Dog got into a scuffle with raccoon. How good are rabies shots for?

My old dog is a brave dog and beat up some raccoon last night. My dog did get a few nicks (the raccoon is probably feeling it more today). I believe my dog got his final rabies shots when he was 2-3 when we got him from the pound. He's about 10 now. How long are rabies shots good for? Thanks.Dog got into a scuffle with raccoon. How good are rabies shots for?
In most states vets try to vaccinate for rabies every 2-3 years. However, there is a vet out there, Dr. Dodds, who is currently trying to do more research proving the shots last at least 5-7 years. To answer your question, nobody really knows for sure how long the shots are good for. 7 years is pretty long, sorry I don't have the exact answer.Dog got into a scuffle with raccoon. How good are rabies shots for?
You need to check the law in your state. Typically the first is good for 1 year, then the Rabies vaccine given the following year then becomes a 3 year vaccine. Some states still require it every year.





Call your Vet and tell them what happened. They will want to give him a booster vaccine, it has been shown that prompt post exposure vaccination can prevent the disease from progressing. Get him to a Vet asap. Bats, monkeys, raccoons, foxes, skunks, cattle and wolves provide the greatest risk of being infected. Rabies is also transmittable to humans. So please be sure to keep him current at all times. Not only for his sake, but yours and your families as well.
You should get a booster every year. I'd consult with a vet. They may need to run tests to find out.
There is no such thing as a final rabies shot. If your dog got a shot at 2 or 3 and he is now 10.. If the racoon was rabid, your dog is at huge risk of developing rabies. Rabies shots are done yearly, by law.
A one year rabies shot is good for one year. A three year rabies shot is good for three years. Whichever one you had, your dog is expired. Time for a trip to the vet, as he is definitely at risk for rabies.





Edit: Rachal-great call! I never even thought of distemper! Rabies can be cured-distemper cannot be cured.This kind of question really highlights why it is so important to get your dog the proper vaccinations in a timely manner.
Rabies shots are good for a long time but its also a good idea to take him to the vet and get those scratches checked out, just in case of infection from something else too.
It's hard to say exactly how they long they are good for. Where I am from we are required by law to have a rabies vaccination every year, but they can get a 3 year vaccination if it is done within one year of their last yearly injection (i know...kind of confusing). But in order to find out if the rabies vaccination is still viable, you would have to do a blood test to see what their titre level is at to see if they are still protected. In other words, they need to check the blood to see if there are still enough antibodies in order to still be effective against rabies. Given the time frame, I don't think that it would be high enough, but I would call the vet and explain the situation and see what they say. Good luck!
Rabie shots are something that you need to get yearly for your dog. It is actually inexpensive in comparison to some things needed for your dog. It averages between $7.00-$8.00 for the shot. This will take care of him for a year. Its something that you may want to check on since it has been some years. Check with your vet and make sure there isn't a fee just for the pet visit itself, that will help if there isn't a fee for that, just call around. Good luck!
Current rabies vaccines are for 3 years....our county used to require them every year, but finally gave in to the 3 year schedule. And when was the last time your dog had a distemper booster? Those are supposed to be done every year. We have had a huge outbreak of distemper in raccoons and foxes here in Miami, I had one of each die in my front yard within the last 8 months from distemper....I would take your boy to the vet just in case, I'd also worry about infection in the cuts.