Rabies in Dogs: Why Vaccination Matters

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system. It affects dogs, cats and many other mammals, including humans. Once symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal. The good news is that rabies can be prevented, and vaccinating your dog is the most important step you can take.

How dangerous rabies is

The rabies virus is found in the saliva of infected animals. It spreads mainly through bites and scratches, or when saliva gets into an open wound, the eyes or the mouth. From the point of entry, the virus travels along the nerves to the brain. The time between a bite and the first signs can be a few weeks or many months, so people sometimes forget the bite ever happened.

• There is no cure once a dog develops rabies.
• It spreads to people: in many parts of the world, dogs are the main source of human rabies.
• A healthy-looking dog may be incubating the virus, because there are no signs during the incubation period.

Signs a dog may have rabies

Rabies in dogs is usually described in two forms, but one dog can show a mix of both. The earliest sign is often a change in personality.

Behavior changes

• A friendly dog suddenly hides or becomes irritable, or a shy dog becomes unusually clingy.
• Licking, biting or scratching hard at one spot, which may be where it was bitten.
• Restlessness, a changed bark, and extreme sensitivity to light or noise.

Furious form

• Aggression, biting objects, and roaming aimlessly.
• Eating odd things such as wood, stones or soil.

Paralytic form

• Paralysis of the jaw, a dropped jaw, heavy drooling and difficulty swallowing.
• Gradual paralysis of the legs, wobbling, then being unable to stand.

Many people believe rabid dogs are always afraid of water or foam at the mouth. In reality, not every dog does. So don't wait for "classic" signs before taking it seriously.

Why vaccination is a must

Vaccinating your dog against rabies does more than protect your own dog. When most dogs in a neighborhood are vaccinated, the virus has a harder time spreading, and the whole community is safer. That is also why many places require dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies and may issue fines if they are not.

• Timing: following common recommendations, the first dose is usually given from around 3 months of age. Your veterinarian decides the exact timing and booster schedule in line with local rules.
• Keep boosters on time: immunity doesn't last forever, and a missed booster may leave your dog unprotected.
• Keep the vaccination certificate: you will need it for boarding, travel, moving home or official checks. If your dog ever bites someone, it helps everyone stay calm and respond correctly.
• Indoor dogs need it too: a dog can still slip outside or meet stray dogs, cats or wild animals through a door or balcony.

Check the rules on rabies vaccination, dog registration and dogs in public places where you live so you stay fully compliant.

If someone is bitten or your dog is bitten

If a person is bitten or scratched

1. Wash the wound right away under running water with soap for several minutes (at least about 15 minutes is commonly advised).
2. Don't cover it tightly, and don't apply leaves or anything of unknown origin to the wound.
3. Go to a medical facility as soon as possible for advice on rabies vaccination for people. Don't decide for yourself that it is "just a small bite".
4. Note details about the dog: who owns it and whether it is vaccinated, and have the dog observed as instructed by health and veterinary staff.

If your dog is bitten by an unknown animal

• Wear gloves when checking the wound, and avoid contact with the other animal's saliva.
• Contact your veterinarian immediately and bring your dog's vaccination certificate.
• Follow the advice of your vet and local authorities on boosters and observation.

When to see a vet

Contact your veterinarian right away if:

• Your dog is bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar dog, cat or wild animal, even if the wound is small.
• Your dog's personality changes suddenly, with unusual aggression or hiding, along with drooling, difficulty swallowing or a dropped jaw.
• Your dog has never had a rabies vaccine or is overdue for a booster.

If you suspect your dog has rabies, confine it alone in a safe place, keep everyone away, don't try to pick it up or pet it, and call your veterinarian or local animal health authority immediately for guidance.