I took Remy, my White Shepherd, to get his Rabies vaccine a couple days ago (7-6-10) at 6pm est. He is currently 17 weeks old. Prior to the vaccine he has been very social, wants to meet everyone and has always been super friendly with everyone.
After bringing him home from the vet, he started getting really mouthy (nothing out of the norm) but this time it was a bit more rough than usual. Although, this alone wasn't enough to put up a red flag. I figure he is just teething.
I then took him for a walk because he was extra hyper. While on the walk, we encountered two dogs about 50 feet away and Remy immediately raised his hackles and let out a very deep bark. I promptly did an about face and began walking the other direction.
Later on our walk, a lady that was up on her porch asked if she could see the puppy. I said sure as always. She started talking to Remy, the same way every person does, yet this time he cowered away. I asked her to give him a treat and he took it from her gently, yet still a bit apprehensive.
It seemed like the whole walk he was on high alert and everything seemed to be new and scary, hackles raise the majority of the time. The walk was only for 10 minutes.
This is not the dog I have come to know over the month and a half I have been with him.
I read that an acute behavior change and or hypersensitivity can occur with the rabies vaccine 24-48 hours after the shot and up to 1.5 months after the shot.
So my question: Could this behavior change be caused by the rabies vaccine?
Should I be concerned? Is this permanent?
Note: He threw up some type of palm sized squeaker toy (the morning of the vaccine) that I have never seen before. I am baffled as to where he found it and how he swallowed it without me knowing. I'm not sure if there is any left in his stomach/bowels. He is eating normal and defecating as usual with normal stools. I'm not sure if this could be connected in any way.
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Michael
