Rabies in Dogs: Everything Pet Parents Must Know

Caring for the dog means more than just purchasing good-quality food like Dog Chicken Treats or Original Chicken Jerky. It means protecting animals from one of the major threats present today: The rabies virus, which is one of the deadliest diseases that requires immediate attention.

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that cannot be treated. It infects the central nervous system. Once the symptoms of the disease start to show, survival is practically impossible. The virus circulates through the nerve pathways to the brain, which becomes inflamed, causing changes in behaviour, paralysis, and eventually death. After the symptoms start to be present, the disease cannot be treated.

How do Dogs Get Rabies?

Dogs mainly get rabies through bites from animals that are rabid. Wild animals like raccoons, bats, the rabid fox, and the rabid skunk bite and scratches are prevalent everywhere. Think your backyard is safe from the virus? Think again.

How Rabies Spreads

The main source of Rabies transmission is through the saliva of a rabid dog that enters through a cut in the skin. A dog may be rabid due to a dog bite. However, a rabid dog may also likely have a droplet of rabid saliva in an existing cut or scratch, which is also a serious threat. Rabies may be contracted through an injury, but it cannot be contracted through healthy skin that is not injured. The disease rabies will cause a dog's death if contracted. However, knowing what symptoms to look for will assist you in spotting rabies.

Signs and Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs

The following symptoms can be indicative of rabies in dogs:

• Extreme changes in behavior. This can look like friendly dogs becoming aggressive or being more withdrawn.
  

• An increase in drooling or foaming at the mouth.
  

• Progressive paralysis. The paralysis will typically start in the back legs.
  

• Trouble with swallowing or drinking.
  

• Unexplained seizures and confusion.
  

The rabies symptoms in their adult counterparts will closely mirror those in puppies. Because puppies and smaller animals have smaller body sizes, symptoms of rabies in puppies will progress rapidly. Unusual behavior in a puppy still warrants a trip to the veterinarian.

Rabies Vaccination

In the majority of areas, there are rabies vaccination laws. Your dog will receive an initial rabies vaccination during their first vet visit, typically between 12-16 weeks of age. Your dog will continue to receive rabies vaccination booster shots until age 1, then will receive rabies boosters every 1 to 3 years. Following these laws and getting your dog vaccinated legally protects your dog and the community.

The Importance of Rabies Vaccine

The only thing that dogs’ rabies vaccinations provide is community immunity, or herd immunity, that protects those at highest risk. The rabies vaccinations in dogs and the knowledge of the rabies symptoms in humans are two things that clearly cause a great need to have a preventative rabies vaccination.

Conclusion

In summary, start rabies prevention with responsible vaccination. This protects your dog, your family, and your community.

FAQs

1. Is Rabies a Risk to Humans?

Absolutely. Rabies leads to about 59,000 annual human deaths due to animal bites.

2. Can Rabies Be Cured?

No. Once the symptoms take effect, the disease is nearly 100% terminal.

3. Can my dog get rabies from other dogs?

Infectious mammals can transmit rabies through bites. This includes other dogs.

4. Do indoor dogs need the rabies vaccine?

Yes. Indoor dogs can come into contact with infected wildlife, and bats can fly inside.

5. Which animals commonly spread rabies?

Unvaccinated dogs, bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.

6. How long does rabies take to show after a bite?

It is usually a 2-8 week incubation period, but it can take months in some cases.

7. Can puppies get rabies?

Yes. Puppies are susceptible to rabies and should be vaccinated at the youngest recommended age.

8. Can rabies spread through dog urine or faeces?

No. Rabies can only be spread through bites or slashes that come into contact with infected saliva.