🔴 URGENT! My dog licked a mark left by a dead rat

Admixel

06/05/2020, 04:14

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Good evening. I have a 5-year-old male terrier cross. About 2 hours ago, I took him for a walk, as usual. While we were out, I spotted a dead rat on a low wall. My dog didn't have any contact with the body itself. However, next to the wall, I noticed a damp mark which I think must have been from the rat being moved. The mark was wet, and my dog sniffed it, and I’m pretty sure he even licked it!!!! I’m really worried, maybe the rat had rabies; that’s my main concern.

What are the risks for my dog?

Right now, my dog is in his bed and is nice and calm. Please help!! From a worried owner

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

06/05/2020, 19:52

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Phew,

I deal with this sort of thing every day with Sana.

Don't worry too much, that's what jabs are for.

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Admixel

06/05/2020, 18:56

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Thanks everyone for your replies, that’s put my mind at ease a bit! He’s my first pet and I’m very attached to him, so it’s only natural that I’m worrying this much!

I’ll keep a close eye on him, have a lovely evening everyone!

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Bangdji

06/05/2020, 14:42

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Not that I want to make my dogs sound like complete mucky pups... but I wouldn't be overly worried either. Like Lorna says, dogs love to root around and roll in cow pats and all sorts...

If they’ve eaten something a bit dodgy and you’re concerned, the best thing to do is just keep a close eye on them. Watch out for any lethargy, loss of appetite, or any other symptoms—that’s really all there is to it.

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

06/05/2020, 10:38

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It’s a bit like panicking after touching a handrail on the Tube.

Are you going to catch COVID? A common cold? Nothing at all? Or perhaps even drop dead from an infection because you accidentally wiped a super-virulent staph bug onto your face while your immune system happened to be weakened without you knowing?

Nothing’s impossible, but the odds are you’ll come out of it absolutely fine ^^

And if you call the GP, they’ll just remind you about basic hygiene and tell you to get back in touch if any symptoms actually show up.

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

06/05/2020, 10:33

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I must admit, I’m quite surprised that your dog sniffing where a rat has been is worrying you this much. Most dogs are going to sniff, pick up, or even have a go at eating a carcass at some point in their lives, unless they live in a completely sterile environment.

Can a dead animal carry diseases in certain cases? Absolutely, especially if the dog actually eats it.

But honestly, just potentially licking a spot where a rat might have been? That wouldn't worry me in the slightest.

Give your vet a ring if it makes you feel better, but I don’t see what they could really suggest other than telling you to get back in touch if the dog starts showing any symptoms.

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Admixel

06/05/2020, 10:17

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Hello and welcome! Is your dog not vaccinated against rabies? With a rat, if you're in France, I’d be more worried about the risk of Leptospirosis... the best thing to do would be to see a vet.

I’ve looked into it, and the disease you’re talking about is spread through rivers and puddles... The mark was actually quite dry in the end; it had been there for two days, as my friend confirmed. Sorry to bother you, I’m just really worried. If the mark was dry, is there still a risk of rabies or Lepto?

Thanks for your reply

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Admixel

06/05/2020, 09:29

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Hi and welcome! Is your dog not vaccinated against rabies? With a rat, I’d be more worried about the risk of Leptospirosis... your best bet would be to have a word with a vet. His booster expired in December, and I was planning on getting it sorted in June... I’ll try and get hold of a vet, but mine is absolutely swamped at the minute! Do you think he’s at risk even if he only sniffed it? Thanks.

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