Will a rabid dog that bites a human die? - briefly
A rabid dog may not necessarily die immediately after biting a human. The incubation period for rabies in dogs can vary from a few days to several months.
Will a rabid dog that bites a human die? - in detail
A rabid dog that has bitten a human will likely die, but this outcome is not immediate and depends on several factors. Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including dogs. The virus is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, typically entering the body through a bite or scratch.
Once a dog becomes infected with rabies, the virus travels along the nerves to the brain, where it replicates and causes inflammation. This process can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on factors such as the distance between the bite site and the brain, the amount of virus transmitted, and the dog's overall health. During this incubation period, the dog may not show any symptoms, making it difficult to detect the infection.
As the disease progresses, the dog will begin to exhibit symptoms such as fever, seizures, paralysis, and aggressive behavior. The virus also affects the salivary glands, causing excessive drooling or difficulty swallowing. This increased production of saliva can lead to foaming at the mouth, one of the most well-known signs of rabies.
The prognosis for a dog infected with rabies is grim. Once symptoms appear, the disease progresses rapidly and is almost always fatal. The majority of dogs will die within 10 days of showing clinical signs. However, it's important to note that some dogs may survive longer, but this is rare.
In areas where rabies is endemic, public health officials typically recommend euthanizing any dog suspected of having bitten a human and exhibiting symptoms consistent with rabies. This is due to the high risk of transmission to humans and the lack of effective treatment for rabies in dogs once clinical signs appear.
In summary, while a rabid dog that has bitten a human will likely die, this outcome is not immediate and depends on several factors. The disease progresses over time, with symptoms appearing only after the virus has traveled to the brain. Once symptoms develop, the prognosis for the dog is poor, with most animals dying within 10 days.