If maternal antibodies are present, later doses will stimulate the animal's own antibodies to be formed against the disease. Puppies should be weaned and be in good health for a vaccination program to be effective. The state of Mississippi requires a yearly rabies vaccination for all pets. A virus that attacks the nervous tissue is responsible for rabies. It is spread by bites or saliva of infected animals.
Death always occurs once a rabies-infected animal shows signs of disease.
Dogs should be vaccinated at 16 weeks of age, and yearly thereafter. The virus can attack organs throughout the dog's body, causing fever, eye damage, liver damage, diarrhea, respiratory problems, and changes in the blood. Initial vaccination is given at 6 weeks of age, boostered every three weeks to 16 weeks of age, then annually. Signs may include diarrhea, fever, respiratory problems, seizures, muscular twitches, and discharge from the eyes and nose. Initial vaccination is given at 6 weeks of age, boostered every three weeks to 16 weeks of age, then annually.