Rabies is a deadly viral disease that targets the central nervous system of mammals, including dogs. The illness can be highly variable and may mimic other health conditions, making identification challenging. Recognizing the observable signs is important because once clinical symptoms appear, the disease is almost universally fatal. The signs generally progress through distinct stages, moving from subtle personality shifts to severe neurological dysfunction.
The Initial Stage of Rabies
The first phase, known as the prodromal stage, usually lasts for about two to three days. During this period, the dog shows a marked change in temperament rather than dramatic physical signs. An outgoing dog might become anxious, nervous, or seek solitude, while a shy dog may become uncharacteristically affectionate or agitated.
This stage is often difficult to identify because the signs are nonspecific and easily mistaken for minor illness. The dog may show signs of fever, loss of appetite, or pay excessive attention to the original bite wound, such as constant licking or chewing. These subtle behavioral shifts indicate the virus has begun its ascent toward the brain.
Defining Features of Furious Rabies
Furious rabies is the classic “mad-dog” form, characterized by extreme agitation and aggression. The dog appears alert, anxious, and wide-eyed with dilated pupils, reflecting its hyper-excitable state. They may become hypersensitive to external stimuli like sudden noises or bright light, which can trigger an aggressive reaction.
The dog loses its natural caution and fear, sometimes attacking other animals or inanimate objects without provocation. They exhibit frantic pacing, restlessness, and may attempt to bite or chew their surroundings. This form is also associated with pica, a depraved appetite where the dog attempts to eat non-food items like stones, dirt, or rubbish. As the disease progresses, muscle tremors and seizures become common, eventually leading to death due to paralysis.
Defining Features of Paralytic Rabies
The second form, paralytic rabies, is sometimes referred to as “dumb rabies” and is characterized by progressive muscle weakness. This form is often mistaken for a dog choking or having an object lodged in its throat. Early physical signs include paralysis of the throat and jaw muscles, resulting in the dog being unable to swallow.
This inability to swallow causes excessive drooling, which is often mistakenly interpreted as “foaming at the mouth.” The dog appears lethargic, weak, and uncoordinated (ataxic), often with a characteristic drooping of the lower jaw. Their bark or howl may sound hoarse or altered due to vocal cord paralysis. While dogs with this form are rarely aggressive, they are dangerous because the excessive salivation contains the virus, and paralysis eventually spreads, leading to coma and death.
Immediate Actions When Rabies is Suspected
If a dog exhibits any unusual behavioral or physical signs, immediate action is necessary to protect health. Avoid approaching, handling, or attempting to capture the animal, as this increases the risk of exposure. The animal should be confined safely, if possible without direct contact, and separated from people and other pets.
Immediately contact local animal control or public health authorities to report the suspected animal. These agencies have established protocols for safely capturing, observing, or testing the animal. If a bite or exposure to the animal’s saliva occurs, the wound should be thoroughly washed with soap and warm water for several minutes. Following decontamination, seek professional medical attention right away, as post-exposure treatment must be initiated promptly to be effective.