Rabies is a dangerous viral disease that affects mammals, including dogs and humans. Domestic dogs often don’t have rabies, but they can still be exposed to risks, especially outdoors. 

According to the WHO, around 60,000 people die from rabies infections worldwide every year. Most reported cases are in Asia and Africa, where the leading cause of the infections was from dogs.

Rabies attacks the spinal cord and brain. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost fatal. This is why preventing rabies should be your top priority. 

Understanding this fatal disease can help you prevent your canine companion, people, and the community. In this article, we’ll explain how rabies is transmitted in dogs, the symptoms, and how you can prevent your pet from getting infected.

Causes of Rabies and How It’s Transmitted

The only way your dog can get infected with rabies is through another infected animal. The rabies virus is transmitted through saliva, oftentimes through bites. 

It’s also possible for the virus to enter your dog’s body through open wounds. If your dog is wounded or has scratches, the rabies virus can enter when the infected animal’s saliva contaminates the broken skin.

Dogs who are usually outdoors can be exposed to rabies as well through direct encounters with wild, rabid animals like bats and foxes. Stray dogs are at high risk since they’re always outdoors, often without protection from getting infected.

Keep in mind that the rabies virus doesn’t survive outside a host’s body for long, and it can’t spread through casual contact or air.

Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs

Rabies in dogs progresses in stages, with symptoms worsening over time. The symptoms of rabies can appear after 3 weeks to even a couple of years after getting exposed. This can vary depending on the exposure’s severity and the location of the bite.

1. The Prodromal Stage 

   During the prodromal stage, you may notice some behavioral changes in your dog. A calm and friendly dog may become aggressive, or a timid puppy may act unusually friendly. You might also notice other symptoms like fever, anxiety, and restlessness. This stage usually lasts for one to three days. 

   
   

2. The Furious Stage

   The next stage is when dogs show behavior of unprovoked aggression and hyperactivity. Your dog may begin biting or snapping at you.

   
   

   They may also begin eating non-food items. During this stage, dogs can be immensely sensitive to light, sound, or movement. Symptoms in this stage may last for about three to four days. 

   
   

3. The Paralytic Stage

   The final stage of rabies in dogs is the paralytic stage. A dog may become paralyzed beginning from the area of the bite. Additional symptoms include excessive drooling and difficulty swallowing.

   
   

   Eventually, it would lead to respiratory failure as the paralysis spreads. This stage may last for two to four days before it becomes finally fatal. 

Take note that not all dogs go through the same progression. Some may skip stages or show different symptoms. Before these symptoms appear, it’s crucial to call emergency vet services as soon as possible to get your dog treated immediately after exposure.

How Canine Rabies Is Diagnosed

Rabies can’t be diagnosed in live animals. It can only be confirmed through a brain tissue sample, which can be obtained when an infected animal passes away. Veterinarians can rely on several factors to determine if a dog has rabies.

• Clinical Signs – Veterinarians 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 they’re suspected to have rabies. This will need to be done whether they have bitten a person or another animal or if they got 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. For unvaccinated dogs, they may need to be quarantined for up to six months for observation.

Preventing Rabies in Dogs

The best way to prevent rabies in dogs is through vaccination. Puppies must be given their first rabies vaccination when they turn 14 to 16 weeks old. Your veterinarian will then guide you when the next rabies shots must be administered.

Rabies vaccinations are also mandatory in Dubai. This is how the government protects against the spread of the virus within the community, keeping the pet population safe.

As a dog owner in Dubai, you must also do your part to keep your canine companion safe. You can keep your dog leashed during walks to prevent them from encountering wild animals outdoors. And most importantly, you need to have your dog’s vaccines updated.

Conclusion

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.

When you find any wild animals near your home, make sure to report them to authorities to keep your pet safe. By being a responsible pet owner, you can protect your dog and contribute to the safety of the community.