My dog caught a shrew and got bit. Is he safe? What should I do?

You need to get Max vaccinated against rabies ASAP! It is possible for him to get rabies from a rat but not likely. Any mammal can carry the rabies virus but it is more common to get it from bats or other wildlife, not really rats. Don't take any more chances and get his vaccinations as soon as possible! I hope the helps. Best wishes!

Small rodents and squirrels are almost never found to have rabies, so I wouldn’t be too worried. However, it would be a good idea in general to make sure Bobby is kept up to date on his rabies vaccine so he’s protected if he has any future encounters with wildlife!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Good job Jackson. Probably not but I would monitor Jackson closely since the rat could've scratched or bitten him somewhere. Rats and other rodents don't transmit rabies so that is not a concern. I would just watch for any areas that become swollen, painful, or have some discharge which could indicate infection from the rat scratching/biting. Good luck with Jackson.

Hello. No, you do not need to worry about rabies, but you may need to see your own physician about your scratch if it remains swollen. Max is definitely old enough to receive his rabies shot. Other than this, just watch Max for the next 10 days. If he should become sick or act unwell in any way during this 10 day period, please see your vet immediately for further recommendations. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I would not personally be worried about this at all. I doubt the mouse that bit him, if he even did get bit, was rabid. If you said he got bit by a bat or a raccoon, skunk or fox (a truly wild animal) I would be more worried. Just get his rabies booster as soon as you can do it so that way he is always up to date.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like the bite wound has become infected. Bite wounds typically require the attention of a veterinarian. If the wound is deep enough, it may require stitches and prescription antibiotics if it is infected. Depending on your local animal control and rabies laws, your puppy may need a rabies vaccine now and then a booster in 6 months. I would be sure to have Puppy seen by a veterinarian right away so he can have this wound evaluated.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If Austin has had his rabies vaccine you should be fine. But you should contact your local health department and talk to a human physician. If Austin has Rabies in the transmissible form (in the salivary glands) then he will show neurologic signs for rabies with in 10 days. Keep him quarantined for 10 days. If he dies from any cause he should be tested for Rabies if it is before the 10 days quarantine. Always keep your pets up to date on rabies and prevent them interacting with wild life and unvaccinated pets. I wish you the best!