Signs of a rabid dog

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year around the world about 59,000 people die from rabies. About 99% of them were bitten by rabid dogs.

According to Healthline, rabies is caused by a virus that affects the central nervous system and spinal cord, especially the brain of dogs.

Initially, the viruses reside in muscle tissue and move to the nervous system, eventually entering the salivary glands. This is why most images of rabies show dogs drooling or foaming at the mouth.

Rabies is an incurable virus that attacks the brain and spinal cord of mammals. (Photo: nolancountyhealth).

How is rabies spread?

Dogs are the most common carrier of rabies. Dogs, cats or other mammals can transmit the virus to humans through bites or scratches.

According to the CDC, the incubation period until clinical symptoms appear can vary from 1 day to 1 year or more. In dogs, the incubation period is usually from 2 weeks to 4 months depending on factors such as the location of the virus and the amount of virus.

Symptoms of rabies in dogs

After being bitten by a rabid animal, the disease will progress in stages. There are 3 stages of rabies symptoms in dogs, but some symptoms will not be obvious.

Early stage:

• Dogs that are normally docile will become agitated and aggressive. Sometimes hyperactive dogs also become more shy and fearful.
• The area where the bite wound is itchy causes the dog to lick or bite or scratch itself, causing hair loss and bleeding.

Severe stage:

By now, the virus has reached the dog's brain and is likely to affect their spinal cord. This is when dogs go through a mature stage with the following symptoms:

• Dogs become aggressive, easily agitated, and bark fiercely at strangers
• Pounces when the owner calls, just hearing the slightest noise will jump up and bark for a long time.
• Dogs show signs of loss of appetite, eating and chewing rocks, dirt and trash (pica).
• Pupils dilated, eyes bloodshot.
• Drooling a lot, foaming at the mouth, appearing restless, always alert, fearful or aggressive.
• Attacks other dogs and people.

Paralysis stage

This condition may begin partially or progress over several days to complete paralysis, coma, and death.

• Continuous drooling or foaming at the mouth
• The dog is often unable to close his mouth, his jaw drooping completely
• The dog's body begins to tremble and affects its ability to walk

Dogs can also skip the second stage and enter the final stage soon after the first rabies symptoms appear.

After the first signs of rabies in dogs appear, the animal will pass through the active phase of the virus within about 7 days, as each phase can last about 2-3 days.

Prevent rabies

The most effective way to prevent rabies in dogs is to vaccinate yourself and your pet. Puppies should get their first vaccination between 12 and 16 weeks of age.

Vaccination of both animals and humans has helped dramatically reduce the number of rabies cases in the United States. The country has two to three deaths from rabies each year

Stay away from stray dogs and wild animals (raccoons, foxes, bats), as they have the highest risk of carrying rabies.