Rabies is every pet owner’s worst nightmare. Although rabies in dogs is no longer a very common problem, it can still happen, especially in dogs who are unvaccinated. But how would you know if your dog—or another dog you come into contact with—has rabies? Are there any early warning signs you can look for?
Most people associate rabies with foaming at the mouth. But there are more signs to watch out for. In the article below, you’ll find a quick but thorough list of some of the most common signs of rabies in dogs. You can refer to this list to help you determine when your pet or a stray may become a risk to you or your family. Read on to find out more.
HOW TO TELL IF A DOG HAS RABIES
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals. Since both pets and humans can be infected with rabies it’s important to learn about how the disease is contracted, the warning signs of rabies and how to protect your pet from infection.
Prevention and early treatment are crucial for survival. Learn more below and if you believe your pet is at risk for rabies seek immediate veterinary care.
A bite from a rabid animal can cause your dog to contract rabies. Be on the lookout for signs of rabies in dogs and seek immediate care at VEG if you suspect rabies in your dog.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF RABIES IN DOGS
Listed below are the signs of dog rabies that pet owners should look out for:
Rabies can happen from a bite
Rabies is secreted from the saliva of infected animals. If a rabid animal bites your pet and the skin breaks, the virus enters your pet’s blood stream. This risk of infection is especially high with unvaccinated wild animals or pets whose vaccination status is unknown.
If your pet was recently bitten, especially by a wild animal or an animal you do not know, see your vet immediately to rule out rabies.
Early signs of sickness from rabies
Rabies is caused by a virus. So, some of the earliest signs of being infected with rabies can resemble other viruses. Your pet may develop a fever, lose their appetite, seem unusually tired, or show respiratory problems.
If your pet is showing any of these symptoms it’s important not to assume your pet is sick with something minor if they have not been vaccinated for rabies recently. Rabies is fatal so acting fast and getting treatment before symptoms show is life or death.
Staggering Gait Could Mean a Dog Has Rabies
A staggering gait is often one of the first signs associated with rabies in dogs. It is possible that this symptom could be mistaken for other health problems, however, so pay close attention to your dog if he suddenly develops a wobble.
It is possible that a staggering gait could be related to many other health problems but if your pet has been unsupervised and around unvaccinated animals, both domestic and non-domestic, ruling out rabies should be considered.
Avoidance of Water/ Difficulty Swallowing is a Sign of Rabies in Dogs
An avoidance of water occurs when dogs are infected with rabies. Dogs may seem almost afraid of water and unwilling to drink at all. This is because the condition causes paralysis of the throat muscles and makes it difficult or unable for dogs to swallow.
An avoidance of water is a clear sign of rabies. Any dog that is unwilling or unable to drink water along with other symptoms on this list absolutely must be tested for rabies immediately. If your dog is unwilling to drink water and shows no other signs on this list, he should still be tested, but may have another condition instead.
Excessive Drooling is a Symptom of Rabies in Dogs
Excessive drooling as a symptom on its own may not always be related to rabies. However, excessive drooling along with other symptoms on this list—or excessive drooling that produces extreme volumes of saliva—is likely to be a sign of rabies. If your dog is drooling excessively, no matter what the cause, he needs to be seen by an emergency vet right away.
Rabies Can Cause Seizures in Dogs
Like many of the symptoms on this list, seizures on their own are not necessarily indicative of rabies. However, seizures along with other symptoms listed here, or seizures that occur in any dog who isn’t vaccinated against rabies, should always be a cause for concern.
Take your dog to the emergency vet at your nearest ER for Pets if he is experiencing new or worsening seizures, or if he has seizures and is not vaccinated for rabies. The emergency vet will perform bloodwork and other tests, and will be able to rule out other causes of seizures, depending on your dog’s situation.
A Dog with Rabies May Suffer Paralysis
Paralysis is a late-stage rabies symptom that, when coupled with other symptoms on this list, is a sign consistent with rabies. As the disease progresses, it causes progressive muscle paralysis. Typically, this paralysis begins with the throat, but it will eventually extend to the whole body.
Paralysis is a severe symptom regardless of the underlying cause. However, in dogs who are not vaccinated for rabies, it is a very concerning sign and should never be taken lightly. Go to the emergency vet right away if your dog is showing signs of paralysis.
Behavioral Changes Could Signal Rabies in Dogs
One of the most well-known symptoms of rabies is also one of the most common. Any behavioral change in a dog who has been exposed to rabies should be treated as a symptom. If your dog has been exposed to rabies and suddenly becomes aggressive, fearful, or even overly clingy, go to the emergency vet for diagnosis and further recommendations.
Behavioral changes in a dog with rabies can be very dangerous. These changes can cause your dog to become aggressive and try to bite. If the dog has rabies and bites another animal or a human, the rabies infection can be very easily transmitted from the infected dog to the target.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT RABIES
If your pet is showing symptoms of rabies, take them to the ER immediately. The sad reality is that the majority of dogs who show symptoms of rabies—and are found to have rabies—will need to be euthanized right away to prevent the spread of this extremely dangerous disease.
RABIES PREVENTION FOR DOGS
Rabies is a progressive disease meaning your pet’s health will worsen over time if left untreated. You may not notice any changes right after a rabies exposure. Since rabies can incubate for 21-80 days it can be weeks after your pet is infected before symptoms develop. By the time you know something is wrong, it could be too late for treatment.
Because you can’t be certain every dog is vaccinated, and your animal can come in contact with wild animals, the best protection is to ensure your pet receives their yearly rabies shot. Rabies is 100% fatal but the good news is, it’s 100% preventable with the vaccine.
When your puppy reaches 14 weeks old, or as soon as your dog is home, your vet can administer the first rabies shot followed by another vaccination in 1 year, and every 1-3 years for their lifetime. This shot schedule can keep you, your dog, and the animals around you, safe from rabies.
CONTACT THE ANIMAL HOSPITAL FOR ANY SIGN OF RABIES
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, don’t wait to do something about it. The sooner you respond to rabies exposure, the less likely you will be to contract the disease yourself.