Why is rabies a 10-day observation?

If an animal had survived for > or =10 days, it was released to its owner or transferred to the municipal dog shelter. This experience with the implemented 10-day observation period confirms the WHO recommendation on identifying suspected rabid dogs or cats under veterinary supervision following a human exposure.

Can you vaccinate after 10 days of dog bite?

The first dose of the 5-dose course should be administered as soon as possible after exposure. This date is then considered day 0 of the post exposure prophylaxis series. Additional doses should then be administered on days 3, 7, 14, and 28 after the first vaccination.

Why do we observe dogs for 10 days?

An animal infected with rabies will usually show clinical signs, or die, within 1-7 days, providing the basis of the 10-day observation period. If the animal remains healthy during the observation period then post-exposure prophylaxis can be converted into a pre-exposure regimen.

What happens when a dog is quarantined?

The quarantine ends in the dog being released if the dog is found not to have rabies. However, dogs are euthanized if they are found to have rabies. The dog is likely to be removed from the owner’s custody and put into a shelter if the owner doesn’t comply with the quarantine process.

How do rabies dogs behave?

Your dog may quickly become restless and irritable, even showing aggression. Rabid animals may also be uncharacteristically affectionate. Similarly, if your dog is usually excited and happy, they may suddenly seem relaxed and disinterested.

How long do you have to quarantine a dog after bite?

If you were bitten by a cat, dog, or ferret that appeared healthy at the time you were bitten, it can be confined by its owner for 10 days and observed. No anti-rabies prophylaxis is needed. No person in the United States has ever contracted rabies from a dog, cat or ferret held in quarantine for 10 days.

How long should a dog with rabies be confined?

Rabies virus can be excreted in the saliva of infected dogs, cats, and ferrets during illness and/or for a few days before illness or death. A healthy dog, cat, or ferret that bites a person should be confined and observed daily for 10 days. Confinement should be performed in coordination with public health authorities.

How long can a dog bite be confined by its owner?

If you were bitten by a cat, dog, or ferret that appeared healthy at the time you were bitten, it can be confined by its owner for 10 days and observed. No anti-rabies prophylaxis is needed.

What to do if a dog bites you for no reason?

If a dog, cat, or ferret appeared ill at the time it bit you or becomes ill during the 10 day quarantine, it should be evaluated by a veterinarian for signs of rabies and you should seek medical advice about the need for anti-rabies prophylaxis.