Though your dog may have been vaccinated against rabies, there's still a small risk of them becoming infected. Our Corpus Christi vets discuss the rabies virus and the chances of a vaccinated dog getting rabies in this post.
What is the rabies virus?
This very serious virus can affect any mammal, including dogs, cats and humans. It often becomes fatal. Spread through contact with saliva, brain, or spinal tissue of an infected animal that may be alive or dead, rabies is most commonly transmitted through an infected animal's bite.
Once the rabies virus has spread from the site of the bite to the spinal cord and through the nervous system to the brain, it becomes fatal. Common signs and symptoms of rabies include:
- Barking differently
- Loss of appetite or difficulty eating or drinking
- Biting or licking the wound where the exposure happened
- Overreacting to sound, light, or touch
- Behavioral changes such as depression, aggression, unprovoked attacks, or even uncharacteristic affection
- Excessive drooling
- Seizures
- Staggering or falling down with eventual paralysis
The infected animal typically dies between 7 and 10 days after signs of rabies have appeared.
How long does it take for signs and symptoms of rabies to appear?
It may take anywhere from two weeks to four months after your dog has been infected with rabies for signs and symptoms to begin to appear.
This potentially lengthy incubation period is one reason it's critical to vaccinate your dog against rabies, along with notifying your local health unit and your vet if your pet has been bitten by another animal, and following any instructions from either party regarding your dog's health status. Animals can also transmit rabies up to 10 days before the onset of symptoms.
Does the rabies vaccine prevent rabies in dogs?
Almost every pet parent wants to be attentive to their pet's health and diligent about keeping up with exams and vaccinations. That said, you may be curious and wonder, 'Can dogs get rabies after they've had their vaccination?'
Unfortunately, the rabies vaccine is not 100% effective. However, this does not mean that the shot does not provide a large amount of protection. The rabies vaccine is so effective that dogs who have been vaccinated rarely become infected even when bitten by a rabid animal.
It's safer for your pet to have the vaccine as opposed to living without it, since the rabies virus is fairly common.
Any dog in Corpus Christi that's exposed to the rabies virus and has received their rabies vaccinations will receive a booster shot immediately and will need a 30-day quarantine effective immediately along with being unable to interact with other animals for a further 60 days after the initial 30-day period has passed.
Quarantine restrictions vary from location to location therefore it is always best to contact your local health unit and veterinarian and follow their recommendations and instructions.
Can you get rabies from a dog that has been vaccinated?
The odds of a vaccinated dog transmitting rabies to a person are unlikely but are still possible. Regardless of vaccination status, any dog that has bitten a person must be quarantined for 10 days. If the dog or cat was infectious at the time of the bite, any symptoms of the virus within the animal will appear within 10 days.
What is the best way to reduce the risk of my dog getting rabies?
The best and easiest form of rabies prevention is to keep their vaccinations up to date. Maintain your schedule of regular wellness checkups with your vet and notify them about any behavioral or other concerning changes in your pup.
Being mindful and not allowing your dog to wander off is another way you can help to ensure your pet's safety, especially at night when bats and other wildlife are most active. In Corpus Christi, there is a good chance that bats may be rabid. Be sure to bat-proof your home and avoid contact with bats at all costs.
If your dog has been bitten you should immediately and thoroughly cleanse the wound and contact the appropriate authorities as well as your vet.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.