What is rabies, and how is it transmitted to dogs?

3 min readOct 9, 2023

Introduction

Dog with rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects mammals, including dogs. It is a significant public health concern worldwide, as it can be transmitted to humans through infected animals. Understanding the basics of rabies, its transmission, and how it affects dogs is crucial for the health and safety of both animals and humans.

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease caused by the rabies virus, which belongs to the Lyssavirus genus. This virus primarily affects the central nervous system of mammals, including dogs, and leads to severe neurological symptoms. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, making it a highly dangerous and feared disease.

Transmission of Rabies to Dogs

Rabies is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically through bite wounds. When a rabid animal bites another animal, the virus is introduced into the body through the saliva, and it begins to spread. In the case of dogs, the most common source of rabies transmission is through the bite of an infected wild animal, such as a raccoon, skunk, bat, or fox.

However, it’s important to note that rabies can also be transmitted to dogs through non-bite exposures, though this is less common. Non-bite exposures include scratches, open wounds, or mucous membrane contact (e.g., the eyes, nose, or mouth) with the saliva or nervous tissue of a rabid animal.

Once the virus enters a dog’s body, it follows a specific path:

Local Replication: The virus initially replicates in the muscle cells near the bite wound.
Nervous System Invasion: From the muscles, the virus enters the peripheral nerves and travels along nerve pathways towards the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain and spinal cord.
Central Nervous System Infection: Once in the CNS, the virus spreads rapidly, causing severe neurological symptoms such as paralysis, seizures, and aggression.
Salivary Glands Infection: As the virus continues to replicate, it also infects the salivary glands, which increases the chances of transmission to other animals through bites.

Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs

Rabies in dogs progresses through several stages, with the following common symptoms:

Prodromal Stage: In this early stage, dogs may exhibit subtle behavior changes, including restlessness, anxiety, and fever.
Furious Stage: Dogs may become aggressive, excitable, and may exhibit increased vocalization and erratic behavior. They might also experience difficulty swallowing, leading to excessive drooling.
Paralytic Stage: In this final stage, paralysis sets in, often starting in the hind limbs and progressing to the front limbs and throat muscles. Difficulty in breathing and swallowing becomes pronounced, leading to the characteristic “foaming at the mouth” symptom.

It’s important to note that once clinical signs of rabies appear, the disease is almost universally fatal, and there is no effective treatment. Euthanasia is often recommended for infected animals due to the risk of transmission to humans.

Preventing Rabies in Dogs

Prevention is the key to avoiding rabies in dogs and minimizing the risk to humans. Here are some essential steps:

Vaccination: Vaccination against rabies is the most effective way to protect dogs from the virus. Most countries and states have laws mandating rabies vaccination for pets, and it’s crucial to keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date.
Avoid Contact with Wildlife: Keep dogs away from wild animals that could potentially carry rabies. Supervise outdoor activities, especially in areas with a known rabies presence.
Control Stray Animals: Report and help control stray animals in your community to reduce the risk of rabies transmission.
Responsible Pet Ownership: Spaying or neutering your dog can reduce the likelihood of roaming and encountering wildlife. Properly leash and restrain your dog in public areas.
Seek Medical Attention: If your dog is bitten or scratched by a wild animal or any animal with unknown vaccination status, consult a veterinarian immediately. Post-exposure prophylaxis may be recommended.

Conclusion

Dog with rabies is a lethal viral disease that can affect dogs and poses a significant threat to public health. Understanding how rabies is transmitted to dogs, recognizing its symptoms, and taking preventive measures are crucial for protecting both dogs and humans from this deadly disease. Responsible pet ownership, including keeping vaccinations up to date, is essential in the fight against rabies and ensuring the well-being of our canine companions.