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My dog killed a rat that got into the house. What is the likely hood of him having rabies? he had his shots earlier this year. And can it be transmitted to humans?

Submitted: 96 days and 16 hours ago.

Category: Pet

Value: $9

Status: CLOSED

Pet's Sex: Male
Pet's Age: 7

Already Tried:
contacting local vet. (no response)

Accepted Answer

You can relax. First, it's extremely rare for a rat to have rabies. The Center for Disease Control in the U.S. states rats (and other rodents) "...are almost never" found to be infected.

Secondly, your dog is protected with his vaccinations - excellent job on your part!! Rabies is usually transmitted via saliva or blood by biting or scratching . So, not only is the rat highly unlikely to have rabies, but your dog is protected with a vaccination and from what you mention, has not been bitten or scratched.

Humans are infected the same way - the transfer of the disease via saliva or blood by way of a bite or scratch.

There is relatively no chance that you or your dog are at risk.

You can see more rabies info here CDC

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Expert:	TheCaretaker
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Answered:	8/17/2009

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Animal Rescue&Care Org Owner; Animal Care author; Animal Behavior Consults.;Cert. Avian Specialist;

96 days and 16 hours ago.

Reply

Thanks! I was a little worried. He doesn't have any scratches or bites that I see. And there was blood but not from my dog. I checked him he seems okay. Thanks again

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Question

My dog killed a rat that got into the house. What is the likely hood of him having rabies? he had his shots earlier this year. And can it be transmitted to humans?

Optional Information

Pet's Sex: Male
Pet's Age: 7

Already Tried:
contacting local vet. (no response)

Accepted Answer

Reply

Thanks! I was a little worried. He doesn't have any scratches or bites that I see. And there was blood but not from my dog. I checked him he seems okay. Thanks again

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Question

My dog killed a rat that got into the house. What is the likely hood of him having rabies? he had his shots earlier this year. And can it be transmitted to humans?

Optional Information

Pet's Sex: MalePet's Age: 7 Already Tried: contacting local vet. (no response)

Accepted Answer

Reply

Thanks! I was a little worried. He doesn't have any scratches or bites that I see. And there was blood but not from my dog. I checked him he seems okay. Thanks again

Related Pet Questions

Pet's Sex: Male
Pet's Age: 7

Already Tried:
contacting local vet. (no response)