Rabies is a rare but deadly viral disease that can affect all mammals, including puppies. If you’re a new puppy owner and wondering how to know if your puppy has rabies, this guide will help you understand the symptoms, how rabies is transmitted, and what immediate actions to take.
Knowing the early signs and acting quickly can be lifesaving—for both your pet and the people around them. Let’s take a closer look.
Table of Contents
- What Is Rabies?
- How Do Puppies Get Rabies?
- Early Signs of Rabies in Puppies
- Advanced Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs
- How to Confirm If a Puppy Has Rabies
- What to Do If You Suspect Rabies
- How to Prevent Rabies in Puppies
- FAQ: Puppy Rabies Concerns
What Is Rabies?
Rabies is a fatal viral infection that attacks the central nervous system. It spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, typically via a bite or scratch. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, which makes early prevention and recognition absolutely critical.
How Do Puppies Get Rabies?
Puppies usually contract rabies in one of the following ways:
- Bite from an infected animal: Wild animals like bats, raccoons, foxes, or stray dogs may carry the virus.
- Scratch from infected animals: Less common, but possible if infected saliva enters an open wound.
- Contaminated saliva in wounds or eyes: Rare, but exposure through mucous membranes can lead to infection.
Note: Puppies cannot be born with rabies. The virus must be introduced after birth through exposure.
Early Signs of Rabies in Puppies
Rabies has an incubation period that can last from 2 to 8 weeks or even longer. During the early phase (called the “prodromal stage”), the symptoms are subtle but alarming if you know what to look for:
- Behavioral changes: A normally friendly puppy becomes aggressive or unusually withdrawn.
- Excessive licking or chewing: Especially at the site of a bite or scratch.
- Unexplained anxiety or restlessness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever or lethargy
These signs can resemble other conditions, so don’t panic—but take any sudden behavioral change seriously.
Advanced Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs
As the virus spreads to the brain, symptoms escalate quickly and become unmistakable. This is the “furious” or “paralytic” stage of rabies, and may include:
- Foaming at the mouth
- Unprovoked aggression or biting
- Extreme fear of water (hydrophobia)
- Muscle spasms or seizures
- Paralysis in hind legs or throat
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Sudden death
Important: Once these symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. Immediate action is necessary at the earliest signs.
How to Confirm If a Puppy Has Rabies
Unfortunately, rabies cannot be diagnosed with a simple blood test in live animals. Vets rely on clinical observation and history of exposure. A definitive diagnosis usually involves testing brain tissue post-mortem.
If rabies is suspected:
- Your puppy may be quarantined for 10–14 days for observation.
- If vaccinated, your vet will administer a booster and monitor closely.
- If unvaccinated and symptoms are progressing, humane euthanasia may be discussed to protect others.
What to Do If You Suspect Rabies
Time is critical. If you think your puppy may have been exposed to rabies:
- Contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Isolate your puppy from other animals and people.
- Document the incident—when, where, and how the exposure occurred.
- Contact local animal control if a wild or stray animal was involved.
Never attempt to catch or kill the suspect animal yourself—this is a job for trained professionals.
How to Prevent Rabies in Puppies
Rabies is nearly 100% preventable with proper vaccination. Here’s how to protect your puppy:
- Start vaccinations at 12–16 weeks old
- Get booster shots as required by your vet and local law
- Avoid contact with wild or stray animals
- Supervise your puppy when outdoors
- Report any animal bites immediately
Many states and countries require proof of rabies vaccination for licensing, travel, and boarding facilities.
FAQ: Puppy Rabies Concerns
Can a puppy be born with rabies?
No. Rabies must be transmitted through contact with an infected animal’s saliva, usually via a bite. It’s not inherited or passed through birth.
Can a vaccinated puppy still get rabies?
While rare, no vaccine is 100% effective. However, a properly vaccinated puppy has very strong protection against the virus.
Is it safe to touch a puppy that may have rabies?
You should use extreme caution. Avoid contact with saliva, especially if you have open wounds. Wash thoroughly and contact health authorities.
How long can a puppy carry rabies before showing symptoms?
The incubation period can vary from 2 weeks to several months, depending on the location of the bite and the dog’s immune system.
What should I do if my puppy is bitten by a wild animal?
Call your vet immediately. If your puppy is vaccinated, a booster may be given. If unvaccinated, quarantine or euthanasia may be required depending on local laws.
Conclusion
While rabies is a frightening disease, it’s also highly preventable. Understanding the signs, staying vigilant after potential exposure, and vaccinating your puppy on time are your best defenses. If you notice sudden changes in your puppy’s behavior or know they’ve had contact with a suspicious animal, don’t wait—seek veterinary help right away.
Now that you know how to tell if your puppy has rabies, you’re better equipped to protect your pup and everyone around them.