How long must a vaccinated dog be quarantined if exposed to a potentially rabid animal?

The correct duration for quarantining a vaccinated dog exposed to a potentially rabid animal is 45 days. During this quarantine period, it is critical to monitor the dog for any signs of rabies, even though vaccination significantly reduces the risk of contracting the virus.

The rationale behind the 45-day quarantine comes from the understanding of rabies incubation periods and the need to ensure that any potential infection can be identified before the dog is allowed to interact with other animals or the public. The 45-day window allows for a thorough observation of the dog’s health and behavior, ensuring that any signs of illness could be addressed promptly.

In contrast, the options of 10 days, 28 days, and 180 days do not align with the established protocols for monitoring vaccinated animals after exposure to rabies. A shorter quarantine period of 10 days wouldn’t provide adequate time for the disease to manifest if the animal were infected. The 28-day period does not meet the recommended duration for quarantine in this context, while 180 days exceeds the period necessary for monitoring vaccinated dogs. Thus, 45 days is the appropriate and established timeframe for such situations.