The Rabies Symptom

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus found in the saliva of infected animals. The virus attacks the brain and is transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal to another mammal.

Foxes, skunks, raccoons,and bats are particularly prone to rabies. One should be very careful if any wild animal seems overly approachable or aggressive as this is often a rabies symptom.

There are three stages of the disease.

The first stage is the "prodromal" phase in which there is a marked change in temperament. The quiet dog becomes agitated, and the active dog becomes shy.

Other signs include dilated pupils, excessive drooling, and snapping at imaginary objects.

After 2-3 days, the second stage begins.

It is called the "excitatory" phase. There is an exaggerated response to any stimulus.

Dogs may experience bizarre changes in appetite, including eating and swallowing sticks, stones, and other objects. The dog may roam aimlessly, inflict trauma upon itself, and have a change in voice.

There will often be vicious, aggressive behavior, even towards its owner, and seizures may occur.

Sometimes there is a third stage, the "dumb" form, in which the dog becomes extremely depressed. Its mouth may gape open with the tongue protruding. A progressive paralysis sets in, resulting in total body paralysis.

In the end, the dog dies.

Once the rabies symptom signs start, the animal only has about a week to live. Rabies is almost always certainly fatal. Recoveries are rarely reported.

Dog rabies vaccines are very safe and very effective. Therefore, it is recommended for ALL dogs, and required by law in many locales. Dog rabies vaccines are usually performed at three to four months of age, and then every one to three years (depending on the vaccine and the local laws) thereafter.

Dog rabies symptom and vaccines