A raccoon gets into my dogs water bowl, can its saliva give him rabies?

Question

The dog has his rabies vaccinations and this is not his normal water bowl just one we use sometimes on the deck. He is normally inside.

Answer 1

Isn't your dog vaccinated against rabies?

Answer 2

It's not likely that the raccoon has rabies due to the fact that it is frequenting the water bowl.

Rabies is usually transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal. The virus multiplies at the site of the bite and after a few days moves up the nerves to the brain. After reaching the brain, the rabies virus moves to the salivary gland. The presence of rabies virus in saliva enables the virus to infect another animal or person. Rabies virus usually produces behavioral changes in animals that make them more disposed to bite. This facilitates transmission to another animal. Rabies can also be transmitted when infected saliva comes in contact with an open wound, the eye, or the mouth. There have been occasional transmissions between humans through cornea or organ transplants. A scratch from a rabid animal could transmit the disease because there might be virus on its nails. Petting a rabid animal has never been shown to transmit rabies to humans.

If you are having issues with the raccoon, call your local rabies control and ask them if they have a "humane live trap" you can use to capture the animal to locate it elsewhere. I still think it is very unlikely the raccoon has rabies and your dog could only catch it if the raccoon had rabies himself and if the dog has an open wound in contact with the rabid animals saliva.

Answer 3

I would try placing fresh water somewhere else just outside the area of your pet. (Do not feed this or any other wild marauder) Water is a neccessary element to life. A nice bird bath could serve many purposes and save your dog a lot of pain. A raccoon or possum could drink then leave without coming in to contact with your pets. Get up any food immediately after your pet finishes (most wild animals come for food)
I am concerned your dog does indeed need vaccinated as everyone agrees but also how big is this dog? I have a min pin and he would have a lot less luck with a racoon than say a full sized doberman. Please take into consideration and get the vacinations BUT fix a secure area for your pet to eat sleep and potty. Even if it is a mid size dog a racoon can be a fierce biter. Their teeth (just like any animal - even humans) can harbor very bad bacteria and should your dog get bitten badly it would cost you a vet bill anyway.

Answer 4

Only if the raccoon has rabies and your dog doesn't have a rabies shot.If he doesn't,you'd better hustle off to the vet and get one,and his other shots as well.And,be careful when changing your dog's water dish.If you think there is raccoon saliva in it,don't get any of it on you,wash the dish with bleach and hot water and rinse well.Chances are,though,if the raccoon is drinking water and acting normally,it doesn't have rabies.

Answer 5

maybe. I think you should wash the water bowl out with bleach if you think a rabid raccoon was into it. And get your dog a rabies shot too. You can always buy a live trap for like $40 and catch the raccoons. Then you can shoot them and not have to worry about them messing up your dogs stuff.

Answer 6

The saliva has to be in direct contact with a wound-bites are the most common. most viruses are not very stable outside the source. If your dog isn't vaccinated for rabies Get him vaccinated. I have seen a dog with rabies and it isn't pretty.

Answer 7

Technically, yes, but hasn't your dog had his rabies vaccine? I think it's mandatory in every state. If your dog has been vaccinated, he should be OK, although no vaccine is 100% effective.

Answer 8

Yes, but haven't you been reponsible and given your dog rabies shots?