Vaccine is one of the most widely used procedures to prevent your Weimaraner from suffering various diseases. Most dogs are often immunized with vaccines against parvovirus, kennel cough, distemper and rabies. Rabies is transmitted from animal to animal or from animal to human. Not all animals or humans bitten by another animal can be infected by rabies. However, if your Weimaraner is bitten by a rabies-infected animal, then he is more likely to get the disease.

Rabies is a serious disease of the animals caused by virus. Rabies, also called hydrophobia, causes acute encephalitis or inflammation of the brain that affects dogs. However, it can affect all warm-blooded creatures, without the exception of man. The virus that caused the rabies attacks the nervous system and becomes fatal after neurological symptoms have developed.

The first symptom of rabies is a change in behavior. Your dog may show aggressive behavior and may attack and bite without provocation. Animals infected with rabies will also show more biting and chewing. They will bite not just people and other animals but will also chew woods, stones and even buildings. Other symptoms of canine rabies include fever, dilation of pupils, drooling with foaming at the mouth, difficulty of swallowing and change in the bark or sound of the animal. These signs develop usually less than ten days after the onset of virus.

Symptoms will later progress to neurological symptoms. Paralysis of any part of the body and spasms in the throat are some of the neurological symptoms your dog may show. Infected animal or person may become terrified of water, that is why it is also called hydrophobia. Once signs develop, especially to non-vaccinated humans, there is no treatment for this disease. Symptoms may later lead to coma and even death.

Rabies infection is a major threat to you and your dog's life alike. That explains why it is very important to administer vaccine against rabies to your dog. Vaccinate your pet according to local health rules and regulations or check out with your vet for advice on how often and how much should be given to your dog. Some areas require annual vaccination while some allow a three-year vaccine. Proper vaccination and quarantine period is also a requirement when transporting animals between countries. Check out the place of your destination as well as the airline company for rules and regulations in transporting animals.