Rabies is a grave concern for dog owners, a deadly viral disease that affects the brain and is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. While the CDC reports around 5,000 animal cases annually, primarily in wildlife like bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks, the virus is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. Understanding rabies is crucial for protecting your canine companions.
How Dogs Contract Rabies and Incubation Period
A dog can contract rabies by coming into contact with the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite. The incubation period, the time between exposure and the onset of clinical symptoms, typically ranges from 10 to 14 days. However, the virus’s progression along the nervous system to the brain can mean symptoms might take months or even years to manifest, depending on the initial site of exposure.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs
Dogs infected with rabies can display a variety of signs and symptoms, which may include:
- Changes in vocalization (barking differently)
- Excessive drooling
- Uncharacteristic aggression, fearfulness, or unusual affection
- Exaggerated reactions to touch, sound, or light
- Biting at the site of the suspected exposure
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of coordination and balance
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Falling
- Seizures
The Three Stages of Rabies in Dogs
Rabies progresses through three distinct stages in dogs, each with its own set of accompanying signs:
Prodromal Stage
During this initial phase, a dog’s behavior will deviate from its normal personality. A usually shy dog might become more outgoing, and vice versa. If you notice any behavioral abnormalities after your dog has had an unknown encounter, it’s imperative to isolate them from other pets and family members and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Furious Stage
This stage is the most dangerous, characterized by nervousness and potential viciousness. Infected dogs may cry out excessively, experience seizures, and stop eating. The virus has begun to attack the nervous system, impairing the dog’s ability to swallow. This leads to the classic symptom of excessive drooling, often referred to as “foaming at the mouth.”
Paralytic Stage
The final stage of rabies results in the dog becoming comatose and unable to breathe. Sadly, this is typically when pets succumb to the virus. This stage usually occurs about seven days after symptoms first appear, with death often following within approximately three days.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Rabies
Unfortunately, there is no diagnostic test for rabies in living animals. If your dog has had an altercation with a potentially infected animal and is unvaccinated, difficult decisions must be made. Owners may need to choose between quarantining their pet and waiting for symptoms to appear, or euthanizing the animal. Quarantined pets often do not survive, even if symptoms are not immediately apparent, and euthanasia may be considered to prevent prolonged suffering.
Once a dog has contracted rabies, there is no available treatment. Quarantine or euthanasia are the only options, highlighting the critical importance of prevention.
The Role and Schedule of Rabies Vaccines
Rabies vaccines are highly effective and immunogenic, with vaccine failure being rare. While vaccination requirements differ by location, keeping your dog’s rabies vaccines current is vital for protecting both your pet and your household.
Veterinarians recommend the rabies vaccine as a core vaccination for puppies, typically administered between 14 and 16 weeks of age. Because vaccine antibodies diminish over time, follow-up booster doses are necessary. Boosters, designed to protect animals that may not have fully responded to the initial dose, are generally recommended when a dog reaches 12 to 16 months old and then every one to three years, depending on the specific vaccine used.
Potential Side Effects of Rabies Vaccinations
Rabies vaccinations stimulate the immune system, and side effects are usually mild, often including:
- Slight loss of appetite
- Mild to moderate lethargy for 24 to 36 hours post-vaccination
- Mild fever
- Minor swelling or soreness at the injection site
In some cases, a small, painless swelling or a small, circular patch of hair loss may develop at the injection site, typically resolving within a couple of weeks. Many dogs experience no side effects at all. Any effects that do occur usually begin within an hour of vaccination and subside within one to two days.
Severe reactions are rare but can occur due to an overreaction of the immune system, typically manifesting immediately or within a couple of hours after vaccination. These serious side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, swelling of the face, eyes, or muzzle, fainting or collapse, hives, or severe swelling and pain at the injection site. If you observe any of these symptoms, seek immediate emergency veterinary care.
Can Vaccinated Dogs Get Rabies?
While a very small risk of rabies infection may persist even in vaccinated dogs, the odds are exceedingly low. The rabies vaccine is highly effective, and vaccinated dogs rarely contract the virus, even if bitten by a rabid animal.
Note: The advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please consult your veterinarian.
Is your dog due for their rabies booster shots? Contact our Fort Collins vets today to schedule an appointment and ensure your pup remains protected.
