Wild animal attacked pet dog

[ChrsytalDawn]

We are concerned about our family and pet. Two days ago he was attacked by a wild animal. Roughed him up very bad. We hadn't yet given him a rabies shot. Today we gave him a rabies shot and some penicillin. Should we be concerned about the family or exposure to rabies? We are a family of 5 with 3 kids. No one has been bit or scratched. I wore gloves while bathing him to avoid saliva from attack animal. I have had to clean up his blood afterwards I have read that saliva would have to enter through an open wound or through mucuous membrane. We will be watching him closely. If he shows signs of rabies should we talk to doctor about our families safety. Slightly worried and stressed here :0S

[ChrsytalDawn]

Thank you :0)
Our dog Pudgie is slightly better today. It looks like he is going to make it :0) He is eating, drinking, and moving better.                                               We were able to get a rabies vaccine and antibiotic at our local farm and home store. My husband administered the shots. I did call a local vet today and they weren't very nice to me over the phone. I guess our state only accepts shots that are done by vet :0S We will keep him close by and watch him close the next few weeks. I felt really bad after calling the vet that's for sure. I thought they had to quarantine an animal for 10 that had bitten someone. Our dog has been injured but hasn't shown any abnormal behavior other then stiffness from the attack. I understand how serious it is to watch him close for signs. We will keep him to ensure no one  is at further risk. Again we have been very cautious about washing our hands after handling him . The kids aren't allowed to care for him at this time. I have also read online about saliva of rabid animal is where we need to be concerned. Our family hasn't been bit or scratched by Pudgie.   Still rather stressed :0S

[Misfits4Me]

I assume you saw a Vet? Mainly because ONLY a licensed Vet is qualified to give the Rabies Vaccine.....Did he/she NOT keep your dog for observation?

The Rabies Vaccine does not fully cover an animal for 28 days! Therefore, ALL in family are still at risk.....The laws are that any unvaccinated, bitten animal must be quarantined for 10-14 DAYS at a Vet's office to watch for signs of exposure.....Then the decision is made to whether the Humans involved (Including Vet Staff) should take the series of shots!

[specialmom]

How scary.  We have occasional raccoons around us and I have bad visions in my head of our dogs thinking they are protecting their territory and chasing one of them down!  Our dogs are the size of a raccoon and it would not be good!  

so, you've lived one of my nightmares!  I'm very sorry to hear that.  

I would also consider directing your questions to the vet who gave your dog the shot.  They will be able to tell you about your own risk and what to look for in your dog.  And if more shots will be necessary during this period.  

So agree with above that making sure it doesn't happen again or heaven forbid to one of your kids with whatever attacked your dog would be a wise idea.

peace and luck to you.  May your dog heal quickly with NO rabies!

[Jerry_NJ]

So sorry about your pet and worry.  I hope you pet (dog) recovers.

From what I read you dog has been examined by a vet and given a shot to fight rabies, correct?

I believe the rabies infection is short lived out in the open and can be spread only though an open wound and into the blood stream.  I don't know about membrane, but if yoiu are careful about washing after any and all handling of your dog and associate items that have been in contact.  

I also believe you if your dog becomes infected it will be obvious, foaming at the mouth and confused/aggressive behavior - further I understand the period that an animal is infectious is rather short... these facts must be easily found on the web.. then too maybe someone who knows more will also reply.

I just want to show my support for you concerns and say I think you are taking the correct safeguards.

Do you know what kind of animal did the damage?  What can you do to protect your family from future attacks of the same or similar nature - are out in open country where wild animals are common?