What happens if a raccoon bites a dog?

You and your dog should already be vaccinated for viral diseases such as rabies. Raccoons are a “rabies vector species” meaning they’re more likely to carry and transmit rabies than other animals. One bite or scratch could be all it takes to infect you, and death usually follows 1-2 hours after symptoms appear.

Can a dog get rabies from biting a raccoon?

When a bite breaks the skin, the virus can enter the bloodstream. It can also pass through an open wound that is exposed to the saliva of an infected animal, usually by licking. While it can pass between pets, rabies in dogs most frequently comes from exposure to wild animals like bats, raccoons, and foxes.

How long does it take for rabies to show in dogs?

The incubation period (the time until clinical signs appear) can vary from ten days to one year or longer. In dogs, the incubation period is typically two weeks to four months.

What diseases can raccoons give to dogs?

Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a disease caused by Leptospira bacteria that are carried in the urine of rats, raccoons, and some other wild and domestic animals. Leptospirosis can occur in both people and a wide range of animals, including dogs.

What does a racoon with rabies look like?

Signs of rabies in raccoons: The animal will stagger around, looking like it is inebriated. Its eyes will be “weeping” and it may be frothing at the mouth. The raccoon’s facial fur will appear wet and tangled. It will seem to be unaware of noises and will ignore movements that would normally scare it away.

What do you do if a raccoon attacks your dog?

If you have to pull the animals off of each other, focus on the raccoon. Pull the RACCOON away from the dog, rather than your dog away from the raccoon. Again, make sure you have protective clothing on so you can’t get scratched or bit. Pull the raccoon out and throw it away and keep your dog back.

Can a dog get rabies from a raccoon bite?

If your pet has been vaccinated against rabies, he/she will need a booster shot which should be given within five days of the bite. If the offending racoon has been captured or killed, it will need to be sent to a lab which can examine the brain for rabies.

What should I do if my dog has been bitten by rabies?

Consult your veterinarian immediately. If your dog is not vaccinated for rabies, your veterinarian would recommend that he be vaccinated immediately and put under a period of observation. If he is vaccinated, your veterinarian might recommend a rabies booster vaccination. Your veterinarian would want to examine and treat the bite.

Can a dog recover from paralysis from a raccoon bite?

Many dogs can recover from this paralysis, but it can take months for some dogs to get their strength back. Like with rabies, this disease will need treatment from a vet. If your dog was merely bitten by a raccoon, that would not be able to cause leptospirosis. However, raccoon urine can contain this bacteria.