Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects mammals, including dogs and humans. It can be prevented through vaccination and if caught early, treated. However, once symptoms appear, rabies is fatal. This makes timely vaccination crucial for protecting your pets and yourself.
In the UK, we are fortunate to be rabies free, but it’s still important to understand the risks, especially if travelling abroad with your pet. Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually through bites. This is why keeping your pets vaccinated is not just a legal requirement for travel but a vital safeguard against this deadly virus.
In this article, we’ll explore the symptoms of rabies in dogs, how its diagnosed, and what steps you can take to prevent it. Understanding these aspects can help you keep your furry friends safe and healthy.
How can my dog contract rabies?
Rabies is primarily spread through the saliva of an infected animal. The most common way dogs get rabies is through bites from other animals that already have the virus. This can happen if your dog has an encounter with bats, foxes or other mammals. Even a seemingly minor bite or scratch from an infected animal can transmit the virus to your dog.
This is also interesting – read our article about banned dog breeds around the world.
What are the signs of rabies in dogs?
Recognising the early signs of rabies in your dog is crucial because it can help you take swift action. There are two forms of rabies that dogs can develop: dumb rabies and furious rabies. Let’s break down the symptoms of each type.
Dumb Rabies
Dumb rabies, also known as paralytic rabies, affects the nervous system and can cause your dog to become weak and paralysed. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Weakness and paralysis: Your dog might start to stumble or seem weak in their hind legs. This can progress to full paralysis.
- Lethargy: Your dog may become unusually tired and lack energy.
- Difficulty swallowing: Dogs with dumb rabies often have trouble swallowing, which can lead to drooling.
- Facial distortions: You might notice changes in your dog’s facial expressions or drooping of the mouth.
Furious Rabies
Furious rabies is the more aggressive form and affects your dogs behaviour dramatically. Look out for these symptoms:
- Aggression: Your normally friendly dog may become usually aggressive, snapping or biting without provocation.
- Restlessness: Dogs with furious rabies often appear anxious and restless, unable to settle down.
- Disorientation: You might notice your dog seeming confused or disoriented, bumping into things or packing aimlessly.
- Seizures: In advanced stages, furious rabies can cause seizures.
Diagnosing rabies in dogs
Rabies can only be diagnosed by direct examination of the brain. This means that the only sure way to confirm they have rabies is by testing their brain tissue after they have passed away. This is why it’s crucial to take precautions and seek veterinary help as soon as you suspect rabies symptoms in your dog.
Treatment and prevention of rabies in dogs
Treating rabies in dogs is challenging because there is no cure once symptoms appear. Therefore, prevention is key to keeping your dog safe. The best way to prevent rabies is by keeping your dog up to date on their rabies vaccination. This vaccine is highly effective in protecting dogs from the rabies virus. If your dog shows symptoms of rabies or has been bitten by an animal that might have rabies, contact your veterinarian immediately. They can provide guidance and support, and may recommend euthanasia to prevent suffering and reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Understanding the symptoms of rabies is essential for keeping your dog safe. Remember, rabies is preventable with vaccinations, so make sure your pets shots are up to date. If you’re planning to travel abroad with your dog, consult with our experts at TailWings, who specialise in pet travel and can provide guidance on rabies vaccinations and other travel requirements.