Dog Symptoms of Rabies

Rabies symptoms in dogs can appear anywhere from three to eight weeks after rabies infection, and in rare cases the virus may incubate for as long as six months in dogs before symptoms appear. Signs of rabies usually begin with behavioral changes lasting from two to three days followed by the appearance of furious symptoms and/or paralytic symptoms which usually last less than one week before death occurs.

Identification

Rabies is a fatal viral disease in dogs which causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. The rabies virus has the potential to infect any mammal and it is mainly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Rabies is a form of zoonotic disease that can be passed from animals to humans, and most states have laws which require pet owners to vaccinate their pets against rabies to prevent rabies infections in pets and people.

Behavioral Changes

Marked behavioral changes are one of the first symptoms of rabies, and these change in behavioral are usually quite noticeable. Dogs infected with rabies may stop eating or show a decreased appetite; dogs that were once calm and friendly may become irritable, nervous and socially withdrawn. Some dogs become overly hyper and uncontrollable, and dogs that were once independent and unsocial may suddenly become extremely friendly. The tone of the dog's bark may also change.

Furious Rabies Symptoms

Some dogs will develop a furious form of rabies which is characterized by extreme aggression. These symptoms develop either along with the first behavioral changes or shortly after behavioral changes occur. Dogs with furious rabies attack people and other animals without provocation, they will become aggressive towards any moving objects around them and if they are placed in an enclosure they may try to bite their way out even through metal bars and wire. Puppies with furious rabies may become abnormal playful, demand attention and then bite when attention or affection is given to them.

Paralytic Rabies Symptoms

Eventually, dogs with rabies will develop paralytic symptoms. Rabid dogs may also develop a paralytic form of rabies which is characterized by mild behavioral changes (no furious form) quickly followed by extreme paralysis. Paralysis symptoms of rabies usually being in the throat and jaw muscles and cause a hanging lower jaw, excess salivation and difficulties swallowing. Eventually the paralysis spreads to the rest of the body resulting in death. Dogs usually die within two to four days after paralysis symptoms appear.

Warning

If you suspect your dog has been exposed to rabies you must contact your veterinarian at once. Do not take a wait and see approach as this could be detrimental to the health of other people and pets in the household. Based on your pet's vaccination history and bite report your veterinarian will advise you on what to do next. If your dog develops rabies symptoms, do not touch your dog or let any animals or people come into contact with your dog; call your nearest local humane society at once.

References

• Merck Veterinary Manual
• PetEducation.com
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention