When a dog contracts rabies, what are the symptoms that indi
Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including dogs. When a dog contracts rabies, it can become extremely dangerous, not only to other animals but also to humans. Recognizing the symptoms of rabies in dogs is crucial for the safety of everyone involved.
Visible Symptoms
One of the first signs of rabies in dogs is changes in behavior. A normally friendly dog might become aggressive, while a typically aggressive dog might become unusually docile. Dogs may also exhibit a lack of coordination, staggering, or falling over. As the virus progresses, they might start to drool excessively or have difficulty swallowing. This can be a result of paralysis in the muscles of the throat and mouth.
Paralysis
Paralysis is another common symptom of rabies. It often starts in the hind legs and can spread to other parts of the body. As the paralysis progresses, the dog may become unable to move or stand up. This stage of the disease is particularly dangerous because the dog can no longer control its bite reflex, which means that any contact with the animal could lead to a bite.
Fever and Seizures