Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the central nervous system, affecting both dogs and humans. Left untreated, rabies is virtually always fatal. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about rabies in dogs, including its signs, diagnosis, and most importantly, prevention through vaccination.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • Rabies in dogs is a potentially fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, although it can also spread through contact with saliva.

  • Regular vaccination of dogs is crucial for preventing rabies transmission and protecting both pets and humans.

  • If there is any suspicion of rabies exposure or if your dog shows symptoms of the disease, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Understanding Rabies in Dogs

Rabies is a viral disease that primarily infects mammals, including dogs and humans. The virus invades the central nervous system, causing severe neurological damage. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.

How is Rabies Spread to Dogs?

Rabies primarily transmits to dogs through the bite of an infected animal. The virus is present in the saliva and can also spread through contact with infected saliva and open wounds or mucus membranes (eyes, nose, mouth).

Common wild animal carriers in the US include bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. The incubation period, the time between exposure and symptom development, varies from days to weeks.

Recognizing Signs of Rabies in Dogs

Early detection is crucial for preventing rabies transmission. Here's a breakdown of rabies symptoms in dogs, categorized by the stage of infection:

  • Prodromal Stage (2-3 days after exposure):

  • Furious Stage (1-7 days):

    • Snapping at imaginary objects or eating strange things

    • Heightened aggression towards anything that moves

    • Hyperactivity (pacing, circling)

    • Abnormal vocalization (excessive barking, growling, howling)

    • Incoordination, disorientation, tremors, seizures

  • Paralytic Stage (2-4 days after onset of clinical signs):

    • Progressive paralysis starting in the hind limbs

    • Weakness, difficulty moving, stumbling

    • Difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, foaming at the mouth

    • Changes in vocalization

    • Coma and death from respiratory paralysis

Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?

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Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?

Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?

1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
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Diagnosing Canine Rabies

Diagnosing rabies typically involves a physical examination to identify signs of infection. However, a definitive diagnosis requires testing the brain tissue of the affected animal, usually performed post-mortem. 

Preventing Dog Rabies: Vaccination is Key

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the transmission of rabies in dogs. Regular vaccinations ensure your furry friend is adequately protected. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your dog.  

Puppies and kittens can be vaccinated as early as 12 to 16 weeks old, with booster shots administered annually or every three years depending on the vaccine type.

In the United States, rabies vaccination for pets is legally mandated to prevent outbreaks.

Treatment Options for Canine Rabies

Unfortunately, once clinical signs of rabies appear, the disease is fatal. There is no cure for rabies in dogs. Humane euthanasia is the recommended course of action to prevent further transmission.

Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

If your unvaccinated dog encounters a rabid animal, there's still hope. A veterinarian can administer post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) involving repeat vaccinations and a 90-day quarantine. It's crucial to note that PEP is only effective before rabies symptoms develop.

Taking Action to Protect Your Dog

Rabies is a serious threat, but it's preventable. Here's what you can do:

  • Schedule regular rabies vaccinations for your dog - regular vaccinations can protect your dog and your family.

  • Maintain a leash on your dog during walks, especially in high-risk areas

  • Avoid contact with wild animals.

  • If you come across an animal that you suspect has rabies, secure your dogs, do not approach them, and contact animal control immediately.  

  • If your pet is exposed, contact the veterinarian immediately.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How would you know if a dog has rabies?

Clinical signs are a significant indicator of rabies infection. Look out for changes in behavior, disorientation, incoordination, weakness, drooling, or foaming at the mouth. If there is any suspected exposure or bite from wild animals, seek veterinary care immediately.

What is the behavior of a dog with rabies?

Dogs with rabies often exhibit restlessness, agitation, aggression, fearfulness, abnormal vocalization, difficulty swallowing, and incoordination.

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

It takes an average of 3-24 weeks for signs to develop after inoculation (bite).

Can a dog survive rabies?

Once clinical signs of rabies develop, the disease is fatal.

Sources:

  1. Rattanavipapong, W., Thavorncharoensap, M., Youngkong, S., Genuino, A. J., Anothaisintawee, T., Chaikledkaew, U., & Meeyai, A. (2019). The impact of transmission dynamics of rabies control: Systematic review. Vaccine, 37, A154-A165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.11.035

  2. Wallace, R. M., Undurraga, E. A., Blanton, J. D., Cleaton, J., & Franka, R. (2017). Elimination of Dog-Mediated Human Rabies Deaths by 2030: Needs Assessment and Alternatives for Progress Based on Dog Vaccination. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 4, 240543. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2017.00009