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My 11-week-old German Shepherd puppy got a rabies shot. Is this okay?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 16 days old | 20 lbs

Gave rabies shot to my german shepherd puppy at 11 weeks of age

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 26th, 2017

Hello, it is generally recommended that puppies receive their rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that a rabies vaccine should be given no sooner than at 3 months of age. Regardless of the time given initially, your dog should have another vaccine at 1 year of age.

Look for any evidence of hives, swollen face, or lethargy as these may indicate a vaccine reactions. Your dog will be considered to be protected against rabies 28 days after administration of the vaccines.

Hope this helps and best of luck.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 8th, 2019
Hello. Normally we start vaccinating puppies at 8 weeks of age for distemper/parvo & repeat this vaccine at 3 & 4 months of age. Puppies can be vaccinated for rabies at 3 months of age. If your puppy received a rabies vaccine at 8 weeks of age, please double check with your vet about this. If the rabies was administered too early, another booster should be given at 3 or 4 months of age, & then repeated in 1 year. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 2nd, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and congrats on the new baby! I do not recommend starting the distemper/parvo vaccines until 6-8 weeks of age. They should be repeated every 3-4 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age. The rabies vaccine is usually given between 12 and 16 weeks of age.

Best of luck to you and Oreo!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on July 25th, 2018
Typically, puppies get a Rabies vaccine between 12 and 16 weeks of age. This vaccine lasts 1 year. When the pup returns for the 1 year check up and vaccines, another rabies vaccine is given. This one, and all other afterwards, are considered 3 year vaccines. Confirm this with the manufacturer of the particular vaccine you are using.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

Is 11 weeks too early for my puppy's first rabies vaccine?

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 :-)

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My puppy bit me! Rabies shot needed? Is GSD puppy biting normal?

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My puppy found a dead mouse. Is rabies a risk if she's not vaccinated?

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Is my family safe from rabies if my puppy got a vaccine too early?

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