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The symptoms of rabies in dogs, when one dog bites another,

03. December 2024
Canine rabies is a serious and often fatal disease that affects the central nervous system of dogs.

Canine rabies is a serious and often fatal disease that affects the central nervous system of dogs. It's caused by a virus that's transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically through bites. When one dog bites another, the risk of rabies transmission is heightened, and it's crucial to recognize the symptoms early on to prevent further spread of the virus.

One of the earliest signs of rabies in dogs is a change in behavior. An otherwise friendly dog might become aggressive, while a typically aggressive dog might become unusually docile. Watch for any shifts in your dog's demeanor, as this could be an early indicator of rabies.

Dogs with rabies often exhibit symptoms that can be categorized into two main phases: the prodromal phase and the furious phase. During the prodromal phase, the dog might show signs of fever, appetite loss, and a general sense of discomfort. This phase can last for a couple of days and might be followed by the furious phase, where the dog becomes increasingly agitated and may attack anything or anyone, including other animals.

As the disease progresses, you may notice your dog having difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, and a cough due to the paralysis of the throat muscles. This is a critical symptom because it means the virus is affecting the nervous system, and the dog is entering a more dangerous stage of the disease.

Another telltale sign is paralysis, which often starts in the hind legs and spreads to other parts of the body. The dog may become unable to walk and eventually become paralyzed completely. During this stage, the dog might also experience seizures and muscle twitching.

If you suspect your dog has been bitten by another dog and may have rabies, it's essential to take immediate action. Isolate the affected dog to prevent the spread of the virus to other animals or humans. Do not attempt to handle the dog if it's acting aggressively, as it may bite.

Contact your veterinarian right away for guidance. They will likely recommend quarantining the dog and may conduct tests to confirm the presence of rabies. If the dog is diagnosed with rabies, it will need to be euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease. There is no cure for rabies once symptoms appear.

To protect your dog and others from rabies, make sure your dog is up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent rabies in dogs. Many regions require dogs to be vaccinated against rabies by law, so it's crucial to comply with these regulations.

If your dog has been bitten by another dog, even if it's not showing symptoms of rabies, you should still contact your veterinarian. They can provide advice on how to care for the wound and whether the dog needs to be quarantined or vaccinated.

In addition to vaccinations, it's important to keep your dog away from stray or wild animals that could carry the disease. Supervise your dog when it's outside, and consider using a leash to keep it close. If you live in an area where rabies is common, you might also want to avoid leaving your dog outside unsupervised.

Awareness and prevention are key to managing the risk of rabies. By recognizing the symptoms early and taking appropriate action, you can help protect your dog and your community from this dangerous disease. Keep in mind that rabies is not only a threat to animals; it can be transmitted to humans, so it's essential to take the disease seriously and act responsibly.

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