Can an anemic dog travel to Mexico without rabies/distemper vaccines?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Happy. I typically will not vaccinate a dog that has had a significant immune mediated disease such as IMHA. However, each case is different. Rabies is typically 100% fatal if a pet acquires it. So deciding to vaccinate also needs to consider Happy's risk factors for exposure. I hope this information helps!

Unfortunately, the only way to vaccinate is through injections. The best thing to do in Teddy's case is to prevent exposure to possible pathogens. Rabies is relatively easy, keep him in a fenced yard and leashed when outside. Don't encourage pesky animal invaders to your property by keeping it clean and tidy. Don't go to dog parks or be around dogs whom you are not familiar with their vaccination status. Use a groomer that travels to your house rather than go to a busy grooming salon. Teddy will need to rely on "herd immunity" rather than his own immunity.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sundance is very handsome! I would recommend calling your Vet to discuss this, since they are the ones that treated him for IMHA. If Sundance is in remission that is good. IMHA is an immune condition that can be initiated by antibiotics, vaccines, tick infections, etc. If an underlying cause wasn't found when he was originally diagnosed we call the Idiopathic IMHA or Autoimmune. Personally I would be very hesitant to continue vaccinations in a dog with an immune mediated disease. I think it is best to discuss with your Vet They may have an automatic computer system for their reminders and don't know they are sending you reminders. I hope this helps and I wish Sundance the best!

Hello, yes indeed. The immune response to the vaccine can create enough antibodies to last 3 years. The vaccine is only recommended to be administered prior to the lot expiry date, however the vaccine once administered does not expire within he body as it only serves to create antibodies which again, will likely last all years that the certificate is good for. You should not have any problems when traveling with Axel. Hope this helps and best of luck.

I would recommend looking into the requirements for your dog to travel to this island. Most islands are rabies free and you will need a rabies titer which can take 6 plus weeks to get back. this titer has to be sent to a very specific lab and also you will need a international health certificate writen by a usda vet. It might not be worth the stress and expense of travel to take him with you for a vacation

Hello, and thanks for your question. The ultimate decision will need to be made by your primary vet - but I would absolutely keep them both current on their rabies vaccinations, even if they have chronic health concerns. The rabies virus is 100% fatal, and can be spread to people, so it's just not worth the risk of letting their vaccine status lapse. In many states the law requires a current rabies vaccine. The rabies vaccine is very safe, so it is very rare that I will stop keeping a patient of mine current on the vaccine. Hope this helps! I can tell you're trying to make the best decisions for your dogs!

There should be no problem with taking your dog on a trip after he gets his rabies shot - he may be a bit sore and lethargic for a day or two after getting the vaccine, but otherwise he should be fine.