If a dog is rabid, will it die after being bitten? - briefly
If a dog is rabid and bites another animal or human, it may not immediately show signs of illness. However, once clinical symptoms appear, the infected dog typically dies within days due to the progression of the virus in its nervous system.
If a dog is rabid, will it die after being bitten? - in detail
If a dog has been infected with rabies and subsequently bites another animal or human, the outcome for both parties depends on several factors. Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system, and once clinical signs appear, it is almost always fatal.
In the bitten animal or person, the progression of the disease can be prevented through prompt medical intervention. If the bite is from a rabid dog, immediate treatment is crucial. This typically involves a series of vaccinations known as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The World Health Organization recommends that PEP should be administered as soon as possible after exposure to prevent the onset of symptoms. If treatment is initiated promptly and completed correctly, the virus can be effectively neutralized before it causes irreversible damage.
For the rabid dog itself, the prognosis is grim. Once a dog begins to show clinical signs of rabies, such as aggression, paralysis, or excessive drooling, the disease is almost always fatal. The virus attacks the brain and central nervous system, leading to progressive neurological deterioration. There is currently no cure for rabies once symptoms have appeared. Therefore, prevention through vaccination and prompt treatment of exposed individuals are the only effective strategies.
In summary, while a bite from a rabid dog can be treated successfully in the bitten individual if prompt medical care is sought, the rabid dog itself will almost certainly die from the disease due to its severe and progressive nature.