My puppy has a fever. Is it safe for him to get his first rabies shot?

Rabies cannot be given this young. You need to check with your vet as to what is required in your area - most rabies vaccines can only be given between 12 and 16 weeks of age. It depends on which manufacturer's vaccine you have. It is not recommended to give vaccinations if the dog does not have a normal body temperature. A temperature of 103.8F (39.9C) is a fever. That is not a "slight" fever. You can give the mother the rabies vaccination at any time, even while pregnant, because it is a "killed" vaccination. Puppies need the following vaccinations and this is the schedule we use in the United States: 8 weeks old: DA2PP 12 weeks old: DA2PP booster, Leptosporosis 16 weeks old: DA2PP booster, Leptosporosis booster, Rabies

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The chance of rabies based on what you have described is quite low. However, a fever could be a sign of many things like infections, inflammation among other possibilities. If he continues to feel unwell, I recommend you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check what may be going on so that therapy can be started accordingly. Best of luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry Brixy is sick! If Brixy is eating, drinking, isn't lethargic and doesn't have a fever I feel that it us fine to do the vaccine. I would consult your Veterinarian as well. I hope this helps!

I would not recommend any over the counter medication to reduce a fever. Usually a fever secondary to vaccines resolves within 24 hours and does not require treatment. If the fever continues or you notice vomiting, diarrhea or swelling around Murphy's face and eyes I would recommend seeing a veterinarian.

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!

No, I would not worry. Typically the first rabies vaccine isn't given until the puppy is 12 weeks of age. I would take Grey back into the vet when he is 12 weeks old to get his first rabies vaccine (he will need a booster of it four weeks after the first). I hope this helps :-)

A fever is possible. You can take a rectal temperature. He may a fever if it is over 102. If he has a fever, it should be checked out by a vet. There are no recommend at home treatments for fever in dogs that are safe. Do not attempt to cool him since you can easily make puppies hypothermic. Either way, I would recommend that he get checked out by a vet to see if there is a possible reaction to his current ringworm treatment.