Dogs can contract rabies if they come in contact with the saliva of an infected animal. This passes into the dog’s bloodstream, and dogs can likely pass on the infection to the humans they are in close contact with. Rabies usually becomes fatal by the time the symptoms manifest. It cannot be cured, but it can certainly be prevented by taking some steps to reduce the risk of your dog contracting the disease:

1. Vaccinate your dog
The best protection for your dog is regular vaccination according to the state laws every one to three years as it protects the dog from infection when exposed to rabies. Take your dog to the vet if you suspect that they have been scratched or bitten, where the dog may be given a booster vaccination and kept under observation for signs of infection. Avoid catching wild animals and remember the animal’s details and the situation when you want to report it.

If the dog has vaccines up to date, you can keep them under quarantine. However, if the dog’s vaccination has expired, you need to take them to the vet or animal control to keep them under observation.

2. Avoid direct contact
Try to avoid direct contact with wild animals that are dead or have been injured, as they may be carriers of rabies. Additionally, take precautions by wearing gloves or using a towel while caring for animals.

3. Supervise your dog
When your dog is walking and playing outside, you need to keep them under supervision. Dogs love to chase small animals like rabbits or squirrels. An infected animal may act strange, agitated, or aggressive, but it does not mean that an animal that shows no sign is not rabid. Your dog may get bitten or scratched, and you should take them to a vet immediately in that case.

4. Report sick/dead animals
If a wild animal shows changes in habits and shows up at odd times, do not try to catch it. You should call or contact the local police or animal control to check the animal for rabies and warn the neighborhood about keeping their pets indoors and safe.

5. Stay informed
You need to keep yourself informed of the various wild animals that can be carriers of rabies in your area and how you can avoid them. Bats are carriers of rabies, so avoid walking close to a bat roost. In some areas of the country, raccoons and skunks are also carriers.

Quarantine is an important step taken by animal control or vet to check whether a dog has been infected with the rabies virus. It takes 10 days for the signs to develop, and it is only then that the disease can be transmitted, so a dog has to undergo quarantine for at least 10 days. Some states require that the dog be kept at animal control, while others allow it to be held at the owner’s home.