Rabies in Dogs: Transmission, Stages, and Prevention

Written by

Updated Date

Feb 4, 2026

12 minutes

Rabies and dogs have been a scary combination we often hear about in stories. It’s one of the many things our parents have mentioned to us whenever we try to pet stray dogs as kids. On the surface, rabies causes dogs to go mad, but it’s so much more than that.

Two veterinarians are checking a dog before giving a booster shot for rabies.

What Is Rabies in Dogs and How Do They Get It?

Canine rabies is a viral disease that attacks the brain and entire nervous system. Dogs can contract rabies through infected animals' saliva, which enters through bite wounds, scratches, open wounds, and mucous membranes.

Once the signs start to manifest, the disease progresses rapidly and spreads through the nerves until it reaches the brain. Even vaccinated dogs can still be at risk of an infection.

Which Dogs Are at Risk of Rabies?

Unvaccinated dogs
Outdoor or roaming dogs
Dogs exposed to wildlife
Dogs in high-risk areas
Puppies

What Are Common Rabies Symptoms in Dogs?

A veterinarian is holding a brown dog gently while checking its health condition.

Canine rabies progresses in stages, with symptoms that worsen over time. These symptoms can appear as early as 2 to 3 weeks after exposure. Here are the signs you can expect depending on the stage of the disease.

The Prodromal Stage

The prodromal stage presents the initial signs of rabies. Here, the virus enters the nervous system, resulting in subtle and minor changes at first. This stage usually lasts for 2 to 3 days.

Behavioral Changes. During the prodromal stage, you may notice some behavioral changes in your dog. They might become slightly more aggressive, irritable, or nervous.

Fever. Mild fever is also to be expected as one of the initial signs of the rabies virus in dogs.

Licking or Chewing. Dogs often obsessively lick, chew, or scratch where they were bitten as the virus replicates in nearby nerves. This can also worsen the wounds, inviting secondary infections.

Light Sensitivity. Affected dogs may also be hypersensitive to light, which may lead them to stay in rooms with dim light.

The Furious Stage

The next stage is when dogs show more signs of behavioral changes. Here, the virus has infected the brain and continues to cause damage to the dog’s nervous system. Symptoms in this stage may last for about 3 to 4 days.

Increased Aggression and Irritability. Dogs may snap or attack people, animals, or even inanimate objects without provocation. You may also notice them pacing or appearing restless.

Disorientation or Confusion. As rabies in dogs progresses, they can appear lost and confused. Some may even start walking in circles.

Difficulty Swallowing. When the throat muscles get paralyzed, dogs can often gag, retch, or choke.

Foaming at the Mouth. As a consequence of difficulty swallowing, the dog’s saliva can accumulate and lead to foamy drool. The foam forms when saliva is mixed with the air from heavy panting.

The Paralytic Stage

The final stage of rabies in dogs is the paralytic stage, or dumb stage, which lasts for 2 to 4 days. At the final stage, many of the affected dog’s functions are shut down, especially motor functions.

Weakness or Paralysis. The paralysis starts from the site of the bite wound, which spreads to other parts of the body. Dogs can be seen dragging limbs or losing bowel control.

Dropped Jaw. Paralyzed facial muscles often lead to the characteristic dropped jaw look, which disables dogs from closing their mouth.

Seizures. As the disease progresses, so does the damage to the brain. This results in violent muscle convulsions and spasms.

Coma and Death. In the final stage, the virus causes respiratory paralysis, which leads to coma. Death usually follows shortly after.

How Long Can a Dog Survive With Rabies?

The incubation period for each affected dog can vary. Generally, the disease progresses rapidly and is 100% fatal within 7 to 10 days after the symptoms start to become noticeable.

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What Is the Best Way to Diagnose Rabies?

The most effective way to diagnose rabies in dogs is by obtaining a brain tissue sample. However, this can only be achieved when the infected dog has passed away.

Direct Fluorescent Antibody

If the dog is deceased, we can do a direct fluorescent antibody test. This laboratory test recognizes the rabies virus antigens from the tissue sample we collect.

Our vets will first collect a sample from the dog's brain. This can be from the brainstem, cerebellum, and hippocampus. These samples are then prepared on impression smears.

What's special about these smears is that they use special fluorescently labeled anti-rabies antibodies. Next, a fluorescence microscope will be used to detect the specific virus antigens in the tissue.

The antibodies will bind to the antigens if they are present. From here, our vets can see areas with bright, apple-green fluorescent spots.

Assessment and Examination

Since we cannot do a DFA test during the dog’s lifetime, our vets rely on several factors to determine if a dog has rabies. Here’s how we do it:

Clinical Signs. We will observe your dog for neurological and behavioral symptoms to determine the stage of infection.

Exposure History. You will need to provide information regarding your dog’s possible exposure to rabid animals.

Vaccination Status. When your dog’s rabies vaccines are up-to-date, the chances your dog has contracted rabies are little to none.

A dog may need to be quarantined when it’s suspected of having rabies. This will need to be done whether they have bitten a person or another animal, or if they have been bitten.

Is Rabies Treatable?

As of this date, there is no effective treatment for rabies once symptoms appear, and it leads to a fatal end for dogs. However, there is still hope for dogs who have been exposed to the rabies virus if they get post-exposure rabies shots.

When you suspect that your dog has been exposed to rabies, you must bring them to the emergency vet immediately. The vet will need to administer post-exposure vaccination before the virus reaches the nervous system.

Vaccinated dogs will need to be isolated for about 45 days and observed after the rabies booster shot. Unvaccinated dogs may need to be quarantined for up to six months for observation.

How to Prevent Rabies in Dogs?

A veterinarian is checking a dog's condition after administering the rabies vaccine. Another vet is assiting.

You will need to vaccinate your dog against the rabies virus to prevent this disease.

The rabies vaccine for dogs must be given to puppies once they reach the age of 14 to 16 weeks. Booster shots will be given every 1 to 3 years. We’ll guide you through the entire process and provide a schedule for your dog.

In most areas, such as Dubai, vaccinating pets against rabies is mandatory. This is how governments protect the community and prevent the spread of this incurable disease. Other ways you can prevent this viral disease include:

Avoid stray animals

Always keep your dog away from stray dogs or cats, as they might carry unknown diseases like rabies.

Limit exposure to wildlife

Keep your dog on a leash if you’re going out, especially in areas with high wildlife activity. If possible, avoid these areas as well.

Secure your home

Keep your home well-fenced and secure so your dog can’t easily go outside. This will help protect them from strays.

How Does the Rabies Vaccine for Dogs Work?

Just like other vaccines, the canine rabies vaccine works by using a deactivated virus to let the immune system recognize it and produce antibodies for defense. If the dog is exposed, the antibodies will recognize and respond to the virus, creating a protective barrier.

Boosters will help by reactivating the immune system to produce more antibodies, ensuring long-term immunity.

How Effective Are Rabies Vaccines for Dogs?

The anti-rabies vaccines are over 95% effective. Vaccinated dogs may still contract the virus, but it’s only in rare cases or if the vaccine is overdue.

“Protecting your dog from rabies is a promise for lifelong health and happiness.”
- Dr. Mafalda Sardinha

Final Thoughts

While rabies in dogs is not treatable, it is preventable. You can prevent this life-threatening disease from infecting your dog by making sure you follow your dog’s vaccination schedule and by practicing preventive measures.

What Is the Best Way to Diagnose Rabies?

The most effective way to diagnose rabies in dogs is by obtaining a brain tissue sample. However, this can only be achieved when the infected dog has passed away.

Direct Fluorescent Antibody

If the dog is deceased, we can do a direct fluorescent antibody test. This laboratory test recognizes the rabies virus antigens from the tissue sample we collect.

