Crossword Genius

Dogs may be sick of it (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rabies

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'dogs may' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.

'sick of it' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'it' could be 'e' ('e' can mean 'electronic' which is similar to 'IT') and 'e' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'rabis' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'be' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rabies that I've seen before include "Disease also known as hydrophobia" , "Disease transmitted by dogs, etc" , "Serbia (anag.)" , "Name of disease from Serbia in 26 Down" , "Disease of mad dogs from Serbia" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app