Introduction to Rabies in Dogs
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of an animal. This disease is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal and is fatal in many cases if left untreated.
Rabies is a preventable disease, and proper vaccination is the key to preventing this deadly disease from taking the life of your beloved pet. In this article, we will discuss how dogs get rabies and the best ways to prevent this viral disease.
We will also cover the signs and symptoms of rabies in dogs, including changes in personality, the furious and dumb/paralytic forms of the disease, and the fatal progression of this disease.
How Dogs Get Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that is transmitted through the saliva of an animal. The virus spreads through the central nervous system, causing severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
This viral disease primarily affects domesticated animals, such as dogs and cats, and is occasionally found in wildlife, such as bats and skunks. The most common way for a dog to get rabies is through the bite of an infected animal.
The virus can also be transmitted through scratches or contact with infected saliva, such as licking an open wound. The incubation period of the disease can vary, but it generally takes between two to eight weeks for symptoms to appear.
Once symptoms of the disease appear, it is generally fatal in 99.9% of cases.
Prevention through Vaccination
Rabies is a preventable disease, and vaccination is the best way to protect your dog from this viral disease. The vaccine is an inactivated virus that is injected into your dog, stimulating the immune system to build up immunity against the virus.
Vaccinations are recommended for all dogs, regardless of whether they stay indoors and never come into contact with other animals. In some states, it is even illegal to own an unvaccinated dog.
The vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian and is generally given every one to three years to maintain immunity.
Signs and Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs
Changes in Personality
One of the first signs of rabies in dogs is a change in personality. Your once friendly and affectionate dog may seem irritable, aggressive, or disoriented.
Rabies causes inflammation and swelling of the brain, resulting in behavioral changes and a shift in your dog’s personality.
Furious Form
The furious form of rabies is characterized by aggression, abnormal eating and drinking habits, dilated pupils, seizures, and loss of coordination. Your dog may become agitated, pacing or circling, and may snap or bite at anything that comes near them.
They may also exhibit extreme thirst, but refuse water when offered. Dumb/Paralytic Form
The dumb/paralytic form of rabies is characterized by a stupor, paralysis of the throat and jaw muscles, difficulty swallowing, drooping jaw, and excess drool.
Your dog may be unable to eat or drink and may display an unsteady gait or limping.
Fatally Progressive Disease
Rabies is a fatal disease that progresses rapidly if left untreated. As the disease progresses, your dog may experience paralysis, fall into a coma, and eventually die.
Once symptoms of the disease appear, it is generally too late for treatment.
Conclusion
Rabies is a serious and often fatal disease that affects dogs and other animals. The best way to prevent this deadly disease is through proper vaccination.
If you suspect that your dog may have come into contact with an infected animal or is displaying symptoms of the disease, you should seek medical attention immediately. By staying informed and taking preventative measures, we can keep our beloved pets safe from this viral disease.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Rabies in Dogs
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of an animal and is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. This viral disease is fatal to both animals and humans if left untreated.
Diagnosing and treating rabies in dogs can be challenging, and the best way to protect your pet is through proper vaccination and preventive measures.
Difficulty Diagnosing
Diagnosing rabies can be challenging, and the symptoms in dogs are often similar to other illnesses, making it challenging to diagnose without laboratory examination of brain tissue. The signs and symptoms of rabies in dogs can also vary, making it challenging to identify, but early diagnosis is critical in treating this viral disease.
No Treatment, Fatal Disease
There is currently no cure for rabies, and once symptoms appear, the disease is always fatal. Because of this, early diagnosis and prevention are essential in managing this viral disease.
The best way to protect your pet is by keeping them up-to-date on their vaccinations and taking preventative measures to reduce their risk of exposure.
Brain Tissue Examination
Diagnosing rabies in dogs requires laboratory examination of brain tissue, which can only be done after the dog has died. In some cases, live testing of saliva or cerebrospinal fluid may be possible, but post-mortem testing is the most accurate.
Because of the fatal nature of this disease, testing the dog’s brain tissue is critical in confirming the diagnosis and preventing the spread of this illness.
Prevention of Rabies in Dogs
Vaccination Requirements
In many states, it is a legal requirement to vaccinate your dog against rabies. Dogs should receive their first vaccine at around 16 weeks of age and receive booster shots every one to three years, depending on the state and vaccine used.
Failure to vaccinate your dog can result in legal repercussions, as well as an increased risk of contracting rabies.
Importance of Vaccination
Each year, between 60-70 rabid dogs are reported in the United States. Proper vaccination significantly reduces the risk of your dog contracting this viral disease, as well as the risk of transmission to other animals and humans.
Vaccinations are a crucial component of ensuring the safety and well-being of your pet and your family.
Other Preventive Measures
Reducing contact with wild animals is another critical preventive measure in reducing the risk of rabies in dogs. Keeping your pet on a leash when going for a walk and securing your yard with a fence or other barrier can prevent your dog from coming into contact with wild animals.
You should also avoid feeding your pet outside or leaving food and water bowls outside where they can attract wild animals. Animal control services can also be an important resource in reducing the risk of rabies.
Lost or strayed animals can pose a risk to your pet, and animal control can help safely remove them from your neighborhood.
Response if Dog Exposed
If your dog is exposed to an animal that may have rabies, they may need to be revaccinated and quarantined for a specific period of time. In some cases, the dog may need to be euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease.
Testing for the disease is also essential, as it can help verify the diagnosis and prevent further spread of the virus.
Conclusion
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects both animals and humans. The best way to protect your pet from this deadly disease is through proper vaccination and preventive measures.
Diagnosing and treating rabies in dogs can be challenging, but early diagnosis is critical in managing this disease. By staying informed and taking preventive measures, we can keep our pets safe from this viral disease.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects both animals and humans and is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. The disease is fatal to both animals and humans if left untreated, making proper vaccination and preventive measures essential for protecting pets and humans.
The signs and symptoms of rabies in dogs can be challenging to diagnose, and the best way to prevent the disease is through vaccination and reducing contact with wild animals. In conclusion, staying informed, taking preventive measures, and ensuring proper vaccination of pets is crucial in preventing the spread of this lethal viral disease.