What are the symptoms of rabies? Can this disease be treated?" These are common questions asked by concerned dog owners. In this blog post, our veterinarians in North Providence discuss the signs and symptoms of rabies in dogs and how to prevent your canine companion from contracting this serious illness.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects mammals' central nervous systems, including dogs. The virus is typically transmitted through the saliva of infected animals via bites or scratches. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, making prevention through vaccination crucial.
How can a dog get rabies?
Rabies can be transmitted to dogs in a few ways, with the most common being through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, like raccoons, bats, skunks, or foxes. The virus can also enter through an open wound or mucous membranes if they come into contact with the infected animal's saliva.
Signs and Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs
Our veterinarians at North Providence are frequently asked, "How do you tell if your dog has rabies?" The rabies virus affects the central nervous system and eventually infects the brain.
Rabies progresses through several stages, each with distinct symptoms:
- Prodromal Stage (Lasts 2-3 days): This early stage may show subtle changes in behavior, such as increased anxiety, apprehension, or solitude.
- Excitative Stage (Lasts 1-7 days): Often referred to as the "furious" stage, this stage causes dogs to become hyperactive and aggressive, exhibit excessive salivation, and have difficulty swallowing. They may also have seizures.
- Paralytic Stage (Occurs within 2-4 days): This stage leads to paralysis, beginning at the site of the bite and progressing to the rest of the body. Dogs may drool excessively, have difficulty breathing, and eventually succumb to respiratory failure.
What is the incubation period of rabies?
The incubation period refers to the duration between your dog's exposure to the rabies virus and the onset of symptoms of the disease. In most cases, your pet will exhibit signs of the illness within two weeks of exposure, but symptoms may appear later, even months after exposure. To ensure safety, vaccinate your dog against rabies and adhere to all instructions from your local public health unit if you suspect exposure. In cases of rabies infection in pets, the virus can spread to other pets and humans up to 10 days before symptoms appear in the animal.
Can my dog still contract rabies after being vaccinated?
Unfortunately, the rabies vaccine is not 100% effective like most vaccines. That said, the vaccines provide substantial protection for your dog against the virus. It is important to prevent your pets from contracting this virus in the first place; prevention is the key defense against disease in dogs.
It's safer for your pet to have the vaccine than living without it, as the rabies virus is relatively common.
Can a vaccinated dog transmit rabies?
While it's unlikely that a vaccinated dog will transmit rabies, it is still possible. Regardless of vaccination status, authorities must quarantine any bitten dog for ten days. If the dog or cat was infectious at the time of the bite, symptoms of the virus will appear within the animal within ten days.
Can I vaccinate my dog for rabies?
When vaccinating your pet for rabies, it's important to know that state health and law enforcement officials may not recognize the vaccination as valid.
This means your pet could be treated as if it hasn't been vaccinated for rabies. However, having evidence that your dog has been vaccinated for rabies can help confirm that there is no risk of transmitting the disease.
It's crucial to keep your dog's vaccinations up-to-date because failing to do so could result in your dog being quarantined or even euthanized due to potential threats. Additionally, if your dog bites someone, you must confine it for at least ten days to observe for any signs of rabies development.
How to test a dog for rabies?
Rabies cannot be easily diagnosed with a blood test. A 100% accurate test requires a biopsy of the brain tissue, which can only be done after the animal has passed away.
Treatment of Rabies
Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment once clinical signs of rabies appear. The disease is almost always fatal, emphasizing the importance of prevention through vaccination.
If a dog is suspected of having rabies, it must be isolated and reported to local health authorities. Euthanasia is typically recommended to prevent the spread of the virus and for humane reasons, as the disease is extremely painful and distressing.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.