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My 1.5-year-old dog is overdue for her second rabies shot. What now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 13 lbs

I read that the first rabies vaccine is good for 1 year, and my dog is a 1 and 1/2 years old. She hasn't had her 2 rabies vaccine

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 5th, 2017

You are correct, the first rabies vaccine is only good for one year. After that, depending on where you live, the next rabies vaccine could be good for three years. Some cities/states still require the rabies vaccine to be given every year though so you need to check what the law is in your area. Your vet will know.

All, that being said, with her rabies vaccine being overdue - you need to update it as soon as possible and it may only be marked good for one year because you are overdue. Again, you must check with your vet regarding your local laws.

Regardless, you need to get her rabies vaccine booster as soon as you can.

Hope this answers your question. Best wishes!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on September 8th, 2017
If your dog was vaccinated for rabies a month ago then he is protected against rabies but he could still suffer from an infection and for that reason i recommend taking him to the vet in order to get him an antibiotic course.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on June 22nd, 2018
Yes, you can get Rambo his rabies injection now. He will need two series of the rabies vaccine each given four weeks apart to provide immunity against rabies. He will need an additional vaccine booster a year later to keep his immunity. The vet can go over his vaccine schedule after that.

He should also get a DHPPi (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza) vaccines. Again he will need two series of this vaccine given four weeks apart to be fully immunized. He will need a booster of it in a year to keep his immunity. I'd schedule an appointment with the vet for him as soon as possible. Best of luck, I hope this helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on March 13th, 2018
A puppy may receive a Rabies vaccine any time after 12 weeks of age. He should be able to get it at the next appointment unless there are other circumstances (prior vaccine reaction, availability, # of vaccines being given).
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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