How Dogs Get Rabies: Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including dogs. It is one of the most feared zoonotic diseases because of its almost 100% fatality rate once symptoms appear.
Understanding how dogs get rabies is essential for prevention and control, not only for the well-being of dogs but also to protect human populations. Let’s find out “How Dogs Get Rabies“
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Table of Contents
What is Rabies? How Dogs Get Rabies?
Rabies is caused by the rabies virus, which belongs to the family Rhabdoviridae. The virus primarily spreads through the saliva of infected animals, often through bites. Once inside the host’s body, the virus targets the central nervous system, eventually leading to inflammation of the brain and death. Rabies is classified as a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 99% of human rabies cases are transmitted by domestic dogs. In areas where rabies is endemic, especially in parts of Asia and Africa, the virus remains a significant public health concern.
How Do Dogs Get Rabies?
1. Transmission Through Bites
The most common way dogs get rabies is through bites from infected animals. Rabid animals, particularly carnivores like raccoons, bats, foxes, and other dogs, can transfer the virus to a healthy dog through their saliva. When an infected animal bites another dog, the virus-laden saliva enters the bloodstream of the uninfected dog, giving the virus access to the nervous system.
Key Facts:
- Saliva as a Medium: The rabies virus is primarily present in the saliva of infected animals.
- Bite as the Primary Route: More than 95% of rabies cases in dogs occur due to bites from other animals carrying the virus.
2. Other Methods of Transmission
While bites are the primary route, rabies can also be transmitted in rare cases through:
- Scratches: If an infected animal scratches a dog and its saliva enters the wound, transmission can occur.
- Open Wounds: Rabies can also be transmitted if an infected animal’s saliva comes into contact with an open wound or mucous membrane.
- Inhalation: In very rare cases, inhaling the virus in bat caves with high viral concentration has been reported as a possible mode of transmission for humans and animals, although this is extremely uncommon.
The Rabies Virus: Pathophysiology in Dogs – How Dogs Get Rabies?
How Dogs Get Rabies: Once a dog is exposed to the rabies virus, the following sequence of events occurs:
- Incubation Period: The virus travels from the site of the bite through the peripheral nerves toward the brain. The incubation period, which is the time between the bite and the appearance of symptoms, varies significantly. For dogs, this period can last anywhere from a few days to several months, with an average of 3 to 8 weeks. This delay often depends on the location of the bite—closer to the brain means a shorter incubation period.
- Early Symptoms: As the virus reaches the brain, the dog may begin to show early symptoms such as restlessness, aggression, or uncharacteristic timidity. Other symptoms may include a fever and discomfort at the bite site.
- Acute Symptoms: Once the virus affects the brain, the dog will exhibit more severe symptoms:
- Furious rabies: Aggressiveness, biting, and extreme excitement.
- Paralytic rabies: Muscle weakness, paralysis, and difficulty swallowing.
- Final Stage: Paralysis sets in, and the dog eventually succumbs to the disease, typically due to respiratory failure. Death usually occurs within 7 to 10 days after symptoms appear.
Key Statistics on Rabies in Dogs
- Global Rabies Burden: An estimated 59,000 people die from rabies annually, with 40% of these victims being children under 15 years of age. More than 99% of these human cases are due to dog bites, according to WHO.
- Rabies in Dogs: In countries where rabies is endemic, domestic dogs are the main reservoir and transmit over 90% of rabies cases to humans.
- Vaccination Impact: According to the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), mass dog vaccination campaigns have shown success in eliminating rabies from dog populations in some regions. For example, vaccination campaigns in countries like Mexico have drastically reduced rabies cases.
How Dogs Develop Symptoms of Rabies – How Dogs Get Rabies?
Dogs infected with rabies typically progress through three stages:
- Prodromal Stage:
- Lasts 2 to 3 days.
- The dog may exhibit behavioral changes such as anxiety, apprehension, or unusually affectionate behavior.
- Mild symptoms like fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite are common.
- Excitative (Furious) Stage:
- Lasts 1 to 7 days.
- The dog becomes aggressive, easily irritable, and may bite any object, person, or animal.
- This stage is particularly dangerous due to the increased likelihood of transmitting the virus through bites.
- Paralytic Stage:
- Usually begins in the muscles nearest to the bite site and spreads throughout the body.
- Dogs become increasingly paralyzed, starting with the hind limbs and progressing to the face and throat muscles, causing drooling and inability to swallow.
- Death follows due to respiratory failure as paralysis affects the diaphragm.
Prevention of Rabies in Dogs
Rabies is entirely preventable through vaccination and proper management. Here are key prevention strategies:
1. Vaccination
Vaccinating dogs is the most effective way to prevent the spread of rabies. Rabies vaccines stimulate the immune system to recognize and neutralize the virus. Many countries require rabies vaccination for domestic dogs by law.
