Rabies is a dangerous viral disease that affects mammals, including dogs and humans. It’s a huge concern for dogs, as the virus attacks the spinal cord and brain, resulting in severe neurological symptoms. 

Once the signs start to manifest, the disease is almost fatal, especially since there isn’t a single cure for it. While domestic dogs don’t often have rabies due to regular vaccinations, they can still be exposed to the risks. 

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 virus gets inside, it starts to develop rapidly, spreading through the nerves until it reaches the brain. 

Dogs who 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: 

1. 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. 

2. 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. This is often accompanied by restlessness and pacing. 

• Disorientation or Confusion. The more rabies progresses, dogs can appear lost, confused, or walk in circles, showing a clear sign of coordination. 

• Difficulty Swallowing. The paralysis of the throat muscles can often lead to gagging, retching, and choking. 

• Foaming at the Mouth. Difficulty swallowing causes saliva to accumulate, leading to a foamy drool.

3. 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.