Rabies is a highly infectious disease that is spread through biting of an infected mammal. Most cases of rabies in dogs, and virtually all cases of rabies in humans, are due to a bite from another infected animal. In some unusual cases, the rabies virus can be transmitted when an open sore on the animal’s skin or its eyes comes into contact with your open sore or cut. It is very important to note that even if an animal has not contracted rabies, but has a visible sign of the disease, you should still be vigilant about any changes in your pets’ behaviour, as well as their surroundings.
Rabies in dogs, like in all mammals, is caused by the same types of bacteria as in humans. The most likely route of transmission is from an infected mammal to an affected dog. If this were the only way of transmission, then dogs would not develop rabies in dogs at all. However, since the bacteria that causes rabies in humans can also infect your pet, it is essential that you take your dog to the vet for a proper diagnosis.
Like all viruses, rabies is caused by a virus and is transmittable by saliva, although not all the time. When saliva contact is made, particles of the virus are exchanged through the air. For this reason, the disease can easily be spread from one person to another. The disease is particularly contagious in the early stages of the condition, because the immune system is not yet functioning normally. The virus, however, is always present in the environment and is transmitted from one animal to another through the bite of another infected mammal.
In most cases, dogs will become paralyzed as a result of rabies following the first stage of the illness. The first signs of rabies in dogs will be loss of appetite and weight; fatigue, a decrease in body temperature, loss of coordination and muscle twitching. If any of these symptoms are present, it is advisable to have your dog checked out immediately by a veterinary surgeon. The physician can then determine if the symptoms are due to rabies or some other condition and give the dog immediate treatment.
There is no way to absolutely tell if your pet’s symptoms are due to rabies or something else. The majority of cases occur after multiple prior encounters with humans. Rabies can be transmitted to humans by a bite on the nerve which passes through the mouth and into the throat. In fact, the majority of cases can be traced to dogs and cats being in close proximity to humans. If your dog or cat develops the symptoms of rabies, there is no sure way to tell if it was transmitted from humans to them or vice versa.
The disease can affect the central nervous system and can be either a mild or severe case. The symptoms that occur in the early stages of rabies include weakness, a loss of muscle coordination, lack of balance and coordination, seizures, depression, fatigue, headaches, stiffness of muscles, memory loss, incontinence, irritability and aggression. As the disease progresses, more serious signs will appear such as seizures, a failing heart, mental decline and death.
If you have any doubts regarding whether your pet has been bitten by a diseased animal, contact your local health department and obtain a Rabies vaccination. Pets that are seven months of age or younger are the only ones who are not entitled to receive the rabies vaccination. Contact your local health department to get a recommendation. Once you have gotten the vaccination, you will no longer need to worry about un-sterilized pets. However, some dogs and cats still should be carefully looked after and observed for symptoms of the disease until the medication has run out. Rabies has very few symptoms, so if you observe anything out of the ordinary, you should contact your local health department.
Rabies does not cause any major signs or symptoms but there are several clinical signs that could indicate if your dog or cat has been bitten by an infected animal and has yet to become infected. If you notice these clinical signs, you should contact your local health department and have your pet properly examined. Rabies cannot be completely cured but with early detection and prompt treatment, the disease becomes mild and easily cured.