Rabies In Dogs
Rabies in dogs is 100% fatal once the virus' symptoms appear. Usually a dog contracts rabies from the bite of an infected animal, be it wild or domestic. This disease can be passed to and from any warm-blooded mammal. Rabies may incubate for a period of days, weeks or even months. After the incubation period, symptoms usually appear in three to five days.
After the virus moves from the muscle tissue to the central nervous system, there are three stages of rabies in dogs. The first stage or the prodromal stage usually lasts for two or three days. The symptoms include licking or biting the wound site, barking in a more harsh tone than usual, loss of appetite and fever.
The second or “furious” stage usually lasts from two to four days. The symptoms will generally be more pronounced than those of the initial stage. They include aggressive behavior, disorientation and irritability. The dog may be hyper-responsive to noise, and may become more restless and irritable.
The third and final stage of rabies in dogs is the paralytic phase. Your dog may appear like he is choking, or become unable to swallow. This may result in drooling, which can cause the look of “foaming at the mouth” that is so identifiable with rabies. In stage three, your dog will gradually become weaker, and finally die.
The only way to protect your dog from rabies is through prevention. Have your dog vaccinated as soon as he is old enough, and keep him inside until he gets his first vaccination. Even after he is vaccinated, keep your dog inside if wild animals frequent the area, or if a rabid wild or domestic animal has been reported in your area. Vaccinating your dog protects him from contracting rabies if he is bitten by an infected animal, and is also protects him in case he should bite another animal, or a person. If an un-vaccinated dog bites someone, the dog is generally euthanized. If your dog has been vaccinated, you may spare him and your family from that painful outcome.
There is no treatment for rabies in dogs. If you believe that your dog has had contact with an infected animal, contact your veterinarian immediately. If your dog has a current rabies vaccination, he may receive a booster shot and then you will have to quarantine him in your home.
Dogs who are infected now that have been vaccinated for rabies in the past, but who don't have a current vaccine record, will probably be vaccinated again, have their immunity checked, and be quarantined.
Dogs who contract rabies and have never been vaccinated are usually euthanized immediately, and their tissue is examined for rabies.
"Rabies" is a word that inspires fear in dog owners. With prevention and careful vigilance, you can keep your dog and your family safe from the ravages of rabies in dogs.