- Core Vaccination: Rabies vaccination is considered a “core” vaccine, meaning it is essential for the health and well-being of the dog.
- Annual/Three-year Booster: Depending on the region and type of vaccine used, dogs are often required to receive a rabies booster shot annually or every three years.
2. Control of Stray Dog Populations
Stray dog populations pose a significant risk for rabies transmission, particularly in regions with inadequate vaccination programs. Countries facing endemic rabies problems, such as India and the Philippines, have taken measures to control stray dog populations through:
- Sterilization Programs: These programs aim to reduce the number of stray dogs.
- Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (CNVR) Programs: This involves capturing stray dogs, vaccinating them against rabies, and releasing them back into their environment after neutering.
3. Reducing Exposure to Wild Animals
Since rabies is also prevalent in wild animal populations, reducing your dog’s exposure to wild carnivores such as raccoons, bats, and foxes is essential. Keeping dogs on a leash during walks, especially in areas known to have rabies in wildlife, can minimize the risk of bites from wild animals.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) in Dogs
If a dog is bitten by an animal suspected to be rabid, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can be administered to reduce the risk of the dog developing rabies. The steps involved in PEP include:
- Immediate Wound Cleaning: The wound should be thoroughly washed with soap and water to reduce the viral load.
- Vaccination: If the dog has not been vaccinated or its vaccination status is unclear, it should receive a rabies vaccination as soon as possible after exposure. Even vaccinated dogs should receive a booster shot after a suspected exposure.
- Observation of the Suspected Animal: The animal that bit the dog may be observed or tested for rabies. In regions where rabies is endemic, such animals are often euthanized and tested for the virus.
Conclusion
Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease. Dogs primarily get rabies through bites from other infected animals, but with proper vaccination, stray population control, and awareness of wild animal exposure, the incidence of rabies can be drastically reduced.
It is crucial for dog owners to remain vigilant, ensure their pets are vaccinated, and avoid contact with potentially rabid animals to safeguard the health of both dogs and humans. Prevention and early intervention remain the keys to eliminating the threat of rabies worldwide.
Hope now it’s clear, “How Dogs Get Rabies?“
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – How Dogs Get Rabies?
What is rabies, and how does it affect dogs?
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including dogs. The rabies virus causes inflammation of the brain, leading to symptoms like aggression, paralysis, and ultimately, death. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal in dogs.
How do dogs get rabies?
Dogs typically get rabies through bites from other infected animals, such as raccoons, bats, foxes, or other dogs. The virus is present in the saliva of infected animals and can enter the bloodstream through bite wounds. In rare cases, rabies can also be transmitted through scratches or contact with an open wound or mucous membrane.
Can a dog get rabies from another dog?
Yes, dogs can get rabies from another dog if they are bitten by an infected dog. The saliva of a rabid dog contains the virus, which can be transmitted to another dog through a bite.
What are the symptoms of rabies in dogs?
Symptoms of rabies in dogs progress through three stages:
Prodromal Stage: Behavioral changes, anxiety, and fever.
Excitative (Furious) Stage: Aggression, biting, and irritability.
Paralytic Stage: Muscle paralysis, drooling, difficulty swallowing, and eventual death due to respiratory failure.
How long does it take for a dog to show symptoms of rabies after being exposed?
The incubation period for rabies in dogs can range from a few days to several months, with an average of 3 to 8 weeks. The time it takes for symptoms to appear depends on factors such as the location of the bite and the amount of virus introduced.
Can rabies be prevented in dogs?
Yes, rabies can be effectively prevented through vaccination. Regular rabies vaccinations are essential for dogs, as they stimulate the immune system to fight off the virus if the dog is exposed. Many regions require rabies vaccinations by law.
What should I do if my dog is bitten by another animal?
If your dog is bitten by another animal, immediately clean the wound with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. If the biting animal is suspected to be rabid, your dog may need a rabies booster shot or post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Can a vaccinated dog still get rabies?
While rare, it is possible for a vaccinated dog to get rabies if exposed to a very high viral load or if the vaccine was not administered properly. However, vaccinated dogs have a significantly lower risk of contracting rabies compared to unvaccinated dogs.
Is rabies common in certain regions?
Rabies is more common in regions where vaccination rates are low and stray dog populations are high. Endemic regions include parts of Asia and Africa. In countries with strong vaccination programs, rabies in dogs is rare or non-existent.
What happens if a dog is suspected of having rabies?
If a dog is suspected of having rabies, it should be quarantined and observed for symptoms. Rabies testing typically involves euthanizing the dog and examining brain tissue, as rabies can only be confirmed post-mortem. In regions where rabies is a significant threat, suspected rabid animals are often euthanized to prevent the spread of the virus.