Rabies is a 100% fatal viral disease, yet it is 100% preventable. As a surgeon with over 40 years of experience, I have seen the devastating impact of this virus. Globally, 99% of human rabies cases are caused by bites from infected dogs.
Understanding the signs of rabies in dogs is the first step in protecting yourself, your family, and your pets.
 |
Dr. Puneet Agrawal is a certified Rabies Educator through the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), ensuring expert care and advice for dog bite prevention. |
How Do Dogs Get Rabies?
Dogs typically contract rabies through the bite of an infected animal, such as a stray dog, cat, monkey, cow, or wild animal like a bat. The virus lives in the saliva and enters the body through broken skin or mucous membranes.
Common Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs
Many people imagine a "mad dog" with foam at the mouth, but a rabid dog can sometimes appear completely normal in the early stages. There are two primary forms of rabies in dogs:
1. Furious Rabies (80% of cases)
In this form, the dog becomes hyper-aggressive and irritable. Watch for these signs:
• Extreme Aggression: Biting objects, other animals, or humans without provocation.
• Abnormal Barking: The dog’s voice may change, sounding strained or hoarse.
• Hypersalivation: Excessive drooling and "foaming" at the mouth.
• Seizures: Muscle twitching, fits, or abnormal movements.
2. Paralytic (Dumb) Rabies (20% of cases)
This form is harder to spot because the dog appears lethargic rather than aggressive.
• Lethargy: The dog looks sleepy, depressed, and loses interest in playing.
• Paralysis: Often starting with the jaw and throat muscles. This causes the mouth to stay open and the tongue to hang out.
• Difficulty Swallowing: Because they cannot swallow, saliva constantly drips from the mouth.
Critical Note: Rabies in Puppies
Rabies in puppies is often ignored because owners mistake aggression for "playful" biting or scratching. Never ignore a bite from a puppy; ensure all puppies are vaccinated on schedule.
Diagnosis and the "10-Day Observation" Rule
There is no blood test to diagnose rabies in a living animal; it can only be confirmed by examining the brain tissue after death.
If a dog bites you, observe the dog for 10 days. If the dog remains healthy after 10 days, it did not have rabies at the time of the bite. If the dog dies within 4–10 days of showing symptoms, it is highly likely to be rabies.
What to Do If a Stray Animal Bites Your Dog
1. Do Not Touch the Wound Barehanded: You can contract the virus from the saliva on your dog's fur. Wear gloves or use a thick cloth.
2. Contact a Veterinarian Immediately: Your dog will need a booster vaccination and professional wound cleaning.
3. Quarantine: Keep your dog away from other pets and people until a vet clears them.
Prevention: The Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination is the only way to protect your dog.
• First Shot: At 6 weeks of age.
• Follow-up: Every 3 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old.
• Adult Dogs: Revaccination (boosters) every 1 to 3 years depending on local laws and the vaccine type.
Final Advice from Dr. Puneet
If you or someone you know is bitten by a dog, immediately wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes and seek medical help for the Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV).
For more health tips and surgical advice, follow my blog or contact me via WhatsApp at 9837144287.
टिप्पणियाँ
एक टिप्पणी भेजें