Dog Rabies: Symptoms, Transmission to Humans & Vaccinations

What are the Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs?

A rabies infection occurs in phases, first causing a variety of marked changes in temperament. There are no strict rules for this phase, but a dog with a sudden personality change is a clue that rabies may be responsible.

Following this temperament change, there are two recognized forms of rabies:

1. Furious rabies is typically characterized by the dog having a voracious appetite, even eating nonfood items such as stones and dirt. The dog eventually will become paralyzed, unable to eat or drink. Death usually follows violent seizures.
2. Dumb or paralytic rabies is the form in dogs people often associate with salivating, rabid dog imagery. This form involves progressive paralysis as well. The dog's face may distort and swallowing may appear to be a struggle. For this reason, you should exercise caution around any animal that appears to have something stuck in its mouth or throat. Attempting to pry the mouth open of an infected animal can result in the transmission of rabies. With dumb rabies, the dog lapses into a coma and death follows.

Did you know? Fear of water is not a sign of rabies in dogs but is instead a sign of rabies in people.

How Long Does It Take for Rabies to Develop?

The incubation period, or the amount of time from bite to clinical signs of rabies, can vary from mere days to six months or more. In dogs, this period is typically two weeks to four months, with death occurring one to two weeks after signs begin.

The speed at which signs of rabies in dogs develops varies if the dog has any existing immunity to the virus (such as a previous, even outdated vaccine or immunity passed down from the mother) and the bite itself. Severe and extensive bites typically transmit more of the virus, accelerating the period from infection to clinical signs.

What Is the Treatment for a Dog With Rabies?

Sadly, there is no available treatment for a rabid dog. Veterinarians are required by law to notify the local and state animal disease regulatory authorities. If a dog was previously vaccinated, the vet will likely recommend a prompt booster of the rabies vaccine.

Vaccinations & Preventing Rabies in My Dog

1. Take pets to a vet or vaccine clinic for a rabies vaccine. Vaccines are available for dogs, cats, and even ferrets. Keeping your dog's vaccinations are essential for keeping them from getting rabies, but they are also required by law.
2. Avoid contact with wildlife under all circumstances, dead or alive. Animals can shed the virus through saliva up to two weeks before any signs of rabies begin and can remain in the body's tissues shortly after death.
3. Minimize the chance your pets will have contact with wildlife. Keep your dogs on leashes and supervise them when outdoors. Covering outdoor garbage will help avoid attracting wildlife. Rabies is a public health concern, and resources are in place to help keep wildlife away from our domestic pets. Call animal control when you notice stray animals or wildlife.

If given before the virus enters the dog's nervous system, rabies vaccines are extremely safe and effective. Despite good measures to avoid exposure, though, contact with rabid animals can still occur. Remember, animals infected with the rabies virus shed the virus before any abnormal signs of illness occur, making vaccination for your pets crucial.

If you suspect your dog may have been exposed to rabies, bring them to a vet immediately. If your dog is unprotected against rabies, there is no time like the present to schedule a vet appointment.