What should you know about rabies virus in dogs?

A dog may be exposed when saliva from an infected mammal enters a bite, scratch or wound. Signs can include a sudden change in temperament, unusual aggression or fear, restlessness, confusion, excessive drooling, trouble swallowing, weakness, poor coordination and paralysis. Not every dog shows the same pattern, and these signs can also occur with other emergencies.

Vaccination lowers the risk but does not make a suspected exposure something to manage at home. A veterinarian will consider the dog’s vaccination record, the exposure, the other animal and local public-health instructions.

Keep the dog away from people and other animals without putting yourself at risk. Do not examine its mouth, collect saliva or attempt to restrain a distressed dog without professional instructions. Call a veterinarian urgently and explain what happened, when it happened and whether anyone was bitten, scratched or splashed with saliva.

Anyone with a possible exposure should wash the area with soap and running water and seek urgent medical assessment about [Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/rabies-post-exposure-prophylaxis/).

Contact a veterinarian immediately after a dog has contact with a stray or wild mammal, is bitten, or develops sudden neurologic or behaviour changes. Use emergency services for a person with a serious wound, facial exposure, breathing difficulty or altered alertness. Keep the suspected animal’s location and details available for authorities.

Ask whether the dog’s vaccination is current, what observation or isolation is required, how to protect household members, and which signs should trigger an emergency call.