Pros of giving dogs the rabies shot:
1. Protects dogs from a potentially lethal and incurable disease. 2. Reduces the risk of transmitting rabies to humans or other animals. 3. Required by law in many areas, ensuring compliance with legal regulations.
4. Can prevent costly and emotionally challenging treatments if a dog is exposed to rabies. 5. Vaccination success has significantly reduced rabies cases in the U.S.
Cons of giving dogs the rabies shot:
1. Some dogs may experience mild adverse reactions, such as soreness at the injection site or lethargy.
2. Rare allergic reactions or more severe side effects can occur, but they are extremely uncommon. 3. Cost of vaccinations can accumulate over a dog’s lifetime.
4. In very rare cases, the vaccine may fail to provide immunity, but this is highly unlikely.
5. Doubt or skepticism among some dog parents might lead to non-compliance with legal requirements.
Note: It is essential to consult with a veterinarian to weigh the individual risks and benefits for your specific dog.
context: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/10/11/1205016558/canine-vaccine-hesitancy-dogs-rabies
A recent survey reveals that a majority of dog owners hesitate to vaccinate their pets against rabies, a dangerous disease that has been successfully controlled through vaccination in the United States.