My vaccinated dog ate a dead animal. Is my family safe from rabies?

It depends on where you live, as rabies is more common in some areas than others. It won't like cause problems. Rabies virus from infected saliva must enter through an open cut, wound, scratch, or mucous membrane. Live rabies virus will not survive for more than 24 hours in dead animals when temperatures reach 70F.

Since your dog is vaccinated against rabies (and if the vaccination is up to date) he is protected and will not contract rabies. It is also very unlikely that this squirrel had rabies. However, should your dog get a fever within the next 6 or 7 days , you should take him to the vet as squirrels can carry tularemia and the plague, which caan be transmitted to people and are potentially fatal diseases. They can be treated with antibiotics.

Most shelters will provide vaccines, so if you aren't sure of Redd's vaccine history, contacting the place you adopted him from to get a record of his vaccines is best. If you think he may have been exposed to rabies or another serious illness, seeking out veterinary care immediately is also a good idea to prevent accidental injury to yourself, or to Redd. In some cases, eating a dead animal carcass can cause severe digestive upset, or other issues due to the bones, bacteria, etc. Signs of this can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, inability to produce stool, not wanting to eat or drink, fever, etc. If you see any signs of illness at all, seeking out veterinary care ASAP is best.

Hi! It's fantastic that Pikica has been vaccinated against Rabies. I wouldn't be concerned. It's most likely that Rabies hasn't been transferred to you or your pet. You'll want to be sure to keep your pet up to date on heart worm prevention and that Pikica is fully protected against intestinal parasites. Parasites can be easily transmitted between wild and domestic animals. Keep up the good work!

If she is vaccinated for rabies she cannot transmit rabies, the main concern with rats is leptospirosis (wail's disease) that can also be transmitted to humans but if your dog is vaccinated then he should be covered for this bacteria as well.

Hi, I think it is dangerous to let Teddy close to other rabid animals and also allow him to eat trash. He could get intoxicated by eating mouldy food for example, or get an obstruction by ingesting material that can't be digested. With regards to rabies, there is need for direct contact through a bite or infected saliva to go onto an open wound.. I would not allow him in the backyard until fully vaccinated and up to date with anti parasites treatment, and I would also start training Teddy. Hope this helps !

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You only need to worry about rabies if you are bitten by an animal whose rabies or vaccine status you don’t know. Since Romeo didn’t bite you, I wouldn’t be concerned. Kisses to Romeo!