What to do if a dog has rabies, symptoms? - briefly
If you suspect a dog has rabies, immediately contact local animal control or health authorities. Symptoms include aggression, excessive drooling, and paralysis.
What to do if a dog has rabies, symptoms? - in detail
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including dogs and humans. It is almost always fatal once clinical signs appear, making early recognition of symptoms crucial for timely intervention. If you suspect that a dog has rabies or if you have been exposed to a potentially rabid animal, it is essential to take immediate action to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs: The clinical manifestations of rabies can be divided into two stages: the prodromal stage and the furious or paralytic stage. In the early, or prodromal, stage, dogs may exhibit subtle changes in behavior such as:
- Changes in appetite or thirst
- Lethargy or increased sleepiness
- Fever
- Hypersensitivity to touch, light, or sound
As the disease progresses, more overt symptoms become apparent. These can be categorized into two primary types: furious rabies and paralytic (or dumb) rabies.
Furious Rabies: Dogs with furious rabies may exhibit aggressive behavior, including:
- Aggression towards other animals or humans
- Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Restlessness and agitation
- Abnormal vocalizations such as barking or growling
- Paralysis of the throat and jaw muscles, leading to difficulty swallowing (hydrophobia)
Paralytic Rabies: Dogs with paralytic rabies may show signs of muscle weakness, leading to:
- Difficulty moving limbs or the head
- Paralysis that spreads from one part of the body to another
- Incoordination and stumbling
- Weakness in the jaw muscles, causing a dropped jaw appearance
What to Do If You Suspect Rabies:
- Safety First: Avoid direct contact with the animal. Do not attempt to feed or touch it.
- Contact Local Authorities: Immediately notify your local health department or animal control agency. They can arrange for the safe capture and testing of the animal.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you have been bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid dog, seek medical attention promptly. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and notify your healthcare provider about the exposure.
- Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: Your doctor may recommend post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which typically includes a course of rabies vaccinations and, in some cases, rabies immune globulin (RIG).
- Observe the Dog: If possible, monitor the dog from a safe distance to observe for any changes in behavior or symptoms. However, do not put yourself at risk by attempting to handle or restrain the animal.
- Educate Others: Inform others who may have had contact with the animal about the potential exposure and the importance of seeking medical advice.
Prevention Measures:
- Vaccinate your pets: Ensure that your dogs are up to date with their rabies vaccinations.
- Avoid contact with wild animals: Teach children not to approach or touch unfamiliar animals, especially wildlife.
- Secure your property: Keep garbage bins securely closed and do not leave pet food outdoors to prevent attracting wild animals.
- Report suspicious animals: Notify local authorities if you observe an animal behaving strangely or aggressively.
Rabies is a serious threat, but with prompt action and awareness, the risk can be managed effectively. Always prioritize safety and seek professional help when dealing with potentially rabid animals.