What rabies is
Rabies is one of the most dangerous diseases within the category of zoonoses, that is, diseases transmissible from animals to humans, since it is a lethal pathology that can put at risk the health not only of our pets, but of our entire household. It is an infectious disease that acts on the central nervous system and affects practically all mammals. It is caused by the Rhabdoviridae virus, and has an extremely high lethality rate of almost 100%, except in exceptional cases.
How rabies is transmitted
The virus accumulates mainly in the saliva of the infected animal and in practically all cases it is transmitted through a bite, although there is also a risk of infection through contact of the animal's saliva with open wounds, mucous membranes, etc., but these are situations with a much lower incidence and that are very uncommon. In this way, against this pathology Preventive Medicine plays a decisive role, since only through prevention by means of vaccination against rabies can we keep our pet and the rest of our household protected, avoiding contracting this lethal disease that represents a danger to public health.
Symptoms of rabies in dogs
The symptoms of rabies in dogs include: sudden behavioural change, increased salivation (excessive drooling), aggressiveness with no apparent cause, photophobia (sensitivity to light), seizures and progressive paralysis. These clinical signs usually appear between 3 and 8 weeks after direct infection. Unfortunately, rabies has no effective treatment once it has manifested; the only way to protect the animal is through prevention and mandatory vaccination.
- Behavioural changes: Evasive, nervous behaviour or unusual fearfulness.
- Hypersalivation and drooling: Severe difficulty swallowing food and water.
- Aggressiveness and hyperactivity: Episodes of fury and unprovoked attacks.
- Photophobia: Rejection or extreme irritability towards light stimuli.
- Seizures and paralysis: Loss of motor control that progresses in a descending pattern.
Phases of rabies
This is a disease that runs through three defined phases that may end up overlapping. These stages are:
Prodromal stage
It is characterised by a change in the animal's behaviour that is reflected in evasive and nervous behaviour, although the opposite case may also occur, with the animal becoming excessively affectionate. Photophobia or sensitivity to light may also appear, as well as increased salivation that causes difficulty swallowing. It lasts between 2 and 8 days, and in the final stage of this phase an apathetic and listless attitude may appear.
Furious rabies stage
In this stage the dog appears hyperactive, nervous and aggressive, and may bite or attack without reason any person (even its owners), animal or object that gets in its way. It may also experience episodes of seizures. A high percentage of the animals that suffer from the disease die during this phase.
Rabid encephalitis stage
This is the final phase of the pathology, which causes paralysis in the patient that leads to a state of coma and, finally, death from cardiac and/or respiratory failure. However, it is worth noting that it is possible that our pet may not even reach this phase, since, as we have mentioned, a high percentage of dogs infected with rabies die in the second stage.
Treatment of rabies in dogs
Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment against this fatal pathology, hence the extraordinary importance of rabies prevention to protect both our pet and the household members as a whole and society in general.
Rabies prevention
The key to preventing rabies lies in vaccination
Following an appropriate rabies vaccination protocol with the administration of the vaccine against this pathology from three months of age, along with its corresponding booster doses, is the way to ensure maximum protection for our dog. Against rabies, prevention is our greatest ally Vaccination represents our pet's main defence against this lethal disease, and following an appropriate preventive protocol indicated by a veterinarian is the best protection for our pet. On the other hand, in the event that our pet has been bitten by any wild animal, we must clean and disinfect the wound and go quickly to the veterinarian so that they can assess the situation as soon as possible. We hope this series of tips helps you understand the importance of being protected against this dangerous disease and of preventive measures as a means of keeping our pets and the rest of the household members healthy and protected.
Assess each case with your vet; the right treatment depends on each animal's age, weight, health status and history.
How do you know if a dog has rabies?
The question that causes the most distress to any owner is how to know, with certainty, whether their dog has contracted rabies. The honest answer is that a definitive, confirmed diagnosis can only be made in a laboratory, through the analysis of nervous system tissue, a test that in practice is carried out once the animal has already died. As things stand today, there is no simple test that quickly and reliably confirms the disease in a living dog.
While the animal is alive, what the veterinarian does is assess two fundamental pillars: on the one hand, the history of exposure (whether it may have had contact with a suspicious animal, whether it has been bitten by wildlife, whether it comes from an area where the disease circulates) and, on the other, the appearance of compatible neurological signs, such as behavioural changes, hypersalivation or difficulty swallowing. These elements make it possible to establish a clinical suspicion and to activate the corresponding protection and observation protocols, but they do not amount to laboratory confirmation.
For this reason, in case of any doubt the most important thing is not to try to diagnose at home, but to contact your veterinarian and the health authorities immediately, as they are the ones who determine the steps to follow in each situation.
“Rabies is easily prevented through vaccination. Keeping the schedule up to date protects your pet, your family and the community.”
How long does it take to appear?
