My 1.8-lb Puppy, Mandatory Rabies Laws… and Safer Alternatives Vets Rarely Talk About
- shelleybholisticnu
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Check out my 9-week-old maltipoo - she’s a whopping 1.8 pounds of fur! I’ve actually never had a puppy before, so I had to do my research before granting my kiddos their Christmas wish. (Posting a pic of us together because… I mean. LOOK at her.)
And because I’m not big on toxic medical interventions, you already know I went straight down the rabbit hole of pet vaccinations, especially the rabies shot. Dogs don’t get religious exemptions, and most vets, groomers, boarders and state laws require it… which made me wonder: What are we NOT being told?
Here’s what most owners don’t realize:
1. The dose isn’t based on weight.
Every dog - a 6-lb Yorkie or a 120-lb Great Dane - gets the exact same amount. So yes…
• Small dogs can get essentially overdosed
• Big dogs may be underdosed
• And there’s no solid science proving this “one-size-fits-all” approach is safer or more effective
2. The Risk of Rabies Is Extremely Low
Rabies rates in the U.S. are very low
Pets rarely get rabies but vaccinated dogs have contracted it
Dogs who naturally survive exposure develop lifelong immunity
3. The Vaccine Isn’t Risk-Free
Reactions range from mild to serious, including:
Lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite
Allergic reactions/anaphylaxis
Autoimmune flare-ups
Tumor formation at injection site
And remember, each rabies vaccine contains:
Killed virus
Aluminum adjuvants
Preservatives like thimerosal (mercury derivative)
Stabilizers like gelatin or sugars
Trace antibiotics, formaldehyde or animal proteins
For sensitive pets, this can be a lot for the body to handle.
4. The Real Rabies Hotspots (According to the CDC)
The most recent nationwide rabies data available is from the CDC’s 2022 report. Just six states made up over half of all reported animal rabies cases: Texas, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, North Carolina and California. Only 6% of the cases were from domestic animals, and the report didn’t specify whether the pets had been vaccinated. For perspective, that 6% represented 287 pets.
All of these states mandate the rabies vaccine unless a pet qualifies for an exemption. Most exemptions cover puppies under 3 months, indoor-only pets with no exposure to wildlife or animals with a valid medical exemption.
5. Safer Alternatives to Consider
While the law may require the vaccine, you may have options depending on your state:
Titer Testing - A simple blood test to check immunity. Many dogs stay protected for years.
Medical Exemptions - If your dog has a legitimate health concern, a vet can file an exemption in states that allow it. Click here for a sample waiver.
Minimizing Exposure = Keeping pets away from wildlife reduces natural risk more than anything.
Rabies Nosodes (Homeopathic Option) = Inactivated microsodese delivered via liquid tincture to formulate an antibody response. They:
Build immune response, naturally
Don’t contain toxins
Don’t contain virus
Are considered very safe
Check out Professional Formulas Rabies Nosode (Register with code GEE213).
5. You deserve informed consent, not fear.
Mandatory vaccine laws don’t take individual health into account. You should be allowed to decide what’s best for your pet based on their:
• Age
• Breed
• Health history
• Vaccine sensitivity
Bottom line:
Rabies comes from wildlife, not pets - so your dog’s real-world risk may be lower than you think. Especially for a little one like mine, it’s worth asking: Does the benefit truly outweigh the risk for this specific animal?
Do your homework. Know what’s in the shot. You may even find holistic vets, groomers or boarders nearby who quietly support alternative approaches.
Holistic breeders exist, and many independent breeders are more than willing to delay or skip early jabs if you request it. You just have to ask.
And if your dog isn’t a good fit for the vaccine, ask your vet about a medical exemption.
Our pets deserve the same transparency and informed choice we expect for our own bodies.
