Rabies is a deadly infectious disease affecting mammals, including dogs and humans. Although some countries are currently considered rabies-free, the risk of a rabies infection still exists in many parts of the world. Read on to find out all the information you need to know about rabies in dogs.
How Dangerous is Rabies in Dogs?
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can infect not only dogs and other mammals but also birds and humans. In some countries, such as Germany, there is a ban on treating animals suspected of having rabies, making the disease inevitably fatal for dogs. Protect your dog from this dangerous virus.
Countries with Low Rabies Risk
Many countries have eradicated urban rabies through control measures. These include:
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Denmark
- Germany
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Greece
- Italy
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Croatia
- Netherlands
- Northern Ireland
- Austria
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Slovenia
- Slovakia
- Spain
Countries with High Rabies Risk
The majority of high-risk countries are in Asia, Africa or South America:
- Egypt
- Argentina
- Bali
- Bolivia
- Botswana
- Brazil
- China
- Costa Rica
- India
- Cuba
- Turkey
- Tunisia
- Mexico
- Russia
- South Africa
- Vietnam
Which Animals are Commonly Affected by Rabies?
Rabies, an ancient zoonosis, is primarily spread by dogs and carnivorous wildlife, meaning humans and animals can infect each other. Besides dogs, other animals such as cats, cattle or pigs can also contract rabies. Generally, animals and people living in endemic areas or having frequent contact with wildlife are at a higher risk of infection.
Symptoms: What are the Signs of Rabies in Dogs?
The incubation period (time between infection and onset of disease) for rabies in dogs is about two to 24 weeks. This period depends on where the virus enters the body. The closer the bite wound is to the central nervous system, the sooner your dog will show symptoms.
Since rabies viruses spread along nerve pathways, symptoms appear at different times. Veterinarians therefore divide the symptoms into three stages, which may overlap:
Prodromal Stage (2-5 days)
The first phase usually lasts a few days and is mainly characterised by behavioural changes in the dog. For example, normally shy dogs may become friendly. Light sensitivity, swallowing difficulties and increased saliva production also occur.
Excitatory Stage (2-7 days)
This stage is known as “furious rabies”. The infected dog is nervous, wild and easily excitable, often biting indiscriminately and appearing disoriented. Saliva production and swallowing issues increase.
Paralytic Stage (3-4 days)
During the paralytic stage, the dog suffers from paralysis and seizures, leading eventually to coma and death.
Not all affected dogs go through these classic phases. Some may progress directly from the prodromal stage to the paralytic stage.
When Should I See a Vet?
If you suspect your dog has rabies, inform your vet immediately by phone. The vet will notify the appropriate authorities, given the obligation to report rabies in most countries. Due to the high risk of infection, keep your dog away from people or other pets from the moment you suspect rabies. Authorised individuals, such as those from the appropriate authority, are exceptions.
Do not take your suspected dog to the vet. Avoid walks and keep your dog in quarantine. Ensure it has fresh water and food, and the opportunity to relieve itself.
Diagnosis: How is Rabies Detected in Dogs?
A definitive diagnosis in a living dog is difficult. Diagnosis is usually based on history and observed symptoms, for instance, a dog showing typical neurological symptoms and not vaccinated against rabies.
Unfortunately, standard procedures for direct or indirect virus detection in live animals are not reliable. Therefore, a conclusive diagnosis is only possible post-mortem through pathological examination, using methods such as:
- histological examination: Viewing Negri bodies (viral inclusions in nerve cells) in brain tissue under a microscope
- direct virus detection via molecular biological methods (e.g., real-time polymerase chain reaction)
- indirect virus detection through immunofluorescence (IF)
Treatment: How is Rabies Treated in Dogs?
There is a strict ban on treating rabies in dogs (and other animals) in Germany and other countries. The high risk of human infection and the poor prognosis after disease onset make treatment unfeasible.
Rabies is almost always fatal in humans once symptoms appear.
Causes: What Triggers Rabies in Dogs?
The rabies virus is an RNA virus from the genus Lyssavirus and the family of Rhabdoviruses. Rabies is present worldwide but has been eradicated in some countries through strict entry regulations and quarantine measures.
Using bait vaccines for foxes has eradicated classical rabies in many parts of the world. However, bat rabies still occurs sporadically in these regions.
Classical and Bat Rabies
The two forms are:
* sylvatic form (derived from the word “forest”): prevalent in the USA and Europe among wild carnivores like foxes, raccoons or skunks * urban form (derived from the word “city”): prevalent in urban areas in Asia and Africa, mainly spread through bites from rabid dogs and cats
European bat lyssavirus 1 and 2 (EBLV 1/2) predominantly occurs in bats. While bat species in Germany are rare carriers, laboratories in other European countries regularly detect it. Transmission to other animal species or humans is extremely rare.
Infection: How Do Dogs Contract Rabies?
The virus is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites. However, contact of saliva with mucous membranes or superficial wounds can also spread the virus.
Initially, rabies viruses infect the muscle cells exposed in the wound. Through peripheral nerve fibres, viruses travel to the central nervous system (CNS), spinal cord and brain. From there, the infection spreads again to the eyes and salivary glands.
Prognosis: Is Rabies Curable in Dogs?
If your dog hasn’t been vaccinated for rabies and is suspected to be infected, the legally required measures must be taken. Unfortunately, this usually means the euthanasia of your dog by a vet.
Prevention: How to Protect Your Dog from Rabies
The most crucial protection against rabies is a valid vaccination with a primary immunisation, consisting of three vaccinations at the ages of 12 and 16 weeks and 15 months.
Besides vaccination, avoiding contact with suspicious wildlife and reporting such animals to the authorities is advisable.
Other countries have different rules (e.g., mandatory vaccination for dogs), which can change quickly. When moving or acquiring a pet, it’s always wise to check the current vaccination requirements in your own country.
Travelling with Your Dog
Each country has different rabies laws. If you’re planning to travel to a high-risk rabies area with your dog, you may need to show an antibody titre of ≥ 0.5 IU/ml, depending on the country. It’s advisable to find out the current regulations before travelling.
