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Massachusetts State Law requires that all dogs and cats be kept up-to-date on the rabies vaccine. Rabies is contracted from the bite of an infected animal (most commonly wild skunks, bats, raccoons, foxes and coyotes).
Symptoms of rabies typically develop within 30 days of a bite, but can take as long as one year. Symptoms include personality change, aggression, weakness, drooling, and eventually paralysis and death. Rabies is always fatal.
Canine Recommendation
At Ashland Animal Hospital, rabies is a core vaccine for dogs.
Dosing Schedule for Dogs: Initial vaccination with one dose at 12-16 weeks of age, then repeated at one year of age, and every three years thereafter.
Return to Preventive Care for Dogs
Feline Recommendation
At Ashland Animal Hospital, rabies is a core vaccine for cats.
Dosing Schedule for Cats: The rabies vaccine is first administered at 12 weeks of age or older. A second vaccination must be administered 9-12 months later. The duration of this vaccine depends on the type of rabies vaccine given. They vary in duration from one to three years. Your veterinarian will discuss with you which type of vaccine is appropriate for your cat.