It is not known exactly how long an unvaccinated dog can be rabid before it shows signs of the disease. Some dogs show signs as early as two weeks after contracting rabies, but other cases have been reported that take more than one year to show symptoms. A general rule of thumb is that if a dog hasn’t received its first vaccination by 12 weeks old, it should be considered unvaccinated.
The younger the dog, the less time it is for symptoms to develop following infection with rabies. Other factors contributing to the length of time between exposure and clinical signs include age at exposure, the severity of exposure (how much virus entered the body), site(s) of entry/infect (e.g., brain vs. muscle, internal organs vs. skin), and the dog’s overall health status.
When a dog shows symptoms of rabies, the owners must contact their veterinarian immediately! Many rabies-infected dogs act very aggressively and violently towards their owners. The best hope for the dog’s survival is to get it into a treatment program immediately, which MUST include health care personnel being able to administer the anti-rabies vaccine in the office. There are no home-remedy programs for rabies!
FAQS
What is the best way to know if a dog has rabies?
There is no simple and reliable way to tell whether or not a dog has rabies, but most dogs that end up in treatment with positive results for rabies show classic signs of aggression and/or abnormal behavior. These signs may include extreme fearlessness; violent attacks against other animals or people; lack of awareness of surroundings (e.g., bumping into walls, walking into the middle of busy roads); and disorientation/confusion.
Is it possible to tell symptoms in advance so we know when to start treatment?
No, symptoms can not be predicted in advance! Some dogs show symptoms as early as 2 weeks after infection with rabies, but other cases have been reported that take more than one year to show symptoms. A general rule of thumb is that if a dog hasn’t received its first vaccination by 12 weeks old, it should be considered unvaccinated.
The younger the dog, the less time it is for symptoms to develop following infection with rabies. Other factors contributing to the length of time between exposure and clinical signs include age at exposure, severity of exposure (how much virus entered the body), site(s) of entry/infection (e.g., brain vs. muscle, internal organs vs. skin), and the dog’s overall health status
How long does it take for symptoms to appear? What is the incubation period of rabies?
It can be months or more between a dog being exposed to a rabid animal and showing symptoms. Signs generally occur within 2-10 days, but sometimes as long as a year later. This is why it’s important to vaccinate against rabies every year!
What should I do if my dog has been exposed?
Contact your veterinarian immediately! Many rabid dogs are violent towards their owners, but they are still in need of medical treatment. The best hope for the dog’s survival is to get it into a treatment program that MUST include health care personnel being able to administer the anti-rabies vaccine in the office. There are no home-remedy programs for rabies!
How can I tell if my dog has come into contact with a rabid animal?
The best way to protect your pet is to keep it at home or on a leash when outdoors, or in the yard (if you have one). If your dog does escape, have someone reliable watch for it. If you notice a wild or unknown animal near your home, keep your pet inside and call animal control to get the animal tested for rabies.
Do not attempt to get close enough to get a good look at the animal. It’s also important to remember that people can carry rabid animals too, so avoid touching strange animals and let health care professionals handle it.