Rabies disease is a life-threatening viral disease. Around 59,000 people die every year from this disease in the world. It is transmitted via the saliva of an infected animal. Dogs are the most important reservoir for rabies viruses, and dog bites account for more than 99% of human cases. 

Rabies disease is manifested by fatal nervous symptoms leading to paralysis and death and worried about your furry friend? Although this disease is deadly, it's quite preventable. That’s why getting a rabies vaccination for your pet is so critical. Let's see how we can protect our pets from this deadly disease.

What are the causes and symptoms of rabies disease you should be aware of?

Rabies disease is transmitted through the bite of the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite. The rabies virus is present in the saliva of infected animals and can enter the body through broken skin or mucous membranes. It can also pass through an open wound that is exposed to the saliva of an infected animal, usually by licking.

Your pet dog can get rabies from the bites of other infected animals, such as wild animals like raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes, or even from other domestic animals like cats or livestock.

The common rabies symptoms that you can find in your pet dog include aggressiveness (71%), salivation (48%), paresis and paralysis (28%) and barking (11%).

• Behavioral Changes: Infected animals may exhibit unusual behavior such as aggression, restlessness, or excessive vocalization.

• Neurological signs: Pets with rabies may show neurological symptoms like weakness, paralysis, seizures, and difficulty in walking.

• Hypersensitivity: Animals infected with rabies disease may become hypersensitive to touch, light, and sound.

• Excessive drooling: Rabid animals often experience difficulty swallowing, leading to excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth.

• Difficulty in swallowing: Pets with rabies disease may have difficulty swallowing due to paralysis of the throat muscles.

• Fever and lethargy: Infected pets may also display signs of fever, weakness, and lethargy.

You must be aware of these late-stage rabies symptoms in your pet dogs like

• highly aggressive
• excitable
• depraved appetite
• including eating stones, earth, and rubbish (pica)
• violent seizures

so that you can seek appropriate veterinary care promptly if you suspect your pet may be infected with the virus. Because, once the late rabies symptoms overtook it's unlikely to get cured, which eventually leads to the death of your pet.

Should you be worried about rabies disease?

Rabies disease is zoonotic, meaning it can be passed from animals to humans, posing a significant public health concern. By getting a Rabies vaccination for your pet dog and keeping them away from wildlife or stray animals that may carry the virus, you are not only protecting their well-being but also reducing the risk of transmission to yourself and others in your household.

Is there a cure for Rabies?

Rabies Vaccination is the only way we can prevent rabies disease. Treatment includes a first dose of rabies vaccine and another protective rabies injection. Then 4 more doses of rabies vaccine are administered over 28 days.

How can you prevent rabies disease in pet dogs?

Dogs and cats should first be vaccinated against rabies between 4 and 6 months of age. As a relief to pet parents, Rabies disease is 100% preventable with rabies vaccination. Thanks to Louis Pasteur for inventing rabies vaccination, which is a revolution for preventing this deadly disease.

Rabies vaccination for pet dogs

Ensuring your pet dog receives timely and appropriate rabies vaccinations is a critical aspect of responsible pet ownership. Rabies Vaccination not only protects your dog’s health but also contributes to public health by preventing the spread of this deadly disease.

Rabies Vaccination Schedule

Dogs should receive their initial vaccination between 14 to 16 weeks of age. A booster shot should be administered one year after the initial vaccination. Follow-up booster doses are recommended every 1 to 3 years depending on the type of rabies vaccine used by the veterinarian.

Other preventive methods for rabies disease

• Keep your pets under control to prevent them from roaming and potentially being exposed to rabies. 
• Avoid stray animals and wild animals, teaching young children to respect and stay away from wildlife.
• Do not keep wild animals as pets, as they may carry rabies even if born in captivity. Make your property unattractive to wild animals by sealing off openings and keeping trash cans closed.

Conclusion 

Rabies disease is a deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including pet dogs. The virus is typically transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, commonly through bites. Rabies symptoms in pets can vary but often include behavioral changes, excessive drooling, aggression, and difficulty swallowing.

Pet owners must prioritize vaccination to prevent the spread of this fatal disease. Vaccination not only protects individual pets from contracting rabies disease but also helps in controlling the overall prevalence of the virus in communities, safeguarding both animal and human health. Therefore, ensuring that pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations is a fundamental step in safeguarding their well-being and preventing the transmission of this dangerous disease.

If you have any doubts regarding rabies disease in pet dogs feel free to comment your queries below, we will be happy to help you.