Rabies in Dogs: What Every Owner Needs to Know

How can a dog get rabies?
The main route of transmission of the virus is the bite of an infected animal. Most often these are wild animals (foxes, raccoons, bats, wolves), but an infected dog or cat is also a serious danger. The virus is contained in the saliva of a sick animal, and when bitten, it enters the wound.
What are the symptoms of rabies in dogs?
Rabies manifests itself in different ways, and its symptoms may vary depending on the stage of the disease. It is important to remember that any change in your dog's behavior that seems unusual to you should alert you.
Here are some of the most common signs:
Behavioral changes: Aggression: The dog may become unusually aggressive, attack for no apparent reason, growl, bite. Timidity and apathy: At the same time, some animals become very timid, hiding, avoiding contact, losing interest in games and food. Anxiety and agitation: The dog may rush around the house, whine, show nervousness. Physical symptoms:

Changes in appetite: Refusal to eat or, conversely, eating inedible objects (stones, earth). Salivation: Excessive salivation, foaming at the mouth. Difficulty swallowing: The dog may try to drink, but cannot swallow water, which is often mistaken for fear of water (hydrophobia). Voice changes: Barking may become hoarse, muffled, or the dog may stop barking altogether. Paralysis: In the later stages, paralysis of the hind limbs may develop, then the forelimbs, and finally paralysis of the respiratory muscles, leading to death. Seizures: Seizures may occur. Important! Rabies symptoms can develop from a few days to several months after infection. Sometimes the disease proceeds so imperceptibly that the owner may not notice any signs until the critical stage.
What should you do if you suspect rabies in your dog?
Contact your veterinarian immediately! Do not try to treat the dog yourself or wait for the symptoms to go away. Your main task is to protect yourself and others.
Isolate the dog: If possible, put her in a separate room to avoid contact with other animals and people. Do not touch the dog without protection: Use thick gloves if you need to get close to the animal. Inform the veterinarian of your suspicions: Describe all the changes you have noticed in the behavior and condition of the dogs.