The first signs of rabies should be known to every dog owner. This is a dangerous disease that ends in the death of a dog, and sometimes in the infection of people or animals with rabies.
The initial signs that the dog is sick with rabies can be determined only after a month and a half after infection. Usually, the disease proceeds according to two scenarios: in a paralytic or in an aggressive form. However, abnormal forms of this disease among dogs are also possible.
The first symptoms of rabies: an atypical form of the disease
This form of the disease in an animal is characterized by the fact that not a single symptom fits the description of the standard signs of rabies. Veterinarians say that in recent years, dog rabies has often manifested itself in an atypical form. Therefore, it is important to be as attentive as possible to your pets.
The atypical form of canine rabies is a long stage of ailments in an animal, a dog can suffer up to 60-90 days. At this time, she will react sluggishly to the usual commands, be indifferent to the world around her. But this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Often the nervous and digestive systems of an animal cannot withstand the course of the disease and fail.
The first signs of rabies: the paralytic form of the disease
The paralytic form of the disease in a pet is extremely fast. In less than six days, the beloved dog will die. During illness, the owners may note the depressive state of the pet, the complete absence of arousal. Within a few hours, the disease paralyzes the muscles of the legs and body of the dog. After paralysis, the dog will live a maximum of 4 days.
The first signs of rabies: an aggressive form of the disease
An aggressive form of rabies is a serious threat to those around you. It is the disease that causes the dog to bite others, which is fraught with infection. The duration of the disease of this form is 5-10 days, from the first symptoms to the death of the animal. The development of the disease occurs in three phases.
The first phase of the development of the disease lasts two to four days. At this time, the mood of the dog is unstable, the behavior is unstable - it can fondle the owner, and immediately move away and quiet down, the pet stops following the direct commands of the owner.
Disorders of the dog's appetite occur, saliva is abundantly secreted from the mouth, and vomiting occurs.
The second phase of the development of the disease lasts no more than 2-3 days. On these days, the animal shows open aggression, strong excitement, stubborn disobedience. During this period, the first convulsions are noted, the intensity of which only increases over time. The body temperature of the animal rises to 41 ° C, paralysis breaks down some muscle groups.
The third phase of development of rabies completes the disease and lasts no more than 2-4 days. During this day, the dog loses weight dramatically. Paralysis alternately affects the hind legs, trunk, and forelegs. With a constant deterioration in health, the dog will not live long, it will soon die.
