Can my dog transmit bordetella or other viruses through a bite?

Not likely but possible. Viruses are usually species specific, but some bacteria can be spread from dog to cat. The bacteria (Bordatella bronchiseptica) most often responsible for kennel cough in dogs can infect cats. Other opportunistic bacteria can also be spread.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Rabies is contracted through a bite or scratch from something infected with rabies. Unless you bit him and have rabies, he can’t get it from biting you. Keep up on his vaccinations and he should be good. Also, if he bites you make sure you wash the area with soap and water so it doesn’t get infected. Kisses to Odin!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Louis. I certainly understand your concern given how deadly rabies is, but if he is up to date with his rabies vaccines, there is no need to worry. He is fully protected and cannot get it. Rabies is transferred by bites, so a little saliva transfer won't be enough. I hope this helps!

The only way to know if a dog was infected with rabies is to monitor for signs of rabies. The test for rabies uses brain tissue so it can't be done on an alive animal. There is a 15 day window of time from when an animal can transmit rabies until the animal would be showing clinical signs of rabies and then death. If there is no history of a bite wound on the pet dog than the likelihood of rabies is very low. If you ever see any signs of rabies than have him/her examined by a veterinarian. There are other diseases that can be transmitted to humans, like Ringworm, Salmonellosis, Leptospirosis, Campylobacter infection, Giardia infection, Cryptosporidium infection, Roundworms, Hookworms, etc. If your dog was examined by a vet and appears healthy, vaccinated, as well as treated for common intestinal parasites than it is not likely you will get an infection from him/her, especially if you have a normal immune system. Use a monthly heartworm pill that also contains a dewormer, like Heartgard or Interceptor to decrease the chance of your dog getting intestinal parasites in the future.

A dog must be infected with rabies to give it to someone. If Tyson has been vaccinated against rabies, then he will not spread the disease. Any dog, even if they have been with you since birth, can get rabies. If an animal with rabies bites Tyson, he can be infected and spread it to you. Signs of rabies in dogs can include aggression, trouble drinking, dilated pupils, and drooling, which progress to coma and death. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If the dog is up to date on its rabies vaccinations, the chance of you contracting rabies is incredibly low. What we recommend is to quarantine the dog who bit you (or have the owner of the dog quarantine it) for 10 days and monitor the dog for the development of any abnormal neurologic signs. If the dog is completely normal after 10 days from the time you were bit, you are in the clear. If the dog becomes sick at all in that time frame, or if you become sick at all, I recommend contacting your doctor. I hope this is helpful - best of luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The Bordatella vaccine is used to prevent ONE cause of Kennel Cough caused by the bacteria Bordatella Bronchiseptica. Most boarding facilities, doggie day cares and groomers require it as it is contagious between dogs. If Nina goes to these places or goes to dog parks or plays with other dogs a lot then it is recommended to give. It is an elective vaccine though, meaning it is your choice. Living with 5 other dogs is a risk if one of them gets it some where. Kennel cough isn't deadly just annoying to you and the dog because the cough is very loud. Since you started the vaccine I would finish it can decide next year whether you want to continue it. Good luck!