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If a dog has rabies, how long until it dies or shows symptoms?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Dr If Dog has Rabies in how many days the dog dies ? And if that time the symptoms not appear then in how many days starts for showing the symptoms Only for 10 days observation is sufficient ? Thanku Waiting For Response...

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 26th, 2019

If a dog has Rabies and is the INFECTIOUS stage of the disease (an animal can be infected with the Rabies virus but not able to pass it to others/not show signs for months) then death will usually occur within 10 days. This is where the 10 day observation period stems from. It is possible, however, for an animal to be carrying the virus but not YET able to transmit the virus for longer periods of time. For this reason if an unvaccinated dog is bitten by another animal such as a raccoon, a quarantine period of 6 months is usually recommended. The exact rules will depend on your local laws.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 5th, 2019

    I'm sorry your dog died in a car accident, please accept my condolences for your loss. Yes, the 10 day quarantine is effective, and rabid animals do not pass the virus while in the incubation period because the virus has not yet reached the saliva.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on March 7th, 2020

    The incubation period for rabies can vary, but an animal can only transmit it if clinical signs are showing. Typically, a rabies infected animal will die within 10 days of the onset of clinical symptoms. Survival beyond the 10 days means there was no shedding of the rabies virus. https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/rabies-facts-prevention-tips/

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