What could result from a domestic animal's exposure to a rabid animal if it is not vaccinated?

When a domestic animal is exposed to a rabid animal and is not vaccinated, it poses a significant health risk not only to the exposed animal but also to other animals and humans. Rabies is a virulent viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can be fatal if prompt action is not taken.

The correct action in this situation involves either euthanizing the exposed animal or vaccinating it, typically followed by a quarantine period to monitor for any signs of rabies. Vaccination in this context may be pursued if the animal is deemed healthy enough to receive the vaccine. However, when there is a high risk of rabies exposure and the animal lacks vaccination history, authorities may opt for euthanasia to prevent the potential spread of the disease.

In contrast, outcomes that involve returning the animal to its owner, placing it in a non-restrictive environment, or simply monitoring it would be inadequate and unsafe measures, as they could allow for the continued risk of rabies transmission in the community. This underscores the importance of vaccination in domestic pets as a preventive health measure against rabies exposure.