My puppy was near a bat. When is rabies contagious & why quarantine?

Question

I have a puppy that hasn't had the rabies shot yet. We came back from a trip and discovered a dead bat. The puppy wasnt bitten and was examined by a vet. I dont know if she touched the bat. Ive read that in this case she shoukd be quarantined but in my country in Israel they claim that there are no rabies. If she were to have rabies when would she be contagious? Why do theu quarantine an unvaccinated dog for 6 months is she contagious in these 6 months when are they contagious? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 10 lbs

Laura Johnson VMD · Accepted Answer

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! In retrospect you should have had the bat tested. That would have been the best way to know. If your country is Rabies free then the bat likely doesn't have Rabies either. I would trust your countries health officials on this. The bat would have had to get it's saliva in to your dog via a bit or her mucous membranes (gums, eyes, cut on skin). In the US an unvaccinated pet that may be exposed to rabies is quarantined for 6 months because that is the maximum amount of time it can take for rabies to become contagious or obvious. It can happen sooner. Rabies is only contagious when it is in the final stages, in the salivary glands. Once it is in the salivary glands the animal will show signs of rabies with in 10 days. I hope this helps!

My puppy was near a bat. When is rabies contagious & why quarantine?

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