Do Dogs Carry Tetanus?

Tetanus is a serious condition that attacks the nerves, brain, and spinal cord. Humans and horses are at higher risk, but dogs rarely contract it, even though it’s just as dangerous if they do. For the rare dog who does get tetanus, the prognosis really depends on how severe it is. With tetanus, early treatment is key. 

Take Gary, a Pit Bull puppy who was recently brought into a Houston vet’s office with severe muscle rigidity, a swollen head, and an esophagus so tense he couldn’t eat or drink. All these symptoms pointed toward a rare but serious diagnosis: tetanus. Thanks to quick care, he’s on medication to relax his muscles enough to eat and is already starting his journey to recovery. Here’s what you need to know about tetanus in dogs.

What is tetanus? 

Tetanus is a disease caused by exposure to a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. However, the problem is not the bacterium itself, but rather the neurotoxin, tetanospasmin, that it secretes. Tetanospasmin impacts the nervous system, causing painful muscle contractions that leave a dog unable to relax and ultimately lead to paralysis. 

The toxin travels from the wound to the brain, where it blocks chemicals that normally calm nerves. Without those “brakes,” the nerves go into overdrive, causing muscle spasms and stiffness. The nickname “lockjaw” comes from the common symptom of a stiffened jaw and closed mouth, but this can also occur across the whole body in severe cases. 

There are two kinds of tetanus, localized and generalized.

• Localized tetanus: This is more common and easier to treat. Dogs may have muscle stiffness closest to the wound. Tremors are also possible. In some cases, localized tetanus may become generalized tetanus.

• Generalized tetanus: Dogs with generalized tetanus will experience stiff muscles throughout the body. In severe cases, dogs’ limbs become so still that they cannot stand. Additionally, facial muscles may be affected, and dogs may become unable to swallow.

What causes tetanus?

Often, people associate tetanus with rusty metal, but the danger of tetanus does not come from rust. The bacterium Clostridium tetani lives in dirt, which is why tetanus often shows up after a puncture wound from something sharp that’s been contaminated with C. tetani spores from the soil. So, it doesn’t have to be metal or nails — tetanus can hitch a ride on pretty much anything, from broken glass to splinters.

In fact, a UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine study analyzed 35 cases of canine tetanus, revealing that 27 percent of the dogs had an initial wound caused by a foxtail tract, while another 50 percent had wounds suspicious of a foxtail tract. 

Tetanus is not caused by ingestion. But because this bacterium is anaerobic (it can grow without oxygen), in rare cases, it can actually survive in a dog’s gums — especially if they have serious tooth decay or periodontal abscesses. 

While it’s not possible to contract tetanus through skin contact, it is possible for dogs to develop a tetanus infection through contact with contaminated soil, such as through a broken toenail.

Symptoms of tetanus in dogs

Tetanus symptoms usually start about a week after the bacteria get in, but this could take up to three weeks. The initial symptoms may be mild or nearly unnoticeable in the first days, with dogs having mild stiffness or trouble getting up. 

Symptoms include:

• Rigidity in muscles near the wound

• A progression to stiff neck, shoulders, chest, limbs, and back

• Trouble swallowing

• Breathing problems

• Spasms

• Grimacing from tight facial muscles in the face and eyes

• Fever, heavy sweating

• High blood pressure

• Seizures

Early on, tetanus in dogs usually shows up in the eyelids, with dogs losing the ability to blink. As it progresses, the disease causes the muscles to tighten and give what’s called risus sardonicus — Latin for a “sinister smile.”

Treating tetanus in dogs 

When a dog has tetanus, vets focus on supportive care, antibiotics, and antitoxins to clear the toxin and help damaged nerves recover.

• Because the most serious problems come from muscle spasms and complications from them, muscle relaxants (such as methocarbamol or benzodiazepines) are often used to help with feeding, in addition to syringes or feeding tubes. Intravenous fluids are also used to help with hydration.

• Early intervention with a tetanus antitoxin may reduce symptoms, but it isn’t always effective. The antitoxin only works on a free-floating tetanus toxin and can’t reverse a toxin that has already attached to nerves.

• Cleaning the wound is also very important, because it helps remove the C. tetani bacteria, reducing the risk of infection.

• Dogs with severe tetanus need to be turned regularly and kept on soft, clean bedding to prevent pressure sores. 

• Because their muscles are overly tense, with limited movement or ability to bear weight, a dog will also require rehabilitative care such as hydrotherapy, massage therapy, as well as balance and stability work to rebuild and strengthen.

Even with early intervention, the prognosis remains mixed, with survival rates ranging from 50 percent to 90 percent, depending on the dog’s age and other conditions. Dogs with localized tetanus have a better chance of recovery, as do pets who begin receiving treatment early.

Though rare, dogs who carry tetanus can pass it to humans. If bitten, be sure your treatment includes a tetanus shot just to be on the safe side. 

Why don’t dogs get a tetanus shot?

Because dogs — and cats, too — are naturally much more resistant to tetanus, they don’t need a tetanus shot as part of their regular vaccination schedule, unlike people and horses. In fact, tetanus is so rare in dogs that there’s no vaccine for them.

Commonly asked questions

Can tetanus in dogs be cured?

Yes, tetanus in dogs is rare, but it is curable if treated quickly before symptoms become severe. Studies have shown varying survival rates, but a recent study found a 75 percent survival rate for dogs with generalized tetanus.

What should you do if a dog bites you?

If you are bitten by a dog and have not gotten a tetanus shot, you should get one just in case. Even though dog bites rarely lead to tetanus, if a dog bites you, that bacteria can get into the wound — especially if the bite is deep or punctures the skin. That’s why medical professionals often check your tetanus vaccination status and recommend a booster if it’s been more than 10 years — or five years for high-risk wounds.

References

“Betting on Parlay: Puppy Overcomes Tetanus with Help from Texas A&M Veterinarians.” Tamu.edu, May 2024, stories.tamu.edu/news/2024/05/01/puppy-overcomes-tetanus-with-help-from-texas-am-veterinarians.

Burkitt, Jamie M et al. “Risk factors associated with outcome in dogs with tetanus: 38 cases (1987-2005).” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association vol. 230,1 (2007): 76-83. doi:10.2460/javma.230.1.76

Meregildo-Rodriguez, Edinson Dante et al. “Tetanus secondary to oral and odontogenic infections: a case report and systematic literature review.” Le infezioni in medicina vol. 31,1 93-102. 1 Mar. 2023, doi:10.53854/liim-3101-13

“Tetanus in Dogs.” Vca_corporate, 2009, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/tetanus-in-dogs.

“Tetanus in Pets (Lock Jaw).” Vin.com, 2025, veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952625.

“Triumphing over Tetanus.” Tufts Now, 29 July 2020, now.tufts.edu/2020/07/29/triumphing-over-tetanus. 

Young, Amy. “Tetanus.” School of Veterinary Medicine, 29 Mar. 2021, ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/tetanus.