Can Dogs Get Rabies?
Rabies is a deadly virus spread by bites. A vaccinated dog is very well protected.
Yes, dogs can get rabies, a deadly virus spread through the bite of an infected animal. Once symptoms appear it is almost always fatal, and it can pass to humans, which is why it is taken so seriously. The good news is that the rabies vaccine is highly effective and required by law in most places, so a vaccinated dog is very well protected.
How Dogs Catch Rabies
Main routes
- A bite from an infected wild animal, the most common route
- Bats, raccoons, foxes and skunks in many regions
- Infected saliva entering a fresh wound
- Contact between saliva and the eyes, nose or mouth
Unlike everyday contagious illnesses such as kennel cough, rabies almost always comes from a bite rather than from mixing with other dogs.
Symptoms to Watch For
| Stage | What you might see |
|---|---|
| Early | Subtle behavior change, anxiety or irritability |
| Progressing | Restlessness, aggression or unusual friendliness |
| Advanced | Excessive drooling and difficulty swallowing |
| Late | Staggering, paralysis and seizures |
If Your Dog Is Bitten by a Wild Animal
- Do not touch the wound with bare hands
- Contact your vet right away for advice and any booster
- Report the bite to local animal control
- Follow all quarantine and observation rules given
Frequently Asked Questions
How do dogs catch rabies?
Rabies spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, almost always from a bite. In many regions wildlife such as bats, raccoons, foxes and skunks are the main source. A dog can also catch it if infected saliva enters a fresh wound or the eyes, nose or mouth.
What are the first signs of rabies in a dog?
Early signs are often subtle changes in behavior, such as a friendly dog becoming anxious or a calm dog becoming irritable. These can progress to restlessness, aggression, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, staggering and, finally, paralysis. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.
Can a vaccinated dog still get rabies?
It is extremely rare. The rabies vaccine is highly effective, and keeping your dog up to date offers very strong protection. If a vaccinated dog is exposed, a prompt booster and veterinary guidance further reduce any risk.
What should I do if my dog is bitten by a wild animal?
Treat it as urgent. Avoid touching the wound with bare hands, contact your vet right away, and report the bite to local animal control. Your vet will advise on boosters and any quarantine rules. Do not wait for symptoms, since rabies cannot be treated once they appear.
⚠️ Emergency? If your dog may have swallowed something toxic or is seriously unwell, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately (in the US, the Pet Poison Helpline is 855-764-7661).
Sources: American Kennel Club (akc.org), VCA Animal Hospitals (vcahospitals.com) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org). This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian. See our editorial & review policy.
