Understanding Rabies and Why It Matters in India
As a pet parent, you’re probably wondering, ‘Is my dog or family at risk of rabies if my dogs are vaccinated?’ ‘Can my friend’s 6-month-old vaccinated dog’s playful bite or scratch be dangerous?’ ‘Do I need to take an anti-rabies vaccine?’ ‘How do I know if my dog has rabies in the first place?’
Curious to know more, many pet parents have reached out to us at BCS Pune enquiring about rabies and if their vaccinated dogs can still get rabies and infect others. But before that, let’s first understand what rabies is and how we can keep our dogs and family safe from it.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a zoonotic vaccine-preventable viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system of mammals like humans, dogs, cats, and wild animals like bats, monkeys, foxes, and many others. It spreads through infected animal bites or scratches.
The disease is spread through the saliva of infected animals and displays symptoms in humans like fever, confusion, drooling, and paralysis. Unusual animal behaviour is observed, like pets becoming unexpectedly aggressive and disoriented. Sadly, once symptoms appear, rabies leads to death.
Can a Vaccinated Dog Get Rabies?
Yes, however, it is highly rare for a vaccinated dog to get rabies if the vaccination is done properly and on time. It is likely only if the vaccine is outdated or not stored properly, which renders it ineffective. If the dog has a weak immune system or if the booster shots were delayed or missed completely for a few years.
The rabies vaccine is highly effective and is responsible for stimulating a dog’s immune system to produce protective antibodies, which identify and neutralise the rabies virus if the dog is ever exposed.
How Rabies Vaccines Work Inside a Dog’s Body
After the vaccination, the immune system identifies the inactive virus and begins producing antibodies. This takes 24 – 48 hours for the antibodies to start forming. The protective level develops within 2 – 4 weeks, and the booster strengthens and increases the duration of immunity from a few months to a year.
Primary Vaccination versus Booster Cycle:
- The primary dose is responsible for training the immune system
- The booster doses reinforce memory and long-term protection from the infection
Some factors that influence the longevity of immunity include:
- Age of the dog
- Nutritional status
- Stress levels
- Ailments
- Underlying medical conditions
Rare Situations Where a Vaccinated Dog Can Still Be at Risk
Mentioned below are a few rare cases where a vaccinated dog can still get infected:
- Missed or delayed boosters: Booster shots need to be up-to-date to ensure the antibodies are constantly working.
- Low immunity due to illness or malnutrition: Sickness or malnutrition indicates that the body is already at work and is too weak to fight new infections or even respond well to a vaccine.
- Poor vaccine storage or expired vaccine: Keeping vaccines in storage facilities with low temperatures or keeping them for too long makes them ineffective.
- Puppies vaccinated too early for strong immunity: Sometimes, puppies still have antibodies transferred at birth from their mothers; this may interfere with their response to the vaccine.
- Severe exposure from high viral load incidents: Multiple bites that are deep in the head or neck area may directly affect their nervous system and cause an immediate rabies infection.
- Compromised health conditions reducing vaccine response: ongoing medication, severe medical conditions, or ongoing chronic conditions can compromise the immune system, suppressing the immune system and reducing the effectiveness of the vaccines.
How Common is Rabies in Vaccinated Dogs
Rabies in fully vaccinated pet dogs is extremely rare, especially in urban areas with good veterinary access. With extensive vaccinations and sterilisation drives conducted by BCS Pune for community stray dogs, the possibility of rabies cases in many parts of Pune has been reduced drastically.
If at all, most reported cases are of unvaccinated or irregularly vaccinated dogs or stray dogs unknowingly attacked by a rabid dog. Our volunteer community vaccination programmes have significantly reduced outbreaks.
Why Pune Pet Parents Still Need Awareness
Several pet parents and volunteers interact with stray and community dogs regularly, making them and their pets prone to dog bites or scratches by random, new, or infected dogs, too. Hence, it is important to share the importance of vaccines for strays and humans to keep them both protected at all times.
What to Do If a Vaccinated Dog Gets Bitten by Another Animal
- Immediate steps for safety:
-
- Wash the wound thoroughly: use plenty of running water and soap, and wash the wound for at least 15-20 minutes. If soap is not available, use clean running water to rinse the wound and apply an antiseptic like iodine or alcohol. Proper washing can keep a significant amount of the virus from entering the body.
- Stop the bleeding: if the wound is bleeding excessively, put pressure on the wound with a clean cotton cloth or gauze. Do not bandage the wound unless advised by a veterinarian.
- Seek medical help: Visit the nearest veterinary clinic immediately. The vet will usually give a rabies booster within 24 hours and start antibiotics if needed.
- Prevention guidelines: While it is important to take immediate action when your dog is bitten, here are some preventative measures that you can follow to prevent you or your pet from being bitten:
- Vaccinate your pets regularly against rabies.
- Avoid touching stray dogs or unknown animals, especially if they appear sick or aggressive.
- Teach children to stay away from animals they do not know.
- Wear protective gear/clothing if you work in areas with a high stray dog population.
- When to visit a veterinary hospital like BCS Pune: timely access and skilled medical practitioners and care are essential when it comes to rabies prevention and treatment. We at BCS Pune have a fully equipped hospital with highly skilled doctors. We also provide the FREE Anti-rabies vaccine at our OPD for all dogs and cats, and follow strict infection control practices.
How BCS Pune Supports Rabies Prevention in Pune
BCS Pune conducts Free sterilisation drives for stray dogs regularly in Pune city. BCS Pune also conducts Free vaccination drives for stray dogs. With the help of volunteers from various areas in Pune, we can vaccinate, sterilise, and treat dogs that are brought in injured, ill, or in need of medical attention.
Support our efforts by helping with our vaccination and sterilisation drives to vaccinate the stray community dogs in your area.
FAQs
- Can a vaccinated dog still carry rabies?
It is very rare for a vaccinated dog to carry the rabies virus, unless their immunity was low or compromised by an illness. - How long does the rabies vaccine protect a dog?
The rabies vaccine protects a dog for 1 year. - Can puppies get rabies even after vaccination?
Yes, since they are still building their immune system, there is a risk of them getting rabies in case of a lower count of antibodies to fight the virus. - Is one rabies shot enough for a dog?
No. Dogs need booster shots to keep them protected for a long duration. - Can a vaccinated dog show mild symptoms without full rabies?
It is highly unusual for a vaccinated dog to show symptoms; however, in case of any unusual behaviour, dogs should be taken to a vet immediately. - Do indoor dogs need rabies vaccinations?
Yes, indoor dogs also need rabies vaccinations to protect them. - Does grooming or touching a vaccinated dog expose humans to rabies?
No, unless the human’s skin is broken (like a wound or abrasion) and comes in contact with the saliva of an infected animal. - What should I do if a vaccinated dog fights with a stray animal?
Seek veterinary attention immediately and follow the advice of the vet.
Final Message
Rabies is preventable, but only if you take immediate action after a dog bite. Follow the BCS Pune guidelines mentioned above to take necessary precautions. Being aware, following vaccination protocols, and vigilant community support and action are the keys to zero deaths.
At BCS Pune Hospital, we commit to providing the best medical assistance to every dog. Visit BCS Pune Hospital today for Free Anti-rabies vaccination for dogs and cats.