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My vaccinated dog ate a dead animal. Is my family safe from rabies?

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

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

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.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    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.

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