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Rabies Symptoms in Dogs: Early Signs & Emergency Action

Rabies is a severe viral disease affecting the central nervous system, and it’s almost always fatal once symptoms appear. While vaccination is highly effective, knowing the early signs is crucial if you suspect your dog has been exposed.

Early Signs of Rabies

The incubation period (time between exposure and symptoms) can vary from weeks to months. Early symptoms are often subtle and easily mistaken for other illnesses, making vigilance key. These initial signs typically last 2-10 days.

• Behavioral Changes: This is often the first noticeable sign. A usually friendly dog might become withdrawn, irritable, or aggressive. Conversely, a normally shy or aggressive dog may become unusually affectionate. These alterations in personality are critical red flags.
• Anxiety and Apprehension: Your dog may appear restless, nervous, and easily startled. They might pace, whine, or show signs of fear without a clear cause.
• Fever: An elevated body temperature may be present, although it can be difficult to detect without a thermometer.
• Changes in Appetite: Some dogs may lose their appetite entirely, while others may develop pica – a craving for unusual objects like dirt or rocks.
• Licking or Biting at the Bite Site: If you know where the dog was bitten, they may obsessively lick, bite, or scratch at that area, even if the wound appears healed. This is due to the virus affecting the nerves in that region.

Later Stage Symptoms (Emergency!)

As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more pronounced and alarming. Seek immediate veterinary attention if you observe these:

• Hypersensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light, sound, and touch.
• Hydrophobia (Fear of Water): While not all rabid animals exhibit this, difficulty swallowing or an aversion to water is a classic sign. This is due to paralysis of the throat muscles.
• Excessive Salivation (Foaming at the Mouth): Difficulty swallowing leads to a buildup of saliva.
• Paralysis: Muscle weakness and paralysis typically start in the limbs or face, eventually spreading throughout the body.
• Seizures: Uncontrolled muscle contractions and loss of consciousness.

Emergency Action

If you suspect your dog has been exposed to rabies (e.g., bitten by a wild animal, especially a raccoon, bat, fox, or skunk) or is showing any of the above symptoms:

1. Immediately contact your veterinarian: Explain the situation clearly and follow their instructions. Do not attempt to treat your dog yourself.
2. Isolate Your Dog: Keep your dog away from people and other animals to prevent potential spread of the virus.
3. Avoid Direct Contact: Do not touch your dog without protection (gloves, mask). Rabies is transmitted through saliva and nervous tissue.
4. Report the Incident: Contact your local animal control or health department. They can help with testing and quarantine procedures.
5. Vaccination Records: Provide your veterinarian with your dog’s vaccination records. A booster shot may be recommended even if your dog is currently vaccinated.

Important Note: There is no cure for rabies. Euthanasia is often the most humane option to prevent suffering and further spread of the disease. Prevention through vaccination is the most effective way to protect your dog.

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