Having a dog with rabies is frightening, but whatโs more scary is not knowing the signs. Given the rapid onset of the disease, and how low the survival rate is once symptoms show, it pays to know what the virus looks like before it is too late. If you believe your dog might have contracted rabies, you should take them to the vet immediately.
Rabies is terrifying -- it sets in quickly, and the rate of survival once symptoms are present is staggeringly low. While the likelihood of your dog actually contracting rabies is very low, especially since most states require your dog to be vaccinated, if you have any reason to believe that your dog has rabies, it helps to know what to keep an eye out for. Here are some of the most notable symptoms of a dog with rabies.
Lethargy
Often, the first sign of rabies (as well as a lot of other diseases) is if your dog is acting unusually tired or low-energy, which could be a symptom of the onset of rabies. One of the initial symptoms of rabies in dogs is lethargy. Dogs develop a noticeable lack of energy and enthusiasm for activities they usually enjoy. This lethargy is due to the virus affecting the central nervous system, leading to weakness and fatigue. This symptom may be mistaken for other less severe conditions during the early stages, but it is a critical indicator when seen alongside other signs.
Fever
Fever is another early clinical symptom of rabies in dogs. As the virus invades the body, the immune system responds by raising the body temperature to fight off the infection. A dog with rabies may exhibit an elevated temperature, one of the first signs that something is seriously wrong. Monitoring a dog's temperature when they exhibit other rabies symptoms is essential for early detection.
Vomiting
Also symptomatic of many conditions, vomiting is often a sign that your dog is fighting off something. While a vomiting dog is rarely caused to rush to the hospital for fear of rabies, if you suspect your dog is infected, it's time to head to the vet. Vomiting can occur as the rabies virus progresses. This symptom results from the infection spreading through the nervous system, disrupting normal bodily functions. While vomiting is common in many illnesses, when combined with other clinical signs of rabies, it should raise concern. The impact on the brain and spinal cord can lead to digestive issues, manifesting as frequent vomiting.
Excessive Drooling
Excessive drooling is a hallmark symptom of rabies linked to the virus's effect on the salivary glands and nervous system. This symptom results from the inability to swallow due to paralysis of the throat and jaw muscles (not to be mistaken with everyday drooling if your dog is a slobberer). This excessive drooling is often accompanied by frothing at the mouth and is a classic indicator of the disease's progression. Another result of jaw/throat paralysis is an inability to eat or drink, which should also be noted as a potential symptom of rabies.
Sensitivity
Dogs suffering from rabies tend to experience a heightened sensitivity to a number of things, predominantly light, touch, and sound. Photophobia, or sensitivity to light, is the most notable sensitivity, resulting in dogs receding from brightly lit areas and squinting. Sensitivity to sound and touch can be harder to discern, considering your dog would most likely already be acting erratically, making it hard to differentiate between overreacting to sound or touch stimuli or acting peculiar in general. These sensitivities can become so severe as to result in a seizure. This heightened sensitivity is due to the virus affecting the brain and spinal cord, leading to abnormal behavior. Dogs may become easily startled, react aggressively to minor stimuli, or seem unusually anxious and restless. This change in behavior is a clear sign that the nervous system is under attack.
Odd Behavior
Rabies can cause odd behavior in dogs, such as unprovoked aggression, confusion, and restlessness. These behavioral changes are due to the virus affecting the brain, leading to abnormal neurological responses. In the wild, a normally timid animal might act boldly or aggressively, a behavior change that can also be observed in domestic dogs.
Some peculiar behaviors you may witness are -
-
Unchecked aggression
-
Hallucinations (barking/snapping at nothing)
-
Self-mutilation, such as non-stop gnawing at the infected wound
-
Unsteadiness or disorientation (an appearance of drunkenness)
Recognizing these abnormal behaviors is crucial for identifying the presence of rabies.
The Stages Of Rabies
Symptoms may be subtle and easily overlooked in the early stages of rabies in dogs. Initially, the dog might exhibit changes in behavior, such as increased anxiety, restlessness, or a noticeable alteration in its usual temperament. These early signs can include a loss of appetite, fever, and sensitivity to touch or sound. The virus affects the central nervous system as rabies develops, leading to more pronounced symptoms.
Prodromal Stage
The prodromal stage of rabies is the first clinically apparent phase of the disease and usually lasts for 2-3 days. During this stage, the dog may display non-specific signs such as fever, lethargy, and behavioral changes. The dog might become unusually affectionate or, conversely, irritable and withdrawn. This stage marks the transition from the initial infection to more severe neurological manifestations, signaling that the virus is progressing.
Furious Rabies
Furious rabies, also known as the "mad-dog" form, is characterized by extreme aggression and hyperactivity. Dogs in this stage may exhibit erratic behavior, including biting at objects, other animals, or humans. They might roam aimlessly, snap at imaginary objects, and become easily startled. Excessive salivation and difficulty swallowing are common as the muscles controlling the throat become affected. This phase can last from a few days to a week and is often the most dangerous for both the dog and those around it due to the heightened risk of bites.
Paralytic Rabies
Paralytic rabies, also known as dumb rabies, follows or sometimes bypasses the furious form. This stage is marked by progressive paralysis starting from the site of the bite or wound and spreading through the body. The dog may experience weakness and incoordination, eventually leading to complete paralysis of the limbs. In this stage, the dog often appears lethargic and unresponsive. The paralytic form of rabies tends to progress more slowly than the furious form but is equally fatal. The paralytic form of rabies may develop without a preceding furious phase. As the condition worsens, the dog may become comatose. This stage highlights the devastating impact of rabies on the nervous system.
