Rabies fear

[Mel1981]

Hi all,

My old dog just passed away. She was almost 16. She had a reaction to the Librela shot she was receiving. I was trying to feed her by putting some food into the back of her mouth and she bit down hard on my thumb and it caused a deep cut and blood. She had had her rabies vaccine in December of 2022 and it's for 3 years. However, I can't seem to shake the rabies fear. The vet wasn't concerned on that at all and my doctor only called in antibiotics. Can anyone help calm me here? I live in the US.

 

[Health anxiety suxs]

Each state has its law regarding how often a booster is required, based upon how rampant rabies is in their state. If they gave your dog a 3 year vaccine, that's because it's your state's law. So, with this happening a little over 1 year after the booster, you're fine. This would be true whether your dog was an outdoor or indoor dog (or both).

So sorry for your loss, Mel.

 

[MATD]

You must learn to calm yourself. You have all the facts that tell you that you could not have rabies. You are simply too afraid to believe it. No one can help you believe but you. Which would benefit you more, someone who can’t calm you or learning how to calm yourself?

 

[blueberries]

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. I don't know what state you live in but where I live every county has a department of environmental health and they handle things such as this. I had a rabid bat in my house last summer and they were very knowledgeable and helpful. Perhaps you could give them a call and ask their opinion. If the vaccine is good for 3 years it would be next to impossible for your dog to have rabies, especially without any symptoms. But I understand, I fear rabies also. I truly don't think you have anything to worry about.

 

[E.B]

I've dealt with the rabies phobia before. It's certainly difficult however you have and know all the answers you need. You are ok.

 

[Mel1981]

I appreciate all the replies. I’m trying to be rational about this and reassure myself as well. Not sure why this has me right now since I’ve had my other little dog nip me before while playing and didn’t give it any thought.

 

[MATD]

Sounds like you are in a more vulnerable state, your anxiety is more in control than your confidence right now. When one learns to calm themselves, they build back confidence, hence my first post.

 

[Jonathan123]

We don't have rabies in the UK although I believe they do in some parts of Europe. Being an island we can have more control over animals coming in than a country with land borders. Dogs here have to have passports like humans if they travel abroad and want to come back to prove they have been vaccinated.

 

[Mel1981]

Thanks again for all the replies. I'm trying to tell myself all the facts and I think it helps a bit.