Rabies is one of the most deadly diseases that affect mammals. It is a viral infection that is transmitted when an animal bites another animal. The virus is transmitted from the saliva of the infected person to the bloodstream of the targeted animal, and most often if the infection is not detected. Early on, the animal ends up dying, and the same applies to humans being infected with this virus. If they do not get treatment early, this often leads to their death. As for the symptoms of rabies, they are similar in all animals, including dogs, and when they are observed in pets, they must Consult a veterinarian and inform specialized authorities to take appropriate measures, during this article we will review the most prominent of these symptoms.
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The most prominent symptoms of rabies in dogs
The following is an explanation of the most important symptoms that appear in dogs if they suffer from rabies:
Swinging during movement
Rocking or staggering is one of the first signs that appear on dogs if they are infected with rabies, but this symptom may be similar to other health conditions, and in this case, it is possible to distinguish whether it is related to rabies or not, by observing whether the dog has been exposed to To be bitten by another dog or other infected animal, and in all cases with the appearance of this sign, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian.
Fear of water
This symptom comes at a later stage, where the dog clearly appears to avoid water in any form, and does not even drink water. This condition appears as a result of the jaw and larynx muscles being paralyzed, which makes swallowing and drinking almost impossible. This sign is one of the sure symptoms of rabies in dogs. Dogs. The dog must be quarantined and brought to the vet immediately.
Increased saliva
Similar to swaying during movement, this sign is one of the signs shared with other health conditions, and infection with rabies is only proven if it is linked to other symptoms such as fear of water, or if it is confirmed that the dog was bitten by another infected animal, and it should be noted If increased saliva is accompanied by the appearance of froth, this is strong evidence of rabies.
Epileptic seizures
Epileptic seizures are represented by the dog experiencing nervous spasms and a lack of control over its movement and muscles. However, this symptom is also not conclusive evidence of rabies, as it is also associated with other health conditions, and it must be linked to other symptoms in order for the infection to be proven, but in all cases it must be shown The dog should be sent to the vet immediately.
Paralysis
Paralysis is an advanced stage of rabies, where the infection has spread and taken control of the dog’s body. Paralysis begins, as we mentioned previously, in the jaw and throat area, then begins to spread to the rest of the muscles, and this is considered a stage of no return of the disease.
Change in behavior
The change in the dog’s behavior towards hostility and fear is one of the most common symptoms of rabies, and also the most common, as well as the most dangerous, as this aggression may translate into attacks on other animals or even attacks on its owner and others, and it ends up biting animals or humans, thus transmitting it. Infection, so the dog must be quarantined and brought to the vet immediately.