As rabies develops from the early stages through the prodromal stage and into either the furious or paralytic forms, the severity of symptoms increases. The virus's progression within the central nervous system leads to more severe and life-threatening manifestations. Regardless of the form it takes, rabies in dogs is invariably fatal once clinical signs appear.
Death occurs inevitably in rabies-infected dogs, typically within a week to ten days after the onset of clinical symptoms. The terminal stage of rabies is marked by severe neurological impairment, paralysis, and eventual respiratory failure. Despite supportive care, there is no cure once the disease has progressed to this point, and euthanasia is often considered to prevent further suffering.
How to Prevent Rabies in Dogs
Annual vaccinations are the best way to protect your pet from this horrible virus, which is spread through saliva when an infected animal bites another animal or human. There are two main types of rabies vaccinations: killed vaccines and modified live vaccines. The killed vaccines are comprised of dead virus particles that stimulate the immune system without causing infection or disease. Modified live vaccines contain live viruses that have been weakened so they can't cause disease but still stimulate an immune response, which prevents them from causing infection or disease. Your vet can tell you whether a vaccine is right for your pooch.
Puppies should receive their first rabies vaccine at around 12 weeks, with a follow-up booster shot within a year. After the initial series, dogs typically need regular rabies vaccination boosters every one to three years, depending on the type of vaccine used and local regulations.
Make sure all pets in your household have proof of their vaccination status. The only way you'll know if any of them have been vaccinated against rabies is if they have proof from a vet, either a tag on their collar or paperwork from a visit at the vet's office, so make sure all pets in the house have it!
Make sure all members of your household are aware of this information and know how to prevent rabies in dogs by keeping their pets vaccinated regularly, staying away from wild animals, and making sure they don't bite anyone or anything else either accidentally or on purpose (such as when playing).
Keep wild animals away from your dogs! Wild animals like raccoons and bats can carry rabies without showing symptoms until too late, so keep them away. Alongside vaccinating dogs, public health measures such as controlling stray dog populations and vaccinating other pets are crucial. Maintaining a rabies-free status in your area involves coordinated efforts like mass vaccination campaigns, public education on the importance of rabies vaccination, and monitoring wildlife for rabies.
Stray dogs are a significant source of rabies transmission. Implementing programs to vaccinate stray dogs and reduce their numbers through humane methods, such as spaying and neutering, is essential for rabies control. In some regions, oral rabies vaccines are used to control rabies in wild animal populations, which helps reduce the risk of rabies transmission to domestic dogs. These vaccines are distributed in bait form in areas with high incidences of rabies among wildlife.
When in Doubt...
Since the odds of surviving rabies are so low, if you have reason to believe that your dog might have come into contact with the virus from a wild animal or another dog who was acting strangely, it's best to take them to the vet regardless of any visible symptoms. Early treatment is the best chance for survival.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know a dog has rabies?
Rabies is a serious viral disease that can affect animals, including dogs, and can be transmitted to humans. A dog with rabies may become more aggressive, irritable, or shy. They may also display unusual behavior, such as biting at their own tail or other body parts. A dog with rabies may have difficulty swallowing and may drool excessively. A dog with rabies may have dilated pupils or show signs of eye sensitivity to light. As the disease progresses, a dog with rabies may experience muscle weakness and paralysis, especially in the hind legs. Some dogs with rabies may experience seizures. Remember that these symptoms can also be indicative of other illnesses, so if you suspect your dog may have rabies, it's important to seek veterinary care immediately. A definitive diagnosis of rabies can only be made through laboratory testing of the animal's saliva, brain tissue, or spinal fluid.
How long does it take for a dog to show signs of rabies?
The incubation period for rabies in dogs (the time between infection and the onset of symptoms) can vary, but it usually ranges from 2 to 8 weeks. In some cases, the incubation period can be as short as 5 days or as long as several months. The incubation period is dependent on several factors, including the location of the bite or scratch, the amount of virus that was transmitted, and the overall health of the animal.
Can a dog with rabies survive?
Once clinical signs of rabies appear in a dog, the disease is nearly always fatal. There is no cure for rabies, and treatment is typically focused on providing supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent the spread of the virus to other animals or people. In very rare cases, a dog with rabies may survive, but this is extremely unlikely. The best way to protect your dog from rabies is to have them vaccinated against the virus. Rabies vaccines are safe, effective, and widely available. By keeping your dog up-to-date on their rabies vaccine, you can greatly reduce the risk of exposure to the virus and the development of the disease. If your dog is bitten by a potentially rabid animal, it's important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible, even if they are currently on their rabies vaccine.
What are the three stages of rabies in dogs?
The first stage of rabies is the prodromal stage. This stage is characterized by changes in behavior, such as restlessness, agitation, shyness, or aggression. The dog may also experience fever, loss of appetite, and difficulty swallowing. Next is the excitative stage. During this stage, the dog may become highly excitable and may display symptoms such as increased aggression, biting, and drooling. They may also experience seizures and muscle tremors. The paralytic stage is the final stage of rabies, and it is characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis, especially in the hind legs. The dog may also experience difficulty breathing and eventually succumb to respiratory failure.
How likely is a dog to have rabies?
The likelihood of a dog having rabies depends on several factors, including its location, its vaccination status, and its exposure to potentially rabid animals. In areas where rabies is common, unvaccinated dogs are at a higher risk of exposure to the virus and developing the disease. On the other hand, dogs that are up-to-date on their rabies vaccine and have not been exposed to potentially rabid animals are at a much lower risk of developing the disease. In general, the incidence of rabies in dogs has declined significantly in many countries due to widespread vaccination programs. However, the disease is still present in many parts of the world, and unvaccinated dogs in these areas are at a higher risk of exposure to the virus.
More on Dog Viruses
Your Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Top Mosquito Diseases
Parvo in Dogs
Why Is My Pet Coughing
This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.
