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Corey's Corner Blog

At Corey’s Canine Corner we are dedicated to providing accurate, reliable information for dogs and the people who love them. Here at Corey’s Corner Blog, you will find thorough information from reliable sources about a variety of topics of interest to you. Most blogs will provide information related to dogs, but occasionally we will share information about cats, other domestic pets and even wildlife – so, dig in.

Dogs & Rabies

  • December 2025

  • Recently, a rabid dog was discovered in the Chicago area, raising concerns for pet owners and any person or pet that may have come in contact with the rabid dog. Here’s what you should know about rabies and pets.

  • What is rabies?
  • - Rabies is a deadly virus transmitted through the saliva, bite or scratch of an infected animal. It is easily transmitted to others.
  • - All mammals – including people, pets and wildlife - are at risk for contracting rabies.
  • - THERE IS NO CURE FOR RABIES ONCE SYMPTOMS APPEAR – either in animals or people. Rabies is universally fatal once symptoms appear.
  • - Up-to-date rabies vaccinations for dogs are required by law in ALL 50 states. Some states also require that cats and ferrets be vaccinated to protect them from rabies.

  • Where do pets usually acquire rabies?
  • - Fortunately, because laws in all 50 US states require up-to-date rabies vaccines for dogs, rabies cases among pets and people in the US are relatively rare (only a few hundred cases each year).
  • - Most rabies cases are found in mammals such as bats, foxes, racoons and skunks.
  • - Our pets usually contract rabies because they are unvaccinated and come in contact with a rabid animal such as a bat or a skunk.

  • This dog was vaccinated for rabies, but still got it. How can that be?
  • - It may be that the dog acquired rabies prior to vaccination.
  • - In rare instances, the vaccine does not provide sufficient protection for a particular animal.
  • - If a dog is exposed to rabies, it should IMMEDIATELY receive a rabies booster shot from their veterinarian and may, by law, require at-home quarantine. Your veterinarian can advise you.

  • What should pet owners do to protect their pets?
  • - The MOST important thing pet owners should do to protect their pet AND the people who interact with their pet is to make sure their dogs, cats and ferrets are up-to-date with their rabies vaccines.
  • - There is no cure for rabies once symptoms appear, so prevention is key.
  • - If your dog is bitten by any animal, or comes in contact with wildlife such as bats, skunks, racoons or foxes, contact your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY and let them know the situation. Likely your veterinarian will recommend a rabies booster vaccine for your pet.
  • - ANYTIME people are in contact with their dog, their dog’s food bowls or toys, they should THOROUGHLY wash their hands with soap and water. And if they or their pet are bitten by an animal, they should wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and seek immediate medical care.
  • - Never touch a wild animal or allow your pet to interact with one.

  • FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

  • https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/about/index.html