Rabies in a Puppy

Rabies is a viral disease of mammals, which is fatal if left untreated. It can be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most cases reported each year occur in wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. The rabies virus quickly attacks the nervous system, causing the animal to die. A simple vaccine can protect your puppy and keep him from transmitting the virus to another human.

  1. Rabies Vaccination

    • The best way to prevent rabies in your puppy is with vaccination, typically given at 12 to 16 weeks of age. A booster shot is given at age one. At age two, the dog can receive the three-year-vaccine, which has been shown to be very effective. This is also much more convenient for the owner. After vaccination, the veterinarian issues a collar tag to the dog with a number on it, certifying that the dog has received the vaccine. All states require rabies vaccinations for dogs, but up to half of all dogs are not vaccinated. Most boarding and grooming facilities will not board dogs without current proof of vaccination.

    Phase One-Prodromal Phase

    • A puppy bitten by an animal with active rabies may go through one or all of several stages. The average incubation time in dogs is three to eight weeks but may take as long as six months. The first phase, the prodromal, usually lasts two to three days. The dog may appear nervous or anxious, with aggressive dogs often appearing friendly and docile. Friendly dogs may become shy or irritable. Most dogs will constantly lick the site of the bite.

    Phase Two-Furious Phase

    • The furious phase normally lasts one to seven days. During this time, the puppy can become irritable and restless and begin to roam. If caged or fenced in, the puppy may begin to bite at or attacks its enclosure. The animal may become disoriented and have seizures.

    Phase Three-The Paralytic Phase

    • This phase can occur anytime after the prodromal or furious phase. It normally appears two to four days after the first signs begin. Affected nerves in the head and throat cause the dog to salivate as a result of being unable to swallow. As paralysis spreads to the diaphragm, breathing may become deep and labored. The puppy grows weaker, develops respiratory failure and dies.

    Diagnosis and Treatment

    • The only current definitive way to diagnose rabies is by autopsy of the brain tissue. Once the dog begins to exhibit signs of the disease, treatment with rabies vaccination may be attempted; however, it is extremely rare for a dog to survive the infection.

    Prevention

    • The best way to prevent rabies in your puppy is by following your veterinarian's suggested vaccination schedule. If your puppy lives outdoors, keep it in a fenced-in area to minimize the possibility of an encounter with an infected animal. Watch for any behavioral changes and notify your veterinarian immediately if something doesn't seem right.