Rabies in Dogs: Key Symptoms & What to Do [must know]

What is rabies? (Quick introduction)

Rabies is a viral infection that targets the central nervous system, ultimately affecting the brain. This viral disease attacks the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It’s usually transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, typically via a bite. In most cases, rabies is transmitted by wildlife such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, but it can also spread to unvaccinated domestic animals, including dogs.

Table of contents

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about rabies in dogs, from spotting the symptoms to taking preventative measures.

Three Stages of Rabies:

Rabies progresses through three different stages, each step has its own unique set of symptoms:

The Prodromal Stage (1-3 days):

This is the time between the bite and the first sign to occur. This initial phase is often subtle, that makes it easy to miss. In Prodromal stage your dog might show behavioral changes like restlessness, anxiety, or even unusual friendliness.

The Furious Stage (2-10 days):

This is the stage most people associate with rabies. The infected dog becomes highly agitated and aggressive, exhibiting ‘furious’ behavior.

The Paralytic Stage (2-4 days):

In this final stage, the virus attacks the nervous system, leading to paralysis. The dog may become weak, can have difficulty in breathing, uncoordinated, and eventually unable to move. Paralysis usually starts in the limbs and spreads throughout the body.

We're gonna discuss rabies symptoms in detail below:

1. Behavior Changes

Dogs infected with rabies frequently show changes in their behavior. A dog that is typically friendly might become shy, withdrawn, or irritable, whereas an aggressive dog could display unexpected friendliness.

2. Fever and Restlessness

Your dog might experience a slight fever, increased anxiety, or unusual levels of activity. These symptoms can rapidly progress to more serious issues.

3. Excessive Drooling

Rabies impacts the muscles that help with swallowing, resulting in excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth, which is one of the most recognized symptoms of the disease.

4. Sensitivity to Light and Sound

Dogs may show increased sensitivity to bright lights, loud sounds, or sudden movements, they may show fear or aggression.

5. Licking or Biting the Wound Site

If a dog has been bitten, they may lick or bite the area where the virus entered their body.

6. Furious Rabies Symptoms (advance)

This is the type of rabies that most people envision, where a dog becomes extremely aggressive and unpredictable.

Symptoms include:

• Intense aggression and biting at objects, people, or other animals

• Attempting to chew on non-food items

• Dilated pupils and difficulty focusing

7. Paralytic Rabies Symptoms (advance)

In some instances, instead of showing aggression, dogs may develop paralysis. This form is also known as dumb rabies and includes:

•Weakness in the legs, making it hard to walk

•Difficulty swallowing, which can lead to choking or gagging sounds

•Drooping jaw and slack facial muscles

•Coma, ultimately resulting in death

What to Do if You Think Your Dog Has Rabies

If your dog is showing any rabies symptoms, immediate actions are crucial as a responsible owner:

1. Isolate Your Dog: Move your dog to a secure area, ideally indoors, where they can’t interact with other animals or people.

2. Call Your Vet Right Away: Explain the situation and your dog’s symptoms. Your vet can guide you better to handle this situation.

3. Reach Out to Your Local Animal Control or Health Department: It’s important to inform them about a possible rabies case. They can offer guidance on local regulations and assist with testing and quarantine procedures.

4. Avoid Unnecessary Contact: Don’t approach or handle your dog unless absolutely necessary. If you have to, must wear protective gear like gloves, especially avoid contact with their saliva.

5. Don’t Try Home Remedies: There’s no cure for rabies once symptoms appear. Veterinary intervention is essential for proper diagnosis.

Protecting Your Dog from Rabies:

The best way to protect your dog from rabies is through regular vaccination. Here are some key preventions:

Vaccinate Your Dog: Rabies vaccination is highly recommended and often legally required. Talk to your vet and don’t miss the vaccines.

Keep Your Dog Under Control: This reduces the chance of your dog encountering wild animals that might carry rabies.

Report Stray Animals: If you see a stray animal acting strangely aggressively or overly friendly, contact your local animal control.

Educate Yourself and Your Family: Ensure everyone in your household understands the risks of rabies and how to prevent it.

In this guide, we will answer 10 most common questions about rabies:

1. How to tell If a Dog Has Rabies?

Early Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs

Behavioral changes

Fever, lethargy and Weakness

Itching or excessive licking

Advanced Symptoms of Rabies

Foaming at the mouth Due to excessive drooling and difficulty swallowing.

Fear of water (hydrophobia)

Uncontrollable aggression

Seizures, muscle weakness, and eventual death.

Can You Tell If a Dog Has Rabies Without Killing It?

Yes, A dog that is suspected of having rabies can be quarantined for a period of 10 to 14 days. If any symptoms appear during this time, it is likely that the disease is present.

Does a House Dog Have Rabies?

• A house dog can only get rabies if exposed to an infected animal, such as:

• A bite from a wild animal like raccoon, bat, skunk and fox.

• If your house dog is vaccinated and has no exposure, it is highly unlikely to have rabies.

How Does a Dog Act With Rabies?

Dogs with rabies show two distinct behavioral patterns:

1. Furious Rabies (Aggressive Form)

Unprovoked attacks and biting

Excessive growling or barking

Restlessness and hyperactivity

2. Paralytic Rabies (Silent Form)

Weakness and progressive paralysis

Drooping jaw and difficulty eating or drinking. Gradual loss of muscle control that can lead to death.

Can a Friendly Dog Have Rabies?

Yes, but only if it has been exposed to the rabies virus. Initially, infected dogs may remain friendly and normal before symptoms appear. After some days dog can become aggressive.

Can a Vaccinated Dog Get Rabies?

It is extremely rare for a vaccinated dog to get rabies. However:

If the vaccine is expired or ineffective, there is a slight chance of infection.

Can a Dog Survive Rabies?

No. Once symptoms appear, rabies is 100% fatal. There is no treatment or cure after the virus reaches the brain.

However, post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent rabies if administered immediately after exposure.

What Are the First Symptoms of Rabies?

The first signs of rabies are often mild but quickly worsen:

1. Fever

2. Licking or scratching a wound

3. Sudden aggression or unusual shyness

How Do I Know If My Wild Dog Has Rabies?

If you have a wild or stray dog, watch for these signs:

• Avoidance of water and difficulty swallowing

• Unprovoked aggression or extreme lethargy

• Foaming at the mouth and seizures

Will a Dog With Rabies Drink Water?

No. Rabies causes hydrophobia (fear of water), leading to difficulty swallowing. A rabid dog may avoid drinking water completely.

Rabies in the U.S.: What You Need to Know

While rabies is relatively uncommon in the U.S., it remains a public health concern. The CDC and local health departments track rabies cases and provide guidance on prevention and control. Stay informed about the rabies situation in your area and follow local authorities’ recommendations.

How to Tell If a Dog Has Rabies