Rabies is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases affecting primarily the dog's nervous system. Symptoms appear several days after infection, so the slightest change in the behavior of a four-legged pet should immediately alert the owner. Otherwise, rabies can kill the dog and infect other animals or people.
Rabies
Rabies can take two forms - violent and quiet. The main difference lies in the first symptoms of the disease. As a rule, it is not immediately possible to recognize them and correctly classify them. Changes in dog behavior usually occur a few days after infection with the virus, but sometimes signs do not appear until a few months later. Any deviation in the dog's behavior from the usual routine is the first signal for an examination.
In addition to the main forms of rabies, there is also a separate type of disease - the atypical form. In this case, it is very difficult to recognize the infection. The first signs of the disease are more reminiscent of an intestinal disorder, poisoning or gastritis. The dog starts vomiting, diarrhea, and the temperature rises.
Symptoms of violent rabies
The violent form of rabies manifests itself in three stages. The first symptom that you need to pay attention to is the unwillingness to communicate with any living creatures and the lack of interest in them. The dog begins to avoid any contact with the outside world, hides in secluded places, does not respond to the nickname and refuses food. But during contact with the owner, the animal may whine and show excessive affection.
The desire for solitude is gradually replaced by aggression. This is the second stage of violent rabies. The dog begins to get irritated with surrounding objects, behaves viciously towards the owner and becomes nervous for no particular reason. At such times, animals tend to bite. Moreover, the grasping reflex in them arises not only in relation to people or animals, but also inanimate objects.
The third stage of violent rabies is especially dangerous. By this time, the dog develops paralysis of the larynx. A hoarse bark is added to the general aggressiveness. At the same time, the dog begins to howl constantly and rush at everything that surrounds it.
Quiet form of rabies
With a quiet form of rabies, at the initial stage of the development of the disease, the dog does not show aggression or other changes in behavior. The main symptoms that determine the disease relate to the physical condition of the animal. First of all, profuse salivation appears, the dog cannot carry out swallowing reflexes, which complicates not only food intake, but also water.
The main changes in the dog's behavior are tired appearance, sleepiness, unsteady gait. With the development of the disease, paralysis of the limbs, jaws and larynx occurs. In addition, the animal is afraid to be alone, constantly requires attention and fondles the owner.
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Some dog breeds are especially dangerous when infected with rabies. First of all, these are Dolmatins and Bull Terriers. It is impossible to cure them, and during the illness they show a special form of aggression.
You can get rabies from a sick dog not only through a bite, but also when its saliva gets on the slightest scratches or abrasions. This should be remembered not only by every owner of a four-legged pet, but also by those who do not miss the opportunity to stroke or play with a friendly animal.
