How to check if dogs have rabies
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can be transmitted to humans through bites or saliva from infected animals. As a common pet and human companion, dogs' health is particularly important. Here are detailed guidelines on how to check if a dog has rabies, including symptom observation, detection methods and preventive measures.
1. Common manifestations of rabies
The symptoms of rabies are usually divided into three stages: prodromal phase, excitatory phase and paralysis phase. The following are typical manifestations of each stage:
| stage | symptom |
|---|---|
| Pre-driving period (1-3 days) | Abnormal behavior (such as hiding, anxiety), decreased appetite, low fever, mild pain or itching in the bite area |
| Excitement period (2-4 days) | Increased aggression, drooling, difficulty swallowing, fear of water, sound or light sensitivity |
| Paralysis period (1-2 days) | Muscle paralysis, difficulty breathing, coma, and eventually death |
2. How to initially determine whether a dog is infected with rabies
1.Observe behavioral changes: Healthy dogs are usually lively and friendly. If they suddenly become irritable or extremely timid, they need to be vigilant.
2.Check for bites or scratches: If the dog fights or is injured with other animals recently, observe whether the wound is infected.
3.Test swallowing ability: Rabies can cause throat paralysis. Try to feed the dog water. If you show extreme resistance or inability to swallow, it may be one of the symptoms.
3. Professional testing methods
If you suspect that your dog is infected with rabies, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. The following are common detection methods:
| Detection method | illustrate |
|---|---|
| Direct fluorescent antibody detection (dFA) | Detection of viral antigens through brain tissue samples is an internationally recognized gold standard |
| PCR detection | Detect viral RNA in saliva or cerebrospinal fluid, suitable for early diagnosis |
| Serological test | Check the level of antibodies in the blood, but need to be confirmed in combination with other methods |
4. Measures to prevent rabies
1.Regular vaccination: The first vaccination of puppies should be at 3 months of age and afterwards it is strengthened annually or every 3 years (depending on the type of vaccine).
2.Avoid contact with wild animals: Stray dogs, bats, foxes, etc. may carry viruses.
3.Treat the wound in a timely manner: If you are bitten by a dog, rinse it immediately with soapy water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention to whether you need to receive rabies vaