Rabies Symptoms in Dogs: Prevention & Treatment

Rabies is a devastating disease that is always fatal. Please continue reading to find out what causes a rabies infection in dogs, as well as symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

What is the rabies virus?

The rabies virus is an incurable virus that affects mammals. It can infect humans, pet animals such as cats, dogs, and ferrets, as well as stray animals, and wild animals. The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and causes a deadly disease.

How does rabies spread?

Rabies transmission occurs through the saliva of an infected animal, such as a rabid dog. The rabies virus enters the victim’s body through the bite wound.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most rabies deaths worldwide are from dog bites. However, in the United States, rabies mainly occurs in wild animals such as foxes, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, bats, and other animals.

Most dogs in the US catch rabies from bites of wild animals (rabid animals). The disease can also spread through bites of other dogs who are infected with the virus.

How soon does an infected animal develop rabies symptoms?

The average incubation period (the time between exposure to the virus and the appearance of symptoms) can vary widely for the rabies virus, ranging from 10 days to 1 year. In dogs, rabies symptoms usually develop in 2-16 weeks. How fast the signs and symptoms of rabies develop in a dog depends on how close the bite is to the brain and spinal cord, the severity of the bite, and how much virus is present in the saliva of the infected animal.

What are the first signs of rabies in dogs?

The first signs of rabies in dogs are usually changes in temperament. For example, a shy and quiet dog may become agitated or boisterous, while an energetic and active dog may become nervous and fearful.

What is the timeline of rabies symptoms in dogs?

Rabies symptoms in dogs start with the prodromal phase, which lasts 2-3 days. During this time, there are temperamental and behavioral changes, as described above.

After the prodromal phase, the disease progresses and can take two forms:

Paralytic rabies: This is the more frequent form of rabies in dogs. Common signs include worsening paralysis of the limbs and difficulty swallowing. It can appear like the dog has something stuck in its mouth, and there can be excessive salivation. But owners should be careful about examining the dog’s mouth or making direct contact with an open wound because the rabies virus can be transmitted to humans through the dog’s saliva. Ultimately, the dog goes into a coma and dies.
Furious rabies: In this form of rabies, the dog becomes highly excitable and shows signs such as depraved eating, pica (eating non-food items), and excessive drooling. As the virus progresses, it causes paralysis, an inability to eat or drink, and difficulty breathing. Death ultimately occurs due to a violent seizure.

It is worth noting that hydrophobia (fear of water) is not a sign of dog rabies. This symptom is only seen in humans with rabies exposure.

How is rabies diagnosed in dogs?

It is not possible to make a definitive diagnosis of rabies in a living dog. This can only be done with a direct examination of the brain tissue after the animal has died. Veterinarians can make a presumptive diagnosis of rabies based on the dog’s symptoms and history. If you suspect rabies in your dog, go to the vet immediately.

Is rabies a fatal viral infection?

Rabies is always fatal. There are only a handful of reports of dogs or people who have survived this lethal disease. However, if very little rabies virus is present in the saliva of the rabid animal when it bites the victim, it’s possible that the victim may not develop clinical signs and symptoms of rabies.

How do you treat rabies symptoms in dogs?

Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog was bitten by a potentially rabid animal, for example, a wild animal acting strangely or drooling excessively. The post-exposure treatment recommended is an anti-rabies serum that contains antibodies to neutralize the virus. The serum can stop the progression of the virus from the bite wound.

Does a rabid animal have to be put down?

Whether your dog will need to be put down after possible exposure to rabies depends on your dog’s rabies vaccination status.

Dogs that are up-to-date with a USDA-licensed rabies vaccine are revaccinated immediately and observed for 45 days under the owner’s care. If the dog develops any symptoms, it should be evaluated by a veterinarian, and the illness should be reported immediately to animal control and the local health department. If a dog under observation develops signs of rabies, it is euthanized by an animal health professional. The animal’s brain is sent to a laboratory for testing and confirmation of the diagnosis. A similar process is followed for dogs that are overdue for a booster vaccination for rabies prevention.

An unvaccinated dog who has been exposed to a rabid animal is immediately euthanized by an animal health professional. There are no licensed treatments for previously unvaccinated domestic animals. The rabies vaccine cannot reliably control rabies in previously unvaccinated dogs. If the dog’s owner refuses to have their pet put down, the dog is placed in strict quarantine for 4 months. A rabies vaccine is given at the start of the quarantine, ideally within 96 hours of exposure.

What is the prevention of rabies in dogs?

The best way to protect your dog and yourself and prevent rabies is by making sure your dog gets the recommended rabies vaccines.

How often does my dog need the rabies vaccine?

Most puppies receive their first rabies vaccination at 14-16 weeks of age. A dog is considered vaccinated 28 days after the initial shot. This is followed by a booster vaccine 1 year later. After this, your vet will recommend the appropriate revaccination intervals for preventing rabies, which typically ranges from 1 to 3 years.

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