How do dogs get rabies virus? - briefly
Dogs typically contract the rabies virus through contact with infected animals, most commonly via bites. The virus is present in the saliva of an infected animal and enters the dog's body through broken skin or mucous membranes.
How do dogs get rabies virus? - in detail
Dogs, like many other mammals, can become infected with the rabies virus through contact with an infected animal or its saliva. The rabies virus is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, as the virus is present in high concentrations within the animal's saliva. However, transmission can also occur if the dog's skin is broken and comes into contact with the saliva of an infected animal. This can happen during play or fights between animals, or when a dog licks its fur after it has been contaminated with infected saliva.
The rabies virus belongs to the family Rhabdoviridae and is classified as a neurotropic virus, meaning it primarily targets the nervous system. Once the virus enters the body of an unvaccinated dog, it begins to replicate in the muscle tissue near the site of entry before moving into the peripheral nerves. From there, it travels along the axons towards the brain, a process that can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the distance the virus needs to travel.
During this incubation period, the dog may not show any visible symptoms of infection. However, as the virus reaches the central nervous system and begins to replicate in the brain, it triggers a cascade of events that lead to clinical signs of rabies. These signs can vary but often include changes in behavior such as aggression or increased irritability, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and paralysis.
It is important to note that the progression of rabies in dogs is nearly always fatal once clinical symptoms appear. Vaccination remains the most effective method for preventing rabies infection in dogs. Regular vaccinations help build up immunity against the virus and reduce the risk of transmission both to the dog and potentially to humans who may come into contact with infected animals.
In conclusion, dogs can contract the rabies virus through exposure to infected saliva, typically via bites or breaks in the skin. The virus then travels along nerve pathways to the brain, where it causes severe neurological symptoms. Vaccination is crucial for preventing infection and minimizing the risk of transmission to other animals and humans.