Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including dogs. It is a fatal condition once symptoms appear and can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While rabies is preventable through vaccination, it remains a serious concern, particularly in areas where vaccination rates are low or stray animals are common. Knowing how to identify the signs of rabies in a dog is crucial for ensuring both the safety of your pet and the people around you.
In this article, we will discuss how to know if a dog has rabies, the symptoms to watch for, the causes of rabies, and what to do if you suspect your dog has been infected.
What Is Rabies?
Rabies is caused by the rabies virus, which primarily affects the brain and spinal cord of infected animals. The virus is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually via bites or open wounds that come into contact with the saliva. Once infected, the animal may not show symptoms immediately but will eventually exhibit neurological and behavioral changes as the virus progresses.
How Does Rabies Spread?
Rabies is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected animal. Dogs, cats, bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks are among the most common carriers of the rabies virus. While rabies is preventable with a vaccine, it is still a major concern in many parts of the world.
Once a dog is infected with rabies, the virus travels to the brain and affects the central nervous system, leading to a variety of symptoms. Rabies progresses in three distinct stages: the incubation stage, the prodromal stage, and the furious or paralytic stage. Symptoms of rabies in dogs will depend on the stage of the disease.
Common Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs
Recognizing the symptoms of rabies early can be a matter of life and death. If you suspect your dog has rabies, immediate veterinary care is necessary. The following are some of the most common signs and symptoms of rabies in dogs:
1. Behavioral Changes
One of the first signs of rabies in dogs is a change in behavior. An infected dog may become unusually aggressive, irritable, or anxious. Dogs that are typically friendly may become more violent or territorial. Conversely, dogs that are normally shy or fearful may become unusually affectionate or seek out human interaction excessively. These sudden behavioral shifts can be alarming.
2. Excessive Drooling or Foaming at the Mouth
As the rabies virus affects the brain, it can impair a dog’s ability to swallow properly. This often leads to excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth. A dog infected with rabies may have difficulty swallowing, which can cause drooling to increase dramatically. If your dog is frothing at the mouth, it could be a sign of rabies or another serious illness, so it’s essential to seek veterinary attention immediately.
3. Difficulty Swallowing
In addition to excessive drooling, dogs with rabies often have trouble swallowing, which may result in them struggling to drink water or eat food. They may appear to be choking or gagging while trying to swallow. This is caused by paralysis of the throat muscles as the virus spreads to the brain.
4. Aggression and Hostility
Dogs with rabies may exhibit signs of aggression or hostility toward people or other animals, even those they were previously friendly with. The rabies virus can cause confusion and aggression, making an infected dog more prone to biting or attacking without provocation. If a normally calm dog suddenly becomes aggressive or hostile, it is a potential sign of rabies.
5. Unusual Vocalization
A dog with rabies may vocalize in strange or unusual ways. The dog may growl, bark, or whine excessively, often in a manner that is out of character. This vocalization is due to the effects of the virus on the dog’s nervous system.
6. Paralysis or Weakness
As rabies progresses, dogs may experience muscle weakness or paralysis, particularly in the hind legs. In the later stages of the disease, paralysis can spread to other parts of the body, including the throat and jaw. This is why rabies-infected dogs may show signs of drooping eyes or facial muscles and difficulty moving or standing.
7. Sensitivity to Light, Sound, or Touch
Rabies can make a dog hyper-sensitive to external stimuli, such as light, sound, and touch. Infected dogs may show signs of extreme anxiety or distress when exposed to bright lights or loud noises. They may also react aggressively to being touched or handled.
8. Seizures
Seizures are another serious symptom of rabies in dogs. As the disease progresses and affects the dog’s central nervous system, they may experience tremors or full-blown seizures. These seizures can occur suddenly and without warning, making it critical to seek immediate veterinary care.
9. Paralysis of the Jaw or Throat
In the final stages of rabies, the virus may cause paralysis in the jaw or throat, making it impossible for the dog to eat or drink. The dog’s jaw may hang open or become stiff. This paralysis can also affect the ability to breathe properly, which can be life-threatening.
Stages of Rabies in Dogs
Rabies progresses in three stages:
1. Incubation Stage
This is the period after the dog is bitten and the virus begins to incubate in the body. During this stage, the dog may not show any visible symptoms. The length of the incubation stage can vary but typically lasts anywhere from 1 to 3 months.
2. Prodromal Stage
This stage typically lasts 2 to 3 days. During this time, dogs may experience behavioral changes such as increased irritability, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing. The symptoms during this stage are often vague and can be confused with other illnesses, which is why it’s important to seek veterinary help if any unusual behaviors are observed.
3. Furious and Paralytic Stages
The furious stage is characterized by aggressive behavior, excessive vocalization, and confusion. Dogs may become hostile and attack others. As the disease progresses, the paralytic stage sets in, where the dog becomes paralyzed and loses the ability to swallow, eat, or drink. Eventually, the dog may experience respiratory failure and die due to the paralysis of the respiratory muscles.
What to Do If You Suspect Your Dog Has Rabies
If you suspect that your dog has rabies, it is important to act quickly. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Here are steps to take if you suspect your dog may have rabies:
- Avoid Contact: Rabies is highly contagious, and it is transmitted through saliva. Avoid contact with the dog’s saliva, and if the dog bites someone, immediately clean the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention.
- Quarantine the Dog: If your dog has bitten someone or has been in contact with humans or other animals, quarantine them to prevent the spread of the virus. Do not attempt to handle the dog without protective measures.
- Contact a Veterinarian: Call a veterinarian immediately. They will assess the symptoms and may recommend tests to confirm whether rabies is the cause of the behavioral changes. If rabies is confirmed, the dog may need to be euthanized to prevent further spread.
- Get Medical Help: If you or someone else has been bitten or scratched by a dog suspected to have rabies, seek medical attention immediately. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent the disease from developing if administered soon after exposure.
Conclusion: How to Know a Dog Has Rabies
Rabies is a deadly disease, and recognizing its symptoms early is crucial for the safety of both the affected dog and humans in the vicinity. If you notice behavioral changes, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, aggression, or paralysis in a dog, especially if they have been in contact with wildlife or an unvaccinated animal, seek veterinary care immediately. Rabies is preventable through vaccination, so ensuring your dog is up-to-date on their rabies vaccination is the best way to protect them and others from this fatal disease.