What to do if your dog is rabid? - briefly
If you suspect your dog has rabies, immediately isolate them and contact your veterinarian or local animal control agency for further guidance. Do not attempt to handle the dog without proper protective gear as rabies is fatal once symptoms appear.
What to do if your dog is rabid? - in detail
If you suspect that your dog may be rabid, it is crucial to act promptly and with caution to protect both your pet and yourself. Rabies is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. Here are the steps you should take if you believe your dog has been exposed to rabies or is exhibiting symptoms:
-
Isolate Your Dog: Immediately isolate your dog from other pets and people. This will prevent any potential spread of the virus. Keep your dog in a quiet, secure area where it cannot come into contact with others.
-
Contact Your Veterinarian: Inform your veterinarian about your concerns. They can provide guidance based on your dog's symptoms and recent history. If your regular vet is unavailable, contact an emergency veterinary clinic.
-
Wear Protective Gear: When handling your dog, wear gloves and avoid direct contact with its saliva or any wounds. Rabies virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, but it can also be spread if the saliva of an infected animal comes into contact with a person's mucous membranes or broken skin.
-
Monitor for Symptoms: Be vigilant for any signs of rabies in your dog. Common symptoms include aggression, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, fever, seizures, and paralysis. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
-
Follow Veterinary Instructions: Your vet may recommend testing for rabies, which typically involves submitting a sample of brain tissue for laboratory analysis. This is usually done post-mortem as the virus is present in the brain and spinal cord. If your dog has been vaccinated against rabies, the risk of infection is significantly reduced, but it's still important to follow your vet's advice.
-
Seek Medical Attention: If you or any family member has been bitten or scratched by your dog and there is a possibility that the dog may be rabid, seek medical attention immediately. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of preventing the disease in humans. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) typically involves a series of vaccinations.
-
Report to Local Authorities: Inform your local health department or animal control agency about your dog's condition. They can provide guidance and help monitor the situation to prevent further spread of the disease.
-
Maintain Calm and Control: It is essential to stay calm and in control of the situation. Panic can lead to poor decisions that could put you or others at risk. Follow the advice of veterinary professionals and local authorities.
Prevention is key when it comes to rabies. Ensure your dog is up-to-date with its rabies vaccinations and avoid contact with wild animals that may be carriers of the virus. If you encounter a suspicious animal, do not approach it and contact local animal control immediately.