I seriously don’t know what to make of this — I was just taking Bella for her usual walk around the neighborhood tonight, and out of nowhere, this fox appeared and started chasing us. I’ve never seen a fox around here before, let alone one that would come so close! Bella was freaking out, barking like crazy, and I was just trying to keep a cool head while getting us the heck out of there. We managed to run back to the house, but now I’m freaking out a bit myself. How do I know if it might have had rabies or something? I’ve heard stories and I’m not sure if I should be worried about Bella getting exposed to anything. Should I call a vet just in case? This is so not how I expected our evening walk to go!
Appreciate the question — let's unpack this. Encountering a fox can be unsettling, especially when you're out walking your dog. Foxes, like any wild animal, might carry rabies, but several signs can help you identify if a fox is rabid.
Rabid foxes often exhibit unusual behavior, such as being uncharacteristically aggressive or overly friendly with humans. They might appear disoriented or stumble and behave erratically. Pay attention if the fox had excessive saliva since this can also be a sign of rabies.
Since you encountered this fox, it's crucial to ensure neither you nor your dog had direct physical contact with it. If your dog was bitten or scratched, there's a risk of rabies transmission. At home, examine your dog for any wounds and watch for signs of fear, unusual behavior, or aggression.
If you notice any injuries on your dog or observe concerning behaviors, seek veterinary care immediately. Serious symptoms include difficulty walking, excessive drooling, or sudden aggression in your dog.
Now might be a great time to review your dog’s vaccination status. Ensuring your dog is up-to-date with rabies vaccinations is crucial for protection.
If you're worried or need more personalized advice, please consider booking a video consult with Dial A Vet. It's always better to err on the side of caution!
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's
not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely.
For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our
content guidelines.