What are the symptoms of rabies in puppies?

Rabies in puppies is a serious concern for pet owners and can be a threat to public health. When it comes to recognizing the symptoms of rabies in young dogs, early detection is crucial. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system, and it can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches from an infected animal.

Visible Symptoms

One of the first signs of rabies in puppies is a change in behavior. Puppies may become unusually aggressive or, conversely, overly shy and withdrawn. They might show a lack of coordination, which can be observed as staggering or falling down. Puppies with rabies often have difficulty swallowing, which can lead to excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth. This symptom is sometimes mistakenly attributed to teething, so it's important to be vigilant.

Another visible symptom is a change in the puppy's bark. It may become hoarse or the puppy might be unable to bark at all. As the disease progresses, paralysis can set in, starting from the hind legs and moving forward. The puppy's eyes might appear glazed over, and there may be excessive salivation or a thick, ropey saliva.

Behavioral Changes

Rabies can cause dramatic shifts in a puppy's behavior. An otherwise friendly and social puppy might become irritable, snaps at people or other animals, or show signs of anxiety and nervousness. Some puppies may become overly excited or restless, while others may become excessively affectionate. These behavioral changes can be subtle at first but tend to become more pronounced as the disease advances.

Neurological Symptoms