Rabies does not produce symptoms immediately after infection. There is an incubation period, that is, a time that passes between the entry of the virus into the body and the appearance of the first clinical signs. In general terms, this period is variable and may range from a few weeks to several months, depending on factors such as the location of the bite, the amount of virus inoculated and the characteristics of the animal itself.
As a rough guide, the closer to the central nervous system the wound occurs (for example, on the head or neck), the more quickly the disease tends to manifest, since the virus has a shorter distance to travel through the nerves. It is worth remembering that during much of that time the animal may appear completely normal, which reinforces the importance of prevention and of not letting your guard down after a possible exposure.
Phases of the disease
In plain terms, rabies is usually described as a disease that progresses through three successive phases that may end up overlapping with one another. Knowing them helps to understand why the signs change so much throughout the process.
In the prodromal phase, the first one, subtle behavioural changes predominate: the animal may become more evasive and nervous or, on the contrary, unusually affectionate. It is also common for some sensitivity to light and increased salivation to appear.
In the furious phase, the one most popularly recognised, the dog becomes hyperactive, irritable and aggressive, and may go so far as to bite or attack without any apparent reason. This is the classic image that popular culture associates with rabies, although not all animals go through it in the same way.
In the paralytic phase, the last one, the progressive loss of muscular control predominates, with paralysis and weakness that end up affecting vital functions. It is important to stress that this description is indicative in nature: the duration and intensity of each phase vary from one case to another.
How it is transmitted to people
Rabies is a zoonosis, that is, a disease that can be transmitted from animals to people. In humans, the main route of infection is the same as among animals: the bite of an infected animal, since the virus concentrates in the saliva. Contact of that saliva with open wounds or mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose) is also considered a risk, although a less frequent one.
For this reason, any bite from an animal whose health or vaccination status is unknown should be treated as a situation that requires medical attention. This is not about causing alarm, but about acting responsibly: rabies is preventable, and in the event of a possible exposure there are well-established health protocols. The decision on the steps to follow in a person always rests with the medical and public health services, never with self-medication or with waiting.
What to do if your dog has been bitten by a wild animal
If you suspect that your dog has been bitten by a wild animal or by another animal whose status you do not know, calm and speed are your best allies. The first step is to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, which helps to reduce the load of virus that may have remained in the area, avoiding rough handling that could worsen the injury.
Next, go to your veterinarian as soon as possible so that they can assess the situation, review your dog's vaccination history and determine the appropriate measures. It is essential that throughout the whole process you avoid exposing yourself or exposing other people and animals, since a frightened or pained animal may react unpredictably. Handle your pet with caution and, if possible, use gloves and keep children away.
In these cases, the most prudent thing to do is to contact the clinic before setting off, in order to receive specific instructions and prepare for the visit. If you can, write down what type of animal caused the bite and where it happened: that information is very useful for the veterinary team.
Rabies vaccination: what you should know
Vaccination is, without question, the main prevention tool against rabies. The rabies vaccine is administered from a certain age of the animal and requires periodic boosters to maintain protection over time. That said, one point must be made very clear: both the age of the first dose and the frequency of the boosters depend on the regulations of each autonomous community and on the veterinarian's recommendations, so there is no single schedule valid for the whole territory.
In Spain, canine rabies is considered eradicated, which is excellent news for public health. However, this does not mean that the risk has disappeared entirely: the disease remains present in other regions of the world, so travelling with pets to certain destinations may require rabies vaccination and specific documentation. That is why it is so important to plan any international trip with your dog or cat well in advance.
Since legal obligations vary depending on the location and are updated over time, the recommendation is always the same: consult your veterinarian and check the regulations in force in your autonomous community before making decisions. The veterinary team will be able to tell you the right time for the first vaccination and for the boosters, adjusting to the specific situation of your animal and to the applicable legislation.
Frequently asked questions
Is rabies in dogs curable?
No. Once the disease has manifested, there is no effective treatment against rabies, which is why its lethality is almost 100%. The only way to protect the animal and the household is prevention through mandatory vaccination.
When do rabies symptoms appear after infection?
Clinical signs usually appear between 3 and 8 weeks after direct infection. They include sudden behavioural change, excessive salivation, aggressiveness with no apparent cause, photophobia, seizures and progressive paralysis.
How is rabies prevented?
The key is to follow an appropriate rabies vaccination protocol from three months of age, with its booster doses. In addition, if the animal is bitten by a wild animal, you must clean and disinfect the wound and go quickly to the veterinarian.
At Clínica Veterinaria Somo in Cantabria your pet will receive the best protection against rabies
At our veterinary clinic in Cantabria we administer the rabies vaccine to provide your pet with the best veterinary protection against this serious disease. In addition, we will advise you and indicate the most appropriate time both for the first rabies vaccination and for the booster doses in order to maximise the period of protection against it, thereby achieving the maximum wellbeing for your furry companion.