Our vets will first collect a sample from the dog's brain. This can be from the brainstem, cerebellum, and hippocampus. These samples are then prepared on impression smears.

The antibodies will bind to the antigens if they are present. From here, our vets can see areas with bright, apple-green fluorescent spots.

Assessment and Examination

Since we cannot do a DFA test during the dog’s lifetime, our vets rely on several factors to determine if a dog has rabies. Here’s how we do it:

Clinical Signs. We will observe your dog for neurological and behavioral symptoms to determine the stage of infection.

Exposure History. You will need to provide information regarding your dog’s possible exposure to rabid animals.

Vaccination Status. When your dog’s rabies vaccines are up-to-date, the chances your dog has contracted rabies are little to none.

A dog may need to be quarantined when it’s suspected of having rabies. This will need to be done whether they have bitten a person or another animal, or if they have been bitten.

Is Rabies Treatable?

Vaccinated dogs will need to be isolated for about 45 days and observed after the rabies booster shot. Unvaccinated dogs may need to be quarantined for up to six months for observation.

How to Prevent Rabies in Dogs?

You will need to vaccinate your dog against the rabies virus to prevent this disease.

Avoid stray animals

Always keep your dog away from stray dogs or cats, as they might carry unknown diseases like rabies.

Limit exposure to wildlife

Keep your dog on a leash if you’re going out, especially in areas with high wildlife activity. If possible, avoid these areas as well.

Secure your home

Keep your home well-fenced and secure so your dog can’t easily go outside. This will help protect them from strays.

How Does the Rabies Vaccine for Dogs Work?

Boosters will help by reactivating the immune system to produce more antibodies, ensuring long-term immunity.

How Effective Are Rabies Vaccines for Dogs?

The anti-rabies vaccines are over 95% effective. Vaccinated dogs may still contract the virus, but it’s only in rare cases or if the vaccine is overdue.

“Protecting your dog from rabies is a promise for lifelong health and happiness.”
- Dr. Mafalda Sardinha

Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a rabies vaccine good for in a dog?

Depending on factors such as your dog’s health, location, and laws, the rabies vaccine for dogs is valid for 1 to 3 years.

How long is a rabies vaccine good for in a dog?

Depending on factors such as your dog’s health, location, and laws, the rabies vaccine for dogs is valid for 1 to 3 years.

How likely is it to get rabies from a dog?

It is significantly lower if the dog is vaccinated and up to date on its boosters. However, the risk is high if the dog is unvaccinated, especially in endemic areas.

How likely is it to get rabies from a dog?

It is significantly lower if the dog is vaccinated and up to date on its boosters. However, the risk is high if the dog is unvaccinated, especially in endemic areas.

Can a house dog have rabies?

Yes, a house dog can still have rabies, especially if it isn’t vaccinated. This can happen when house dogs go outside and are bitten by stray animals or wildlife.

Can a house dog have rabies?

Yes, a house dog can still have rabies, especially if it isn’t vaccinated. This can happen when house dogs go outside and are bitten by stray animals or wildlife.

Does dog saliva carry rabies?

Dog saliva may only carry rabies if the dog is infected. Infected saliva is the only way the virus spreads.

Does dog saliva carry rabies?

Dog saliva may only carry rabies if the dog is infected. Infected saliva is the only way the virus spreads.

Can a dog get rabies without being bitten?

Yes, dogs can still contract rabies when saliva from an infected animal comes into contact with broken skin, open wounds, or mucous membranes.

Can a dog get rabies without being bitten?

Yes, dogs can still contract rabies when saliva from an infected animal comes into contact with broken skin, open wounds, or mucous membranes.

Written by

Dr. Mafalda Sardinha

Veterinary Surgeon | Medical Director at Jumeirah Branch

Dr. Mafalda Sardinha is a veterinary specialist in Internal Medicine, Abdominal Ultrasound, and Soft Tissue Surgery. She is dedicated to empowering pet owners through education.