Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Rabies Be Spread From Saliva Of Vaccinated Dogs Eating An Infected Squirrel?
Question: Hi. I have two dogs, which have both been vaccinated for rabies and I found them eating a dead squirrel in the yard. I think they have been snacking on this squirrel for a couple days. They are both inside dogs so they frequently are licking our faces etc. My question is, if the squirrel had rabies, even though they are vaccinated could they spread rabies to humans by coming inside and licking us after they were eating the squirrel?
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Both of your dogs are vaccinated for rabies. If they feed on a rabies infected squirrel and directly immediately after that lick on the face or an open wound or a mucosal membrane then a very remote possibility is there that the remnants of squirrel in their saliva might cause an infection to the family members.
As such squirrels are not commonly infected by rabies. So you need not be very apprehensive but be cautious in the future.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Thanks for posting your query.
Both of your dogs are vaccinated for rabies. If they feed on a rabies infected squirrel and directly immediately after that lick on the face or an open wound or a mucosal membrane then a very remote possibility is there that the remnants of squirrel in their saliva might cause an infection to the family members.
As such squirrels are not commonly infected by rabies. So you need not be very apprehensive but be cautious in the future.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
