How do dogs get rabies? can they give it to other dogs without biting them?

Question

if a human touches a a dog with rabies and touches someone else or another dog can the person or other dog catch rabies?

Answer 1

Rabies is transmitted in saliva, usually through a bite.  But saliva in contact with an open wound can do it too.

Dogs usually get it by being bitten by an infected wild animal and rarely (at least in the US) an unvaccinated dog or cat.  They usually transmit it to humans by biting them.

Answer 2

I agree with the first poster.

Pups should be fine, they probably have the antibodies from their mum's milk.

And to the chick above me...she never said anything about not vaccinating HER dog, she's probably just wondering...save a lecture for someone who deserves it.

Answer 3

Touching won't infect a person or animal.  The animal with rabies has to bite whatever it is so that its infected saliva gets into their bloodstream.

Answer 4

Rabies is transferred through the saliva. so yes its a good possibility.

that's my answer for all of your questions.

Answer 5

I'm not really sure if I understand your question or not, but maybe this is the answer you are looking for.

"

Is an Animal Contagious During the Rabies Incubation Period?"

During the rabies incubation period, a bite by the infected animal does not carry a risk of rabies because the virus is not yet in the saliva. Only late in the disease, after the rabies virus has reached the brain and multiplied there to cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), does the virus move from the brain to the salivary glands and saliva."

In other words, an animal is not contagious during the rabies incubation period, which is usually one to three months, but can be as long as several years.  

Hopefully, the link I'm adding will answer all your questions.

Answer 6

If you vaccinate your dog properly, like the law says, your dog isn't going to get rabies and you won't need to worry about it. You can get rabies without being bitten, you can get it through their saliva. If a dog has rabies, everyone that has come in contact is in jeopardy of picking up rabies. Vaccinate!