Getting to know the characteristics of rabies dogs is not only important for the owners of these furry animals, but also for everyone. This is because the virus that causes this disease is dangerous, including humans. Rabies is found in many places. Every year, rabies causes the death of more than 50 thousand people and millions of animals worldwide. Although it can affect all mammals, in fact this disease is more associated as a disease in dogs. That is why, countries like the United States require pet dogs to be vaccinated.
Causes of rabies
Animals affected by rabies contain thousands of viruses that cause this disease in their saliva. That is why, one way of transmission is by biting, or contacting the saliva with an open wound. In America, carriers of this disease virus are wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks to foxes. Therefore, pet dogs will have a higher risk of developing this disease when they often come into contact with these animals.
Characteristics and symptoms of rabies
After being bitten or exposed to a rabid animal, the rabies virus in dogs will not cause any symptoms until it reaches the brain. After that the rabies virus will go through an incubation period until the first symptoms appear. This process takes weeks to months. And when symptoms appear, usually death will come quickly.
Initial phase
The characteristics of rabies dogs in the initial phase are usually similar to influenza in humans, namely:
•Unwell
•Headache
• Itching and discomfort at the bite site
After that, the characteristics of acute brain dysfunction emerge. Your dog will feel the following signs:
• Restless
• fret
• Aggressive
•Easy to get angry
• Active dogs can be embarrassed or docile
• Biting and bluffing
The characteristics of the advanced phase of rabies
When the rabies virus reaches the brain and spinal cord, strange dog characteristics can appear as follows:
Lethargy
If your dog starts to look lethargic, this could be a sign that he has rabies. Even so, lethargy can also be a sign of other illnesses suffered by your dog. For more certain, check with the vet immediately, yes.
Fever
These symptoms are actually symptoms that can occur in other diseases. When a dog is infected with a virus, then fever becomes one of the instructions. This happens because the temperature rise is the body’s main response to a viral infection that takes place inside.
Throws up
If your dog starts vomiting, it means that the immune system is fighting with viruses in the body, including rabies. Although not many people run their dogs to the vet when vomiting, it’s good to start alert and watch for other symptoms to convince you if the rabies virus infects your dog.
Excessive production of saliva
This is the most important feature of rabies dogs. Coupled with the appearance of foam or froth from the mouth. The impact of paralysis in the jaw or throat is that dogs with rabies will usually have difficulty swallowing which makes them drool or bubbly. One of the effects of paralysis of the jaw and throat is that your dog will have difficulty eating or drinking. If so, then the characteristics of this rabies dog will be clearly seen.
Sound and touch sensitive
One characteristic of rabies dogs is that they become very sensitive to several things, especially in light, touch and sound. Photophobia or light sensitivity is the easiest to see, which makes your dog avoid bright places or they will narrow their eyes. Meanwhile, to be sensitive to sound and touch will be difficult to see, because the behavior of dogs is mostly erratic. This sensitivity can be very severe and cause dog convulsions.
Other characteristics
Other features that can make you suspicious or confident of rabies infection in dogs are as follows:
• Breath becomes heavy
• Choking
• Eating unusual food
• Paralysis in the back legs
• Disorientation in the body
• Pupils dilate
• Paralysis of the Whole Body