Is vaccination effective?
Vaccination is the cornerstone of rabies prevention. Vaccination promotes the production of antibodies but is only effective if given before the virus enters the nervous system. Modern rabies vaccines for dogs, cats, horses, and ferrets are extremely safe and effective.
What is rabies?
Rabies is one of the most devastating viral diseases affecting mammals, including dogs and humans. It is a fatal disease caused by infection with the rabies virus. Rabies virus is found throughout the world, including North America, Central and South America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and some parts of Europe. However, there are many areas in the world that are rabies free, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Ireland, Iceland, United Kingdom, Japan, certain Pacific Islands, Antarctica and parts of Scandinavia.
The infection is transmitted when one infected animal bites another. Transmission by other means is rare.
In Europe, foxes are the main reservoir while in North America the skunk, fox, raccoon, coyote, and bat are important sources of infection. In Asia, Africa, and Latin America the main reservoir is not wildlife, but stray dogs. In these areas, human infection and fatalities are more common. After the bite occurs, the rabies virus enters the peripheral nerves (any nerves that are outside of the brain and spinal cord) of the host animal, reproduces, and spreads to the salivary glands. Here the virus is shed in the saliva. Rabies virus does not survive long outside a mammals body.
Signs Of Rabies In Dogs Infographic
A definitive diagnosis of rabies can be challenging and requires a tissue sample from the brain or nerves to confirm a diagnosis. These samples can only be taken after death at the time of post-mortem. However, post-exposure treatment is very effective at preventing the virus from progressing.
If you’re concerned your dog has been exposed to rabies, a veterinarian will help assess what treatment is appropriate for your dog. Treatment may include flushing (or ‘lavaging’) any wounds that are present and administering additional rabies vaccination to improve your dog’s immune response to the virus.
INFO VIDEO: How To Detect Rabies In Dogs
When most of us think about rabies, we picture an animal foaming at the mouth and acting aggressive or erratic. But there are many other signs of rabies in dogs. Learn more about rabies symptoms in dogs, what to do if your dog gets bitten by an infected animal, and how you can easily prevent this devastating disease. Table Of Contents
Rabies is a virus that infects the central nervous system, causing disease in the brain and spinal cord. It can affect dogs, cats, humans, and any other mammal.
Rabies is an incurable virus, however, it can be treatable if caught early on. Seeking immediate veterinary attention if you suspect your dog has been exposed to the rabies virus is essential. Unfortunately, once the symptoms of rabies appear, the virus is fatal.
The rabies virus attacks the nervous system of the dog. Initially, after infection, dogs may be asymptomatic and then progress to two main forms of the disease: the furious form and the paralytic form. It’s possible to display signs of one or both forms. Ultimately, death is caused by progressive paralysis throughout the body in both forms.
Paralytic rabies, also referred to as “dumb rabies,” is the more common type in dogs. Dogs suffering from paralytic rabies experience weakness, loss of coordination, and eventually paralysis. Paralysis often starts at the throat and jaw muscles leading to excessive salivation and difficulty swallowing. Drooping of the lower jaw can be seen. Animals with the paralytic form of rabies may not be vicious and rarely attempt to bite.
The furious form of rabies is the classic “mad-dog” syndrome, although it is seen in other species as well as dogs. Behavioral changes are often extreme and sudden. Animals can lose the fear of people and other animals and may bite or attack without being provoked. As the virus progresses, dogs may experience seizures or lack of coordination.
Rabies is secreted through saliva and can pass to canines through a bite from an infected animal. Dogs can also become infected if they have a scratch or open wound that’s exposed to contaminated saliva. While it can pass between pets, rabies in dogs most frequently comes from exposure to wild animals like bats, raccoons, and foxes
If you believe your dog has come into contact with a rabid animal, you should take her to the veterinarian immediately. The early stages of rabies can appear similar to a lot of other diseases.
The incubation period (the time from initial exposure until signs of rabies appear) can vary from 10 days to one year or longer. In dogs, the average incubation period is usually two weeks to four months. Some factors affect this period, including:
Unfortunately, there’s no way to treat rabies in dogs once symptoms appear, and it’s almost always fatal. Below are the signs to look for.
This first stage of rabies, called the prodromal phase, typically lasts one to three days before symptoms worsen. However, the progression of rabies is very variable, and some cases progress rapidly causing muscle paralysis and death within hours of the symptoms first appearing. The most obvious initial sign is a sudden change in behavior and temperament. For example, quiet or shy dogs can become aggressive, and friendly, outgoing dogs can become nervous or shy. Signs in this stage can include:
After just a few days, symptoms quickly progress to one or a combination of both forms of rabies. Here are the signs for each type.
If you’re concerned your dog has rabies, it’s important to protect your health and the health of those around you. Do not approach animals that are displaying symptoms to avoid bite wounds and transmission of the virus. And take care to avoid direct contact with the saliva of dogs with rabies infection. Always keep your distance, warn others nearby if you suspect a dog has rabies, and alert the authorities.