8 Signs of Dog Rabies in Peoria, IL

Rabies is a terrifying and fatal disease in both people and animals. Although it is more common for wild animals to have rabies than pets, you should still always make measures to prevent the disease in your dogs. Luckily, vaccinating your pet is easy, affordable, and a sure way to protect your dog against this disease.

Nevertheless, it is a good idea to know the eight signs of rabies in dogs. These eight signs are separated into three stages of the disease, and each stage can last around two to three days.  

In this article we will be going over the eight signs of rabies in dogs in Peoria. In addition to this, we will also be explaining what to do to prevent this disease and what actions you should take if you believe that your dog has been attacked by a rabid animal. Let’s get right into it.

How to Prevent Rabies in Dogs in Peoria, IL

The best way that you can prevent rabies in dogs is to get them vaccinated, and make sure that these vaccinations are up to date. Luckily, these vaccinations are not just available for dogs. Both cats and ferrets can get vaccinated against rabies, as well.

In addition to getting your dog vaccinated, keeping them away from wild animals and stray dogs and cats can help further prevent your dog from contracting this disease. You can do this by keeping your dog on a leash during walks and keeping your dog securely fenced in areas when not on leash.

What to Do if Your Dog Gets into a Fight With an Animal Who Might Have Rabies in Peoria, IL

The first thing that you should do if your dog gets into contact with a potentially rabid animal is to call your veterinarian in Peoria, IL. If your pet is vaccinated then they are protected against the disease, but open wounds can quickly become susceptible to other kinds of infection.

As a result, you should take your pet to the vet even if they have been vaccinated. If your pet has not been vaccinated, then your vet will be able to give you the next steps that you should take. It is always recommended that you fully vaccinate your pets.

The Different Stages and Signs of Dog Rabies in Peoria, IL

As previously mentioned, there are different stages of dog rabies, and each stage comes with their own particular signs. Below, we break down these stages and the signs associated with them.

It’s extremely important to keep in mind that, no matter what stage of the disease your dog may be in, if you notice any of these signs in your pet you should take them to a veterinarian in Peoria right away so they can get proper treatment.

Initial Signs of a Rabies Infection in Dogs

The initial signs of rabies in dogs occur in the first of three stages of the disease. The first notable signs of this disease include extreme anxiety, a sudden onset of aggressive behavior, and they will also likely have at least one open wound.

This first stage will last about two to three days on average. Here are the initial signs of dog rabies:

Extreme Anxiety

Paranoia and extreme anxiety are usually among the first symptoms of rabies that set in. In dogs this can appear in the form of hiding and restlessness. In addition, they may engage in some other strange behaviors as well.

Sudden Onset of Aggressive Behaviors

During the initial stage, dogs in Peoria also often exhibit a sudden onset of aggressive behaviors. These typically include behaviors like growling, snarling, snapping, and barking aggressively.

This aggressive behavior can be directed towards both other animals and people, including their owners.

Open Wounds

Most dogs that become infected with rabies do so because they got into a fight with another infected animal. As a result, most rabid dogs will have a bite wound, and scratch wounds may also be present.

These open wounds are often painful and irritating, especially when left untreated. Licking, scratching, and biting at these sores are not an uncommon behavior in dogs.

Advanced Signs of Dog Rabies

The second stage of rabies starts to set in about three days after contraction of the disease. This stage of rabies will cause aggressive behaviors to worsen and will cause other symptoms such as dilated pupils and seizures.

The second stage of this disease typically lasts for about two to three days. Here are the signs of advanced rabies in dogs:

Dilated Pupils

As the disease progresses, so do the symptoms of rabies. Dilated pupils is a sure sign of a rabid animal, especially if these pupils are dilated when they shouldn’t be, such as during the day.

If you ever see any animal walking around during the day time with dilated pupils then you should definitely keep your distance and alert the authorities immediately, especially if this animal is also acting strangely.

Extreme Aggression

Aggression tends to get worse during this stage of the rabies disease as well. In fact, it can get so severe that rabid animals in stage two will often lash out at any animal or person that comes near them.

This can make it appear as if rabid animals have no fear at all.

Seizures

Seizures is another common rabies symptom that occurs in the second stage of the illness. Seizures in dogs appear fairly similar to seizures that occur in humans.

They will likely be unresponsive for a period of time and twitch uncontrollably.

The Final Signs of a Rabies Infection in Dogs

Stage three is the final and fatal stage of the rabies illness. This stage usually occurs about a week after contraction of the disease, and it is characterized by excessive drooling and eventually progressive paralysis.

Here are the final signs of a rabies infection in dogs:

Excessive Drooling

Excessive drooling and frothing at the mouth is usually one of the last symptoms of rabies to set in for dogs in Peoria. This symptom occurs as a result of two things that rabies does to an animal’s brain.

First, rabies increases saliva production. This creates excessive drooling initially. Second, rabies makes swallowing very difficult in infected animals, which ends up creating more drool as the animal stops swallowing it.

Paralysis

Progressive paralysis is always the final symptom of the rabies virus, and it is also the most fatal. The paralysis begins small with difficulty swallowing and walking.

Then the paralysis progresses to the inability to walk and eventually breath, which is fatal. Occasionally, this paralysis will cause an animal to go into a coma before passing away.

Go to a Vet Right Away if Your Dog Has Rabies in Peoria, IL

Rabies is a very serious and potentially fatal disease. Fortunately, there are ways you can help protect your dog from ever getting it. If you notice your dog experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, you need to take your pet to a veterinarian right away. Time is of the essence for treatment for this disease.

If you’re concerned that your pet may have dog rabies, contact our team at Whitney Veterinary Hospital in Peoria by calling us at (309) 685-4707. Our compassionate and highly skilled professionals will help you decide the next best steps for your dog.