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How quickly does a dog die after it starts shedding the rabies virus?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Do all dogs whose saliva is already contaminated with rabies virus and can now transmit rabies automatically die in a few days? If someone is bitten by a street dog and has acquired rabies from that dog bite, and the dog is not caught to be quarantined, does it automatically mean that the dog will die/has already died somewhere in the streets from being infected by rabies? Can a dog, specially a puppy, thats in the virus shedding stage already still live for a month?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on February 27th, 2020

HI there. A dog who is shedding the virus in its saliva already has an advanced stage of rabies, and would be expected to die within 7-10 days. So if a bite occurs and the animal still alive and healthy 10 days later, this is not considered to be a rabies exposure. If someone is bitten by a stray animal that cannot be caught for testing or quarantine, then post-exposure rabies treatment is typically recommended - at least by most health departments here in the United States. I would recommend getting in touch with your local public health officials where you are, or speaking to your own physician, to get advice on what should be done in your case.

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 26th, 2020

    This is an almost impossible scenario. Rabies virus in pets is nearly 100% fatal, especially since pets don’t typically get treated due to the high risk of human transfer. With all that said, the answer to your question is that no pet that has rabies is generally going to survive past 10 days from the time of infection. Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach, take care.

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