Signs That My Dog Has Rabies

Rabies, the word itself, runs a chill down the spines of all pet owners. This viral fatal disease can afflict any mammal, including our dear dogs, and knowing the signs that my dog has rabies is indispensable for any responsible pet parent. Since rabies is almost invariably fatal once it manifests symptoms, early detection, and timely action become necessary. But what are you looking for, precisely? How will you know if your dog has been infected with this terrible virus?

How Do Dogs Get Rabies?

The protection basis forms an understanding of how dogs get rabies. Rabies virus is usually spread through saliva when an animal bites. Common carriers of the rabies virus in the wild include bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes; in case your dog comes into contact with one of these creatures, especially in areas where the rabies virus is prevalent, a risk of infection does exist.
But it is not merely the bites that give one the virus. Rabies can be transmitted if the saliva of an infected animal comes in contact with an open wound or mucous membranes of either the eyes, nose, or mouth. Once the virus enters the body through nerve pathways, it travels to the brain, where inflammation results in death if the infection is left untreated.

How long does it take for rabies to appear in dogs?

After being exposed to the virus that causes rabies, how long does it take for rabies to show in dogs? The incubation period of the disease is long and variable. It generally varies from two weeks to many months, depending on factors such as the site of the bite, the amount of virus introduced, and the distance the virus must travel to reach the brain.

In most cases, symptoms begin to appear anywhere from three to eight weeks after exposure. However, there have been cases where rabies has taken upwards of a year to manifest. This is part of what makes it tough to know exactly when a dog has been infected; hence, one must be fully aware of any kind of possible exposure and seek immediate veterinary assistance if one suspects their dog to have been bitten by some kind of wildlife.

First Signs That My Dog Has Rabies

The early symptoms of rabies that my dog would portray are very subtle, but they usually come on with the advancement of the disease. Rabies is a virus that will attack an animal's nervous system and consequently take over the behaviors and physical condition of the animal, leading to worse-than-worst symptoms.

• Behavioral Changes: One of the initial signs and symptoms of rabies in canines is a behavior alteration. A very friendly and docile canine nature may all of a sudden turn irritant, aggressive, or very nervous. Likewise, a dog that may be energetic and excitable could turn very quiet and withdrawn.

• Fever and Hypersensitivity: One of the early-stage symptoms that a dog is infected with rabies is increased temperature or sensitivity to tactile, visual, and auditory stimuli. This may reach an extreme where stimuli that are generally ignored will cause agitation or fearfulness.

• Lethargy and Weakness: Due to the progressive condition, the dog may become lethargic or show complete indifference to everything that goes on around it and show general weakness while feeding, playing, or in an interest in previously enjoyed activities. The general weakness rapidly progresses into paralysis, especially in the hind legs.

• Excessive Drooling/Difficulty Swallowing: Some of the better-known signs include excessive drooling or foaming of the mouth. This is because the virus affects the swallowing muscles, therefore making it very hard or impossible for the dog to swallow food, water, or even saliva.

• Aggression and biting: A sudden onset of aggressiveness and unprovoked biting are among the symptoms that a dog has rabies following a bite. It can attack other animals, humans, or even inanimate objects. Most such aggressive reactions arise as a result of the virus taking action on the brain of the infected animal to effect extreme behavior modification.

• Paralysis and seizures: In the later stages of the disease, the dog may develop paralysis, seizures, and difficulty breathing. The disease at this stage is normally fatal, and euthanasia may be the only humane decision to spare the animal from further suffering.

How Will I Know If My Dog Has Rabies?

So, how will I know if my dog has rabies? The only certain way to diagnose rabies is in the laboratory, posthumously. But if your dog presents with any of the above symptoms, particularly since possible exposure to a rabid animal, it is imperative that you immediately seek veterinary attention. Your vet can advise quarantining as a period of observation for rabies or administering a rabies booster if the dog's vaccination status is not known.

Prevention of Rabies in Dogs

After all, prevention is always better than cure, and that too for a disease as dangerous as rabies. Regular vaccinations are among the best ways of keeping your dog safe against rabies. In fact, in many places, these vaccinations are legally required; keeping your dog's rabies shots current is one of the most important things you can do to safeguard their health.

Besides vaccination, you can reduce the potential for exposure by supervising your dog when it is outside, especially if you reside in an area where wildlife is common. Do not allow your dog to roam freely in wooded areas or any other ecosystems where the possibility of an encounter with a rabid animal may exist. If your dog has been attacked by another animal, immediately cleanse the wound with soap and water; then seek further advice from your veterinarian.

Conclusion: Vigilance is Key

The ability to recognize several different signs and symptoms that my dog has rabies, combined with knowledge of the risks associated with this viral infection, will be crucial for any domesticated dog owner. While rabies in vaccinated dogs is very rare, it is nonetheless generally considered one of the most serious viral diseases that a dog can contract, particularly in areas of the world that are endemic for the infection. All you have to do is be aware, keep your dog current with his vaccinations, and know what signs to look out for. Doing so will help you protect your dog against this fatal virus. Thus, when one thinks, "How will I know whether my dog has rabies?" he should immediately take professional veterinary advice. This will help save the life of your dog through quick action.