How to understand that a dog has rabies? - briefly
To determine if a dog has rabies, look for signs such as aggressive behavior, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and paralysis. If you suspect rabies, avoid contact with the animal and seek medical attention immediately.
How to understand that a dog has rabies? - in detail
Rabies is a serious and often fatal disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Understanding if a dog has rabies can be crucial for both human and animal safety. Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for:
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Behavioral Changes: One of the first indicators of rabies in dogs is a change in behavior. This can manifest as increased aggression, irritability, or even unusual shyness. A dog that normally enjoys being petted might suddenly become aggressive when approached. Conversely, an ordinarily shy dog may become unusually friendly.
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Fever: Rabies often causes a high fever in dogs, which can be detected by placing the back of your hand on the dog's nose or forehead. If the area feels hot to touch, it might indicate a fever. However, this symptom alone is not conclusive and should be considered alongside other signs.
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Seizures: As the disease progresses, dogs may experience seizures or convulsions. These can be partial, affecting only one part of the body, or generalized, involving the whole body. Seizures are a serious symptom and require immediate veterinary attention.
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Paralysis: Rabies can cause paralysis in various parts of the dog's body. This might start with weakness in one limb and progress to full-body paralysis over time. Paralysis of the throat and jaw muscles is particularly common, leading to difficulty swallowing and drooling or frothing at the mouth.
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Hydrophobia: In advanced stages, dogs may exhibit hydrophobia, an extreme fear of water. This can be seen as a dog trying to avoid drinking water or becoming agitated when presented with it. This symptom is often associated with the throat and jaw paralysis, making it difficult for the dog to swallow.
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Change in Bark: The sound of the dog's bark may change, becoming more hoarse or abnormal. This can be a subtle sign but is important to note as part of the overall symptom profile.
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Disorientation: Dogs with rabies might show signs of disorientation, such as wandering aimlessly, appearing confused, or having difficulty finding their way around familiar environments.
It's essential to understand that once clinical signs appear, rabies is almost always fatal. If you suspect a dog has rabies, it is crucial to avoid direct contact with the animal and immediately seek veterinary advice or contact local health authorities for guidance on how to handle the situation safely.