Can a vaccinated dog still get rabies?

Vaccines are developed to help decrease the risk associated with various serious and potentially life-threatening diseases such as rabies. Our Bakersfield vets answer questions about rabies in dogs including 'What are the chances of a vaccinated dog getting rabies?' and 'Can dogs get rabies after vaccination?'.

The Impact of Rabies on Dogs

Rabies is a life-threatening virus that affects mammals. This virus can be present in animals whether or not they are alive. The most common method of transmission is through the bite of an infected animal. This is because rabies is spread through the saliva.

This virus spreads through the nervous system of the infected animal until it reaches the brain. Rabies becomes fatal once it reaches the brain.

Some of the symptoms of rabies that will typically appear include:

When will the first signs of rabies infection appear in dogs?

While the rabies virus commonly presents its symptoms within two weeks, there have been cases of the symptoms not appearing for months. This makes vaccinations all the more important as well as ensuring that to notify your local health unit as well as your vet and follow any instructions that you are provided regarding your animal.

An infected animal can begin to transmit the virus to other animals around 10 days before the appearance of symptoms. The animal will typically pass away approximately 7 to 10 days after the symptoms appear.

Does the rabies vaccine prevent rabies in dogs?

While the rabies vaccine is incredibly effective and provides a layer of protection that your pet would otherwise not have, no vaccine is 100% effective. It is safer for your pet to have the vaccine as opposed to living without it as the rabies virus is fairly common. 

In Bakersfield any dog that is exposed to the rabies virus and has received their rabies vaccinations will receive a booster shot immediately and will require a 30-day quarantine effective immediately along with being unable to interact with other animals for a further 60 days after the initial 30 day period has passed.

The regulations in your area will need to be followed as these regulations vary between locations. If your vaccinated dog has been in contact with the rabies virus you should reach out to the health unit in Bakersfield.

Can a vaccinated dog still get and transmit rabies?

If your dog is up to date with their rabies vaccine then it is unlikely that they will be able to transmit the rabies virus. Even so, it is not impossible. Regardless of vaccination status, any dog that has bitten a person must be quarantined for 10 days. If the dog or cat was infectious at the time of the bite, any symptoms of the virus within the animal will appear within 10 days.

Can you get rabies from a dog that has been vaccinated?

While it is unlikely to get rabies from a vaccinated dog, there is still a slight risk. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated pets that bite a person must be quarantined for 10 days.

Vaccinations for Rabies Protection

The best and easiest form of rabies prevention is to keep their vaccinations up to date. 

Keeping your dog on a leash during walks and indoors during the nighttime, when wild animals are more active, will go a long way in protecting them from rabies. In Bakersfield, there is a good chance that bats may be rabid. Be sure to bat-proof your home and avoid contact with bats at all costs.

If your dog has been bitten you should immediately and thoroughly cleanse the wound and contact the appropriate authorities as well as your vet.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Would you like to schedule a visit for your dog's routine vaccinations? Contact our Bakersfield vets to book a preventive care visit.