Can eating dog waste also cause rabies? Learn how this dangerous disease spreads.
- bySherya
- 27 Dec, 2025
The rabies virus is primarily found in the saliva of an infected animal. The virus enters the human body when an infected dog or animal bites and its saliva comes into contact with an open wound or cut.

Rabies is a very serious and life-threatening disease. If a person is bitten by a rabies-infected animal and is not vaccinated in time, survival from this disease becomes impossible. People generally know that rabies is spread by dog or other animal bites. However, many people wonder whether eating dog leftovers or drinking milk can also cause rabies. So, let us explain today whether eating dog leftovers can cause rabies and how this dangerous disease spreads.
How does rabies spread?
Experts say that the rabies virus is primarily found in the saliva of an infected animal. This virus enters the human body when an infected dog or animal bites and its saliva comes into contact with an open wound or cut. This is why animal bites are considered the most common cause of rabies. According to doctors, it is essential to get the anti-rabies vaccine within 24 hours of an animal bite. After this, a full course of vaccinations is required as per the doctor's advice, which eliminates the virus before it can spread in the body.
Can eating dog leftovers also cause rabies?
This question arises in many people's minds regarding the possibility of rabies being transmitted by eating dog leftovers. Experts say that there has been no scientifically proven case of rabies spreading from a dog's leftover milk. However, it is important that the milk is boiled. If the milk has been boiled at a temperature above 50 degrees Celsius, there is no cause for concern. However, if someone drinks raw milk, a doctor's advice is necessary. There have been several cases of eating dog leftovers in the past. In fact, some time ago, children in a school in Chhattisgarh were fed dog leftovers, after which the High Court awarded compensation of 25,000 rupees to each child. It also ensured that all children receive the full anti-rabies vaccine.
What do experts say?
Experts say that the rabies virus does not survive long in the external environment and is quickly destroyed. To date, no such case has been reported in which this virus has caused rabies after entering a human stomach. However, if a person has consumed raw milk or has blisters or wounds in their mouth, there is a risk of infection. However, drinking boiled milk is not considered to pose any risk of rabies. If the dog that contaminated the milk behaves abnormally or the milk was consumed without boiling, then in such a situation, a doctor should be contacted immediately. The doctor will decide whether to administer the vaccine or not after examination.






