Here are the seventeen symptoms of rabies in dogs translated

Rabies is a serious and potentially fatal disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including dogs. It's crucial for dog owners to be aware of the symptoms so they can seek immediate veterinary care if their pet becomes infected. Here are the signs to watch for:

Agitation and restlessness are often among the first symptoms noticed. Affected dogs may appear to be in a state of heightened alertness, pacing back and forth or demonstrating an unusual level of anxiety.

Changes in behavior are another red flag. A normally friendly dog might become aggressive or a typically aggressive dog might become unusually docile.

Paranoia can set in, causing the dog to react fearfully to sounds, movements, or objects that wouldn't normally phases them.

Increased drooling or foaming at the mouth is a classic symptom of rabies. This occurs as the muscles that control swallowing become paralyzed.

Difficulty swallowing is closely related to increased drooling. Dogs with rabies may gag or choke when trying to swallow food or water.

Weakness or paralysis often starts in the hind legs and can spread to other parts of the body. This can make it difficult for the dog to walk or stand.

Convulsions or seizures may occur as the disease progresses, which can be alarming and distressing for owners to witness.

Hydrophobia, or a fear of water, is a well-known symptom of rabies. Affected dogs may exhibit anxiety or aggression when water is nearby.

Aggressive behavior can escalate to the point where the dog may attack anything or anyone, including its owners.

Self-mutilation is a symptom where the dog may bite or chew at its own limbs or body.

Change in bark can occur, with the dog's bark becoming higher or lower in pitch than normal.

Increased sensitivity to light and sound can lead to the dog reacting strongly to bright lights or loud noises.

Loss of appetite is common, as the dog may no longer be interested in food or water.

Enlarged head or neck can be a sign of swelling in those areas due to the inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

Increased sexual desire or inappropriate mounting behavior may be observed.

Death is the ultimate symptom, as rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it's critical to take immediate action. Here are some suggestions for what to do:

Contact your veterinarian right away. They will provide guidance on how to handle the situation safely and what steps to take next. Do not attempt to capture or handle a dog that is showing signs of rabies without professional help, as they can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Keep other pets and family members away from the affected dog to prevent the potential spread of the disease. Rabies is transmitted through saliva, so any contact with the infected animal should be avoided.

Follow your veterinarian's instructions for treatment or, if necessary, euthanasia. While it's difficult to consider, putting a dog down is often the most humane option once rabies symptoms have appeared, as there is no cure for the disease.

Ensure that all your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Vaccination is the best protection against rabies, and it's a legal requirement in many areas.

By being vigilant and responsive to the symptoms of rabies, you can help protect your pet and your community from this dangerous disease.