Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Schnauzer | Male | neutered | 25 lbs
If my dog is fully vaccinated (due for his next rabies shot January 2018) sniffs or (Godforbid) eats a dead carcass of an animal outside, is my family safe from rabies? He is fully vaccinated but I have small children and he is very much a lap puppy.
2 Answers
Published on November 20th, 2017
A dog must come into contact with saliva or nervous tissue (brain, spinal cord, etc) of an infected animal in order for the risk of rabies transmission to be present. Once the saliva or tissue have dried, the risk is quite minimal. Sniffing a carcass will not pose a risk. Blood, urine, feces, or muscle tissue are not infectious. As long as James remains current with vaccination, he should be fine. It is always recommended to keep him away from roadkill or dead animals anyway.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Published on January 9th, 2018
Rabies is spread through contact with the saliva of an infected animal. James will not contract rabies by sniffing or eating dead animals. He can, and should, be let out regularly to play or eliminate. Practicing basic hygiene and keeping him current on vaccines will prevent transmission of disease.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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