.S. One supplement everyone agrees on: probiotics. Essential for chronic disease support and immune health. Our Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE Probiotics for Pets is a high-CFU, multi-strain formula designed for daily use.

P.P.P.S. A special shoutout today—my daughter Aliza, who just joined the Veterinary Secrets team, is turning 22! Happy Birthday Aliza! 

A Safe, Non-Controversial Option: Probiotics

If there’s one thing almost every vet agrees on—holistic or traditional—it’s probiotics. These good bacteria are key to a thriving immune system, and if your pet has any chronic condition, they should absolutely be part of their daily routine.

We use a highly-rated, multi-strain formula with a high CFU count: Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE Probiotics for Pets.