Rabies and dogs have been a scary combination we often hear about in stories. It’s one of the many things our parents have mentioned to us whenever we try to pet stray dogs as kids. On the surface, rabies causes dogs to go mad, but it’s so much more than that.
This viral disease affects all mammals, including dogs and humans. It’s one of the many concerns for pet owners in Dubai, especially since the virus causes neurological damage. Plus, there’s not a single cure for it.
In this article, we’ll explain how rabies is transmitted in dogs, the symptoms, and how you can prevent your pet from getting infected.
What Is Rabies in Dogs and How Do They Get It?
Canine rabies is a viral disease that attacks the brain and entire nervous system. Dogs can get rabies through the saliva of infected animals, which enters through bite wounds, scratches, open wounds, and mucous membranes.
Once the signs start to manifest, the disease develops rapidly and spreads through the nerves until it reaches the brain.
The disease is almost fatal, especially since there isn’t a single cure for it. Plus, vaccinated dogs can still be at risk of an infection.
Dogs that are constantly spending time outside with stray animals are at high risk, which means that even small wounds or scratches can be dangerous. This happens because the rabies virus can enter when the infected animal’s saliva contaminates the broken skin.
What Are the Common Rabies Symptoms in Dogs?
Canine rabies progresses in stages, with symptoms that worsen over time. These symptoms can appear as early as 2 to 3 weeks after exposure. Here are the signs you can expect:
The Prodromal Stage
The prodromal stage shows the initial signs of the rabies virus. This stage usually lasts for 2 to 3 days.
Behavioral Changes. During the prodromal stage, you may notice some behavioral changes in your dog. They might become slightly more aggressive, irritable, or nervous.
Fever. Mild fever is also to be expected as one of the initial signs of the rabies virus in dogs.
Licking or Chewing. Dogs often obsessively lick, chew, or scratch where they were bitten as the virus replicates in nearby nerves. This can also worsen the wounds, inviting secondary infections.
Light Sensitivity. Affected dogs may also be hypersensitive to light, which may lead them to stay in rooms with dim light.
The Furious Stage
The next stage is when dogs show more signs of behavioral changes. Symptoms in this stage may last for about three to four days.
Increased Aggression and Irritability. Dogs may snap or attack people, animals, or even inanimate objects without provocation. You may also notice them pacing or appearing restless.
Disorientation or Confusion. As rabies in dogs progresses, they can appear lost and confused. Some may even start walking in circles.
Difficulty Swallowing. When the throat muscles get paralyzed, dogs can often gag, retch, or choke.
Foaming at the Mouth. As a consequence of difficulty swallowing, the dog’s saliva can accumulate and lead to foamy drool. The foam forms when saliva is mixed with the air from heavy panting.
The Paralytic Stage
The final stage of rabies in dogs is the paralytic stage, which lasts for 2 to 4 days.
Weakness or Paralysis. The paralysis starts from the site of the bite wound, which spreads to other parts of the body. Dogs can be seen dragging limbs or losing bowel control.
Dropped Jaw. Paralyzed facial muscles often lead to the characteristic dropped jaw look, which disables dogs from closing their mouth.
Seizures. As the disease progresses, so does the damage to the brain. This results in violent muscle convulsions and spasms.
Coma and Death. In the final stage, the virus causes respiratory paralysis, which leads to coma. Death usually follows shortly after.
How Long Until Rabies Kills a Dog?
The incubation period for each affected dog can vary. Meanwhile, the disease progresses rapidly and is almost always fatal within 7 to 10 days after the symptoms start to become noticeable.
What Is the Best Way to Diagnose Rabies?
The most effective way to diagnose rabies in dogs is by obtaining a brain tissue sample. However, this can only be achieved when the infected dog has passed away.
Direct Fluorescent Antibody
If the dog is deceased, we can do a direct fluorescent antibody test. This laboratory test recognizes the rabies virus antigens from the tissue sample we collect.
Our vets will first collect a sample from the dog's brain. This can be from the brainstem, cerebellum, and hippocampus. These samples are then prepared on impression smears.
What's special about these smears is that they use special fluorescently labeled anti-rabies antibodies. Next, a fluorescence microscope will be used to detect the specific virus antigens in the tissue.
The antibodies will bind to the antigens if they are present. From here, our vets can see areas with bright, apple-green fluorescent spots.
Assessment and Examination
Since we cannot do a DFA test during the dog’s lifetime, our vets rely on several factors to determine if a dog has rabies. Here’s how we do it:
Clinical Signs. We will observe your dog for neurological and behavioral symptoms to determine the stage of infection.
Exposure History. You will need to provide information regarding your dog’s possible exposure to rabid animals.
Vaccination Status. When your dog’s rabies vaccines are up-to-date, the chances your dog has contracted rabies are little to none.
A dog may need to be quarantined when it’s suspected of having rabies. This will need to be done whether they have bitten a person or another animal, or if they have been bitten.
Is Rabies Treatable?
As of this date, there is no effective treatment for rabies once symptoms appear, and it leads to a fatal end for dogs. However, there is still hope for dogs who have been exposed to the rabies virus if they get post-exposure rabies shots.
When you suspect that your dog has been exposed to rabies, you must bring them to the emergency vet immediately. The vet will need to administer post-exposure vaccination before the virus reaches the nervous system.
Vaccinated dogs will need to be isolated for about 45 days and observed after the rabies booster shot. Unvaccinated dogs may need to be quarantined for up to six months for observation.
How to Prevent Rabies in Dogs?
You will need to vaccinate your dog against the rabies virus to prevent this disease.
The rabies vaccine for dogs must be given to puppies once they reach the age of 14 to 16 weeks. Booster shots will be given every 1 to 3 years. We’ll guide you through the entire process and provide a schedule for your dog.
In most areas, such as Dubai, vaccinating pets against rabies is mandatory. This is how governments protect the community and prevent the spread of this incurable disease.
Even if your dog is vaccinated, make sure to keep them on a leash during walks outside to prevent them from running and picking fights with other animals. Provide safe, fenced areas at home.
How Effective Is the Anti-Rabies Vaccine for Dogs?
The rabies vaccine for dogs is effective at preventing an infection, although it's important to note that no vaccine provides 100% protection. The vaccine does have a low failure rate, meaning that it’s rare for dogs to contract the virus.
How Does the Rabies Vaccine for Dogs Work?
Just like other vaccines, the canine rabies vaccine works by using a deactivated virus to let the immune system recognize it and prepare defenses. This means that when the virus does come, the immune system will remember it and respond. Boosters help keep this memory active.
How Long Is the Rabies Vaccine Valid for Dogs?
Depending on factors such as your dog’s health, location, and laws, the rabies vaccine for dogs is valid for 1 to 3 years.
“Protecting your dog from rabies is a promise for lifelong health and happiness.”
- Dr. Mafalda Sardinha
Final Thoughts
While rabies in dogs is not treatable, it’s most definitely preventable. You can prevent this life-threatening disease from infecting your dog by making sure you follow your dog’s vaccination schedule and by practicing preventive measures.
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