What causes rabies in dogs?

An infected mammal can pass the virus through a bite, or saliva can enter a wound or the eyes, mouth or nose. The virus then travels through nerve tissue towards the brain. A dog’s behaviour may change, with unusual aggression, fear, restlessness, weakness, difficulty swallowing or excessive drooling, but signs vary. A strange-looking or friendly animal can still require caution, and symptoms cannot confirm rabies by observation alone. Vaccination reduces risk but does not make every bite harmless.

Move away safely and wash the wound with soap and running water. Do not punish, approach or attempt to restrain an unfamiliar dog. Seek urgent medical advice, even if the wound appears minor, and describe whether saliva touched broken skin. Contact local animal-control or veterinary services so the dog can be assessed safely. A clinician will decide whether rabies post-exposure treatment is needed. Keep the dog’s vaccination information if it is safely available, but never delay care while searching for records.

Get urgent advice for any bite or scratch that breaks skin, or saliva contact with damaged skin or the eyes, mouth or nose. Emergency care is needed for heavy bleeding, deep wounds, facial injuries, breathing trouble or severe weakness. If someone develops fever, tingling near the wound, difficulty swallowing, confusion or unusual agitation after an exposure, call emergency services. Do not wait for symptoms before arranging preventive assessment.

Was this contact a possible rabies exposure? Do I need post-exposure treatment, wound care or a tetanus review? What should I do if the dog cannot be observed safely?