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My dog was bitten, licked gentian violet, now has excessive saliva. Rabies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 32 lbs

My dog was harassed by another dog & was but on the foot. I out gentian violet on it but he licked all of it off & he had excessive saliva in his mouth. was that caused by the gentian or could he possibly have rabies? i doubt it has rabies because the other dog has been well & alive for a good time. thank you.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 16th, 2017

I'm sorry Rocky was bit by another dog! This gentian violet could be what has caused his excessive salivation. I doubt it is rabies as well, as symptoms of it won't show up this quickly. I would have Rocky seen by a vet for this bite. He will likely need antibiotics to prevent any infection from occurring due to the bacteria in the dog's mouth. It may be ideal as well to have his rabies vaccine up dated if he's due for a booster.

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    Answered By Christie Long, DVM

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    The gentian violet may have been bitter, and that may have caused Rocky to salivate. However, you cannot be sure that there was no chance of rabies transmission unless 1.) you are sure he has been vaccinated against rabies and that the vaccine is still active and 2.) you are sure that the dog that bit him does not have rabies. If you are sure of those 2 facts, then I think you can be pretty confident that Rocky doesn't have rabies, however I would monitor this bite very carefully, and if you see any redness or discharge take him into your vet for exam. Dog bites can very easily cause severe infection, and often need to be aggressively cleansed, and the dog needs systemic antibiotics, Gentian violet has very weak antibacterial properties, so I would discontinue using it.

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