Early Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs
Rabies is a fatal vial disease that attacks the nervous system. It can jump from mammal to mammal through bites. There is no cure for rabies in dogs. Although the stereotypical symptom of rabies is foaming at the mouth, several early signs occur before foaming or discharge of pus from the eyes takes place.
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Loss of Jaw Control
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The dog will not be able to close the lower jaw, making eating or drinking very difficult. The dog will also drool constantly because the mouth is hanging open.
Mood Change
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The dog will often begin to get aggressive or frightened. Moods can vary from a dog who is so scared he is paralyzed with fear to a dog that attacks without provocation.
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Loss of Leg Control
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The dog will begin to have trouble walking in one or two legs and may walk into things. The leg or legs soon become paralyzed.
Memory Problems
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The dog may suddenly forget who anyone is, even family members she's lived with all her life.
Time Frame
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According to "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" (4th edition), the average time a dog lives after first showing symptoms is ten days. However, the rabies virus can incubate in a dog for up to one year before the dog shows any symptoms.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Rabies virus image from Wikimedia Commons.
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Comments
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Feb 24, 2011
you should go to see a doctor and should advice you to take a booster vaccine,if you have taken anti-rabies vaccine in your prevoius dog bite -
harvey422
Jan 17, 2011
ive been bitten by a dog i go to the hospital to take the injection and after one year ive been bitten again is that ok? sorry for my wrong grammar..
