When you think of rabies, do you think of the classic image of an animal foaming at the mouth with an angry look in its eyes? While this can be a symptom of rabies, there are other signs of the disease to look out for.
Rabies is a viral disease that can have devastating effects on mammals, including dogs and humans. Understanding how to prevent transmission, recognizing the symptoms, and ensuring your dog is vaccinated are crucial steps in safeguarding your pet against this fatal illness. Early detection is key as rabies can be fatal once symptoms manifest.
Currently, the rabies virus is predominantly prevalent in North America, Central and South America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Europe. Fortunately, there are regions that are free from rabies, and vaccinations help maintain this status by preventing the spread of the virus through animals crossing borders.
Let’s explore what you can do to protect your furry friend from contracting rabies.
Rabies Vaccination
Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing your pet from contracting this viral disease. In many states, it is a legal requirement to have your pet vaccinated. This not only protects your dog from rabies but also shields them in case of accidental bites.
In the event of a dog bite, one of the first questions asked is whether the dog has been vaccinated and the vaccination records are up to date. Keeping your pet’s vaccinations current ensures their safety in the eyes of the law and promotes their overall well-being. In cases where a dog bites someone, the dog must undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine period to rule out rabies development as a precautionary measure.
Similar to annual flu shots for humans, dogs require yearly rabies vaccinations to maintain a sufficient level of antibodies that can combat the virus if exposed. Typically, puppies receive their first vaccine between 12 and 16 weeks of age, with your veterinarian providing guidance on the appropriate vaccination schedule for your pet.
Signs of Rabies in Dogs
If your dog has been bitten by a rabid animal, the disease progresses in two stages, typically manifesting signs between 21 to 80 days post-exposure. If no symptoms appear after 80 days, it indicates that your pet did not contract rabies. Promptly consulting your vet following a bite incident allows for additional rabies vaccine doses, reducing the likelihood of infection.
Let’s delve into each stage and the potential symptoms your dog might exhibit.
Prodromal Phase
During the initial stage of rabies, noticeable changes in your dog’s behavior occur. Dogs that are typically calm may become agitated and vocal, while active dogs may display nervousness or shyness. Restlessness and an inability to settle down are common signs that something is amiss, indicating a shift in your dog’s usual temperament.
This phase typically lasts 2-3 days and may be accompanied by a fever.
Second Stage of Rabies
Rabies can manifest in two distinct clinical forms, each presenting differently. One form includes the classic aggressive behavior and foaming at the mouth, while the other form involves progressive paralysis without the aggressive symptoms. Here’s a breakdown of the two forms:
Furious Rabies:
In furious rabies, the infected dog displays aggression, develops an aberrant appetite, and consumes inedible objects. As paralysis ensues, the dog may struggle to eat and drink, eventually succumbing to violent seizures. Note that while humans develop hydrophobia at this stage, dogs do not exhibit this fear.
Dumb Rabies:
In dumb rabies, which is more common in dogs, gradual limb paralysis, facial distortion, and difficulty swallowing occur. Owners may mistake these symptoms for a foreign object lodged in the dog’s mouth or throat. Unlike furious rabies, dogs with dumb rabies progress to a comatose state before passing away.
How Is Rabies Transmitted?
Rabies transmission primarily occurs through infected saliva, with other modes of transmission being rare and less concerning. Typically, the virus spreads when an infected animal bites another animal or person. Infection can also occur if infected saliva comes into contact with an open wound.
In regions like America, common carriers of the virus include skunks, foxes, raccoons, coyotes, and bats. Opossums can carry rabies but are less likely to transmit it. In Europe, foxes are the primary carriers, while stray dogs are the main source of infection in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Following a bite, the rabies virus travels through the peripheral nerves outside the brain and spinal cord before reaching the salivary glands. Once present in the saliva, the virus is shed through drooling. It’s worth noting that the virus cannot survive for long outside a mammal’s body.
How Is Rabies Diagnosed?
Rabies diagnosis is challenging through blood tests alone. A definitive diagnosis requires a brain tissue biopsy to confirm the presence of the virus in the brain. Given that the rabies vaccine targets the brain, only post-mortem analysis can provide conclusive evidence of infection.
Once signs of rabies appear, the disease is untreatable, and euthanasia may be recommended for infected dogs to prevent further suffering. This humane approach is preferable to allowing the disease to progress unchecked.
Final Thoughts
Preventing rabies is straightforward through timely vaccination of your pet. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect your pet from this lethal virus. While rabies has no cure, vaccination serves as a vital preventive measure. Consult your vet for guidance on vaccination schedules and how to handle encounters with potentially rabid animals in the wild.
Related Reads:
- Do Raccoons Attack and Eat Dogs?
- Tetanus in Dogs: Signs and Management
- Common Infectious Diseases in Dogs
Featured Image Credit: simonocampo999, Pixabay
