Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. The virus lives in the saliva of the affected animal and is usually transmitted through a bite. It can also be transmitted just by a lick if the saliva of the rabid animal enters your mouth, eyes, nose or a cut in your skin. All warm blooded animals, including humans, are susceptible to rabies.
Almost all infected cases of rabies are fatal. However, the good news is that there are effective rabies vaccines that can protect you and your pet against this fatal disease. Rabies vaccinations are made mandatory as per law in most areas to protect both people and pets.
The vaccination protocol might vary depending on which state you live, but the first shot is usually given when puppies are 12 weeks old followed by a rabies booster vaccine that is administered annually or for every three years. It is your responsibility as a pet owner to see that your pet receives timely rabies shots. This is essential not only to protect your family and your pet but also to protect other people and animals around it.
The incubation period of rabies virus in a host is usually about 3 to 8 weeks and in some cases it can even be up to two years. Early symptoms of infection might include fever, headaches and numbness in the area of bite.
Once infected the virus spreads rapidly and affects the brain which brings about changes in the personality of the animal. The infected dog is likely to become extremely aggressive and pose a danger to those around. Subsequently, paralysis of the throat occurs which causes the drooling or foaming at the mouth. Generally, death occurs in about 10 days from when the brain gets infected.
According to most state protocols, when a dog bites a human and is verified to being current with rabies vaccinations then the risk of the individual contacting rabies is considered to be negligible. But, if the dog is not appropriately vaccinated then it is most likely that the concerned dog will be quarantined from anywhere between ten and fourteen days. Most often, the owner of the concerned dog will be held responsible for the cost of confinement.
If the culprit was a wild animal or a rabid animal then it’s necessary to report it to the Rabies Control board. They will capture and most likely euthanize the animal to be tested for rabies. Extreme measures are necessary because some wild animals like raccoons can live for years in spite of being infected. In case it is not possible to capture the animal then your pet must be re-vaccinated against rabies, just in case and has to be quarantined for a specific period of time which can vary from state to state.
If a pet was not vaccinated and exposure to the rabies virus is confirmed then the most likely recommendation would be to euthanize the pet. Alternatively, the pet can also be quarantined in a secured facility for as long as 6 months and the expenses have to be incurred by the pet owner who might also be fined for not vaccinating the pet appropriately. If the pet gets sick while in confinement the most likely option is euthanasia.
