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Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 10 lbs
I have a puppy that hasn't had the rabies shot yet. We came back from a trip and discovered a dead bat. The puppy wasnt bitten and was examined by a vet. I dont know if she touched the bat. Ive read that in this case she shoukd be quarantined but in my country in Israel they claim that there are no rabies. If she were to have rabies when would she be contagious? Why do theu quarantine an unvaccinated dog for 6 months is she contagious in these 6 months when are they contagious?
2 Answers

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on August 6th, 2018
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 5th, 2020
Hello. Symptoms of rabies generally coincide with the point in time the virus become infective to others. This is because of how thew virus ascends the nervous system to reach the salivary glands & the brain, which can be 2-10 days. A mammel with active viral load could not survive as long as 7 weeks, but we can see very long pre-infective periods. This is why in some instances a pet may be quarantined for up to 6 months, depending on vaccination status or a known exposure to a rabid animal. It would be best to really discuss this with your local vet who can sort out all the particular details of your situation. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
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