Rabies is one of the most terrifying diseases on the planet - incurable once symptoms appear and almost always fatal. Despite this, misconceptions surrounding rabies continue to circulate in our communities, often leading to preventable tragedies. A particularly dangerous myth that I have encountered far too often as a veterinarian is the belief that a dog bite is harmless if the dog is vaccinated. People confidently say, “The dog was vaccinated, so I didn’t go for treatment,” or, “It was just a scratch, and it’s a pet dog.” These assumptions can be deadly. While vaccination is the most powerful tool we have in the fight against rabies, it is not an absolute shield. Under real-world conditions, a vaccinated dog may still develop rabies and, tragically, transmit it to humans. If we are to meet the global goal of “Zero by 30” - eliminating dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030 - then we must urgently challenge these dangerous misconceptions and adopt a more informed, cautious approach to dog bites and rabies prevention.
To begin with, it’s important to understand that rabies vaccines, although highly effective, do not offer 100% protection in every scenario. Much of the confidence in vaccines comes from their performance in controlled environments. But field realities are far messier. The effectiveness of a rabies vaccine depends not only on the dog receiving it, but also on how the vaccine was handled before administration. Rabies vaccines are extremely sensitive to temperature and light. If exposed to sunlight, or not stored at the right temperature during transportation, the vaccine can lose its potency. In many rural or resource-limited areas, maintaining a strict cold chain can be challenging, and in some cases, vaccines used in vaccination drives may have already degraded before reaching the animals. Additionally, the dose of the vaccine is critical. If a dog is administered an insufficient dose, whether due to careless handling or poor training of the vaccinator, the protection may not be strong enough to prevent infection. These practical issues mean that even a “vaccinated” dog may not have received a truly protective dose of the vaccine.
Moreover, the immune response of the dog itself plays a significant role. Some dogs, especially those that are malnourished, very young, elderly, or already battling infections, may not mount a sufficient immune response after vaccination. Just like in humans, the ability to build immunity varies among individuals. A healthy adult dog may produce strong antibodies following vaccination, while a weak or sick dog might not. Yet, outward appearances can be deceiving. A dog may look healthy and energetic, even if its immune system failed to respond properly to the vaccine. This is one of the reasons why it's incredibly risky to assume that a bite from a vaccinated dog is harmless. No one can tell, just by looking, whether a dog has developed the proper immune defense.
Another often overlooked factor is the timing of vaccination relative to exposure. If a dog is vaccinated after it has already been exposed to the rabies virus, perhaps through a fight with an infected stray, the vaccine cannot stop the disease from developing. Rabies has an incubation period that can range from a few days to several months, depending on the location of the bite and the viral load. During this silent phase, a dog may show no outward symptoms but still be infected. If a dog is vaccinated while already incubating the virus, it will eventually develop rabies despite having received the shot. This is especially concerning in areas with high stray dog populations, where unknown exposures happen frequently and go unnoticed by owners or caretakers.
Adding to this problem is the issue of unverifiable or incomplete vaccination records. Many times, owners say their dog is vaccinated without having any proof. In some cases, the dog might have been vaccinated only once as a puppy and never received boosters. Rabies vaccination isn’t a one-time procedure, it requires regular boosters to ensure continued protection. Depending on the vaccine used, boosters are needed annually or every three years. Without these follow-up doses, immunity wanes, and the dog becomes vulnerable once again. In developing countries, due to financial constraints, lack of awareness, or simple negligence, booster doses are often skipped. So, a statement like “my dog was vaccinated last year” doesn't guarantee that the dog is still protected.
These realities should serve as a wake-up call to every individual, especially in countries like Nepal where rabies remains endemic. Dog vaccination is critical to rabies control, but it must be implemented rigorously and scientifically. Mass vaccination drives must ensure that vaccines are stored properly, dosages are accurate, and booster schedules are followed. Pet owners must take responsibility for maintaining up-to-date records and verifying that their dogs are receiving full immunization. Even then, we must not let our guard down. Because even when everything appears correct on paper, there are rare instances where vaccinated dogs still develop rabies due to poor immune response, unnoticed exposure prior to vaccination, or vaccine failure due to handling errors.
So what should you do if you get bitten, even by a vaccinated dog? The answer is simple: treat every bite seriously. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Apply an antiseptic, and seek medical attention immediately. Do not rely solely on the dog’s vaccination status. Rabies is unforgiving. Once symptoms appear, there is no cure. The only way to protect yourself is by beginning post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as soon as possible. The PEP regimen, consisting of a series of injections, is highly effective if started promptly. Delaying it because you believe the dog is vaccinated or that the bite is minor could cost your life.
As we move toward the global ambition of Zero by 30, it is essential to address the myths and misunderstandings that hinder rabies control. Public awareness must shift from a simplistic understanding of “vaccinated equals safe” to a more nuanced and realistic appreciation of the risks. Community education programs, school-based campaigns, and veterinary outreach must emphasize that vaccination, while crucial, is only one piece of the puzzle. Equally important is how the vaccine is stored and administered, the health of the animal receiving it, and immediate human response after a bite. Rabies control requires a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health perspectives to effectively prevent and manage disease transmission.
While dog vaccination is our frontline defense against rabies, it is not an absolute guarantee of safety. The idea that a vaccinated dog cannot transmit rabies is comforting, but dangerously misleading. Rabies is a virus that grows on our complacency and misinformation. We must remain vigilant, treat every bite as a potential threat, and act quickly. Only then can we protect our communities, save lives, and truly move toward a future free from rabies. Let us not allow myths and overconfidence to undermine our efforts. Because when it comes to rabies, it’s not just what you believe that matters - it’s what you do next.
(The author is a veterinarian. He can be reached at ayush.adhikari2000@gmail.com)
