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My puppy found a bat. Will rabies vaccine hide incubation symptoms?

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. Our vet says that she should be vaccinated in 10 days If a certain animal is in the incubation period and gets a rabies vaccine would the vaccination cover up the symptoms of rabies? Then the animal would be symptom free if it were to have rabies?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Laura Johnson VMD

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 7th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

No the vaccine will not cover up Rabies if Simcha got it from the bat. If Simcha has rabies now and hasn't been previously vaccinated doing the vaccine in 10 days will not cure her or prevent this incident. Simcha should have a 6 month quarantine as Rabies can take 6 months to show up. The Rabies vaccine your Vet will give in 10 days will just prevent Rabies from that point on but will not change the future of the bat situation.

The best thing to have done would have been to test the bat for Rabies.

I wish you the best!
Vote Icon3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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