While you may have already vaccinated your dog against rabies, there is still a small chance that they could become infected. Our Seattle vets talk about rabies, its symptoms, and their chances of contracting the virus even after vaccination.
What is the rabies virus?
Rabies is a very serious and often fatal disease that is spread through the saliva and affects the brain and nerves of an infected animal.
The rabies virus spreads through the nervous system until it makes its way to the brain. At that point, it becomes fatal. Some common signs of rabies are:
- Behavioral changes (aggression, depression, unprovoked attacks)
- Loss of appetite or difficulty eating or drinking
- Overreacting to touch, sound or light
- Staggering or falling down with eventual paralysis
- Excessive drooling
- Biting or licking the wound site where the exposure occurred
Unfortunately, rabies is always fatal in unvaccinated animals. An unvaccinated dog exhibiting symptoms of the rabies virus will die within ten days.
How long does it take for symptoms to appear?
On average it can take up to two weeks for the symptoms of the rabies virus to appear in dogs, although there are uncommon cases where the virus doesn't begin to present symptoms for a couple of months. This makes vaccinations all the more important, as well ensuring that you notify your local health unit as well as your vet if you suspect rabies. a
Animals are able to transmit the virus up to ten days prior to the onset of symptoms, so let your vet know as soon as your dog is bitten by anything potentially carrying the rabies virus.
Can dogs still get rabies after being vaccinated?
Unfortunately, the rabies vaccine is not 100% effective, but it is still the best way to prevent your dog from getting rabies.
It is safer for your pet to have the vaccine as opposed to living without it as the rabies virus is fairly common.
In Seattle any dog that is exposed to the rabies virus and has received their rabies vaccinations will receive a booster shot immediately and will require a 30-day quarantine effective immediately. They will also be forbidden from interacting with other animals for a further 60 days after the initial 30 day period has passed.
Quarantine restrictions vary from location to location; 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 chances of a vaccinated dog getting rabies are very low, it is still possible. Regardless of vaccination status, any dog that has bitten a person must be quarantined for ten days. If the dog was infectious at the time of the bite, any symptoms of the virus will appear in the person bitten within ten days.
Rabies Prevention
The best and easiest form of rabies prevention is to keep your dog's vaccinations up to date.
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 Seattle, 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 and 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.