If you are a pet parent like me, you might be wondering How to Know When a Dog Has Rabies —sounds terrifying! With two dogs, a cat and a turtle at home, their health is important to me, and rabies is such a deadly virus.
Being aware of rabies signs may protect our pets and if we know this disease well enough, it can be the way to understand difference between prevention and tragedy.
Understanding Rabies in Dogs
Rabies is a fatal virus disease of the brain and nervous system in dogs. Being able to identify early symptoms such as aggression, drooling and fearfulness will keep your pet and household safe.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a deadly disease that affects an animal’s brain — dogs included. The disease transmits when one animal bites another or brings saliva into contact with wounds. Rabies seems unlikely to most people, but we can never rule that out when our dogs meet wild animals. Rabies can also kill animals or human beings if we do not treat it in time.
Why Rabies is Dangerous?
Not to scare you or anything, but rabies is no joke. When it infects a dog, it can jump to other animals—even to us people. And once there are symptoms, it is nearly always a death sentence. As pet parents, it is our responsibility to be on the lookout for the signs, safeguard our pets, and keep them vaccinated.
Is Rabies Treatable?
If an animal or person starts to show symptoms of having rabies, the doctors will not be able to save them. There is no treatment at that stage and almost anyone who falls sick with rabies dies. This is why preventing rabies before it starts is so important.
Vaccination is Your Best Friend
Trust me, the rabies vaccine isn’t optional; it’s a must-have. Even if you have an indoor dog or think they’re safe at home, the unexpected can happen. I get my dogs vaccinated regularly because it’s their best protection against rabies. And it gives me peace of mind knowing I’m doing everything possible to protect them.
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Key Stages of Rabies in Dogs
See, rabies doesn’t get out of bed and decide to appear randomly somewhere in the world. It progresses through various stages, each characteristic with its own set of symptoms. This is what I’ve learned about every step, and what to lookout for.
First Stage – Hidden Stage
There are no signs of sickness when rabies first enters the body. It can last for weeks or months, with your dog appearing normal and healthy as well. If your dog has been around any wildlife, it’s crucial that you monitor them closely.
Second Stage – Prodromal Stage
The prodromal stage is where the first real symptoms start to show. Here, things get tricky because the signs are subtle. You might notice your dog acting “off”—maybe they’re more anxious or shy, or suddenly super affectionate.
With my dogs, any unusual behavior gets my attention now because these small signs can mean something bigger.
Third Stage – Aggressive Stage
This is when rabies gets deadly. Your dog might:
- Become very angry
- Try to bite everything
- If the dog is disturbed by common noises and light, then stay far away from it and contact help immediately.
Final Stage – Weakness Stage
In the final stage, dogs become calmer, but it’s still very dangerous. Dogs at this point start to lose muscle control, drool a lot, and may even become paralyzed. If a dog reaches this stage, it’s often too late to help. Noticing signs of rabies early is extremely important.
Recognizing Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs
You can not always be ready but it is especially helpful to know these symptoms of rabies so you can proceed accordingly, if something goes wrong.
Behavioral Changes:
- Aggressiveness: This is when your super sweet dog suddenly begins to bark and snap for no reason.
- Unusual Affection: In some cases, instead of aggression, rabies will surprise by making an infected dog extra affectionate.
- Restlessness: If a normally calm dog is unable to sit still or relax, this could be an early indication that it has rabies.
Physical Symptoms:
- Excessive Drooling: Rabies targets the throat and swallowing muscles of a dog which can lead to drooling or foaming at the mouth.
- Seizures or Paralysis: These end-stage symptoms are the most serious, and if you notice even signs of twitching or partial paralysis at any stage you should get veterinary assistance immediately.
- Unsteady Gait: Be on alert if internally your dog starts to walk shaky or abnormally. This could be an indication of something serious.
Progression of Symptoms:
Rabies does not go away after one symptom. Symptoms worsen as the disease runs its course, and once they begin, it progresses rapidly. If you see any combination of these signs, do not wait to call your vet. Rabies is nothing to ignore.
What to Do if You Suspect Your Dog Has Rabies
Video Credit: Medical Centric
1. Do Not Approach or Restrain: This is difficult, but do not try to comfort them or restrain your dog if you suspect rabies. Rabies is an unreliable beast — even the world’s sweetest pup can turn aggressive once infected. Maintaining your distance is the only way to not get hurt.
2. Call a Vet or Animal Control: If you suspect your dog might have rabies, immediately contact your veterinarian or animal control. They are prepared for rabies and will advise you on the most secure next steps.
3. Quarantine and Isolation: It is normal practice to quarantine animals suspected of rabies exposure to prevent the spread. Trust me, I really hate the idea of isolation and place it in my heart from what it brings to many of us, but we cannot avoid it. We need professional monitoring to make sure and avoid any further risk.
Rabies Testing and Diagnosis
The testing of a dog for rabies is a complicated procedure. Far too often it’s performed on animals that have already died. Veterinarians will usually watch for clinical signs all the same but very often definitive testing comes post-mortem. That’s why prevention is better than cure.
Unfortunately, rabies tests are limited and are especially difficult with living creatures. For this reason, however, we must protect our pets and be sure they are vaccinated. If your dog is bitten by a wild animal or has gotten too close to one, take it seriously and immediately consult the vet.
Preventative Measures Against Rabies
1. Routine Vaccination:
Regular rabies vaccines are a must. I never skip them for my pets. Vaccination is the best defense we have, and following up with regular booster shots keeps your dog protected. It’s worth every visit to the vet.
2. Control and Monitor Interactions:
I try to be careful about where I let my pets roam and who they interact with, especially outdoors. Avoid contact with wild animals when possible. Infected animals are often the ones that look sick or behave oddly—best to steer clear.
3. Education and Awareness:
Knowing these signs and sharing them with other pet parents is a huge help. Education around rabies can save lives, and the more we know, the better we can protect our pets.
FAQs
Can rabies be cured in dogs?
Answer: No, unfortunately. Once symptoms appear, rabies is nearly always fatal. Vaccination is our best weapon.
What should I do if my dog has been bitten by a wild animal?
Answer: Get to a vet immediately. They’ll assess and may administer a rabies booster or advise quarantine.
How soon after exposure do rabies symptoms appear?
Answer: The incubation period can be anywhere from 2 weeks to several months, but symptoms show quickly once the disease takes hold.
Are humans at risk if their dog has rabies?
Answer: Rabies is transmissible to human beings, so stay away from any dog displaying symptoms and notify the professionals.
How frequently does a dog need to be vaccinated against rabies?
Ask your vet, but dogs typically require a booster every 1-3 years based on local laws.
References:
- AVMA– All mammals are susceptible to rabies
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Rabies
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Rabies
All pet parents should know and be aware of How to Know When a Dog Has Rabies. It is a deadly disease but it can be prevented by awareness and vaccination. If you can recognize the signs early enough and respond accordingly, you will safeguard your dog, family and yourself. Although rabies prevention is a sign of good pet care, it is more specifically part of being an informed and responsible pet owner.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on personal experience as a pet parent and from research conducted online. This is solely for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for any concerns regarding your pet’s health or behavior, especially with serious conditions like rabies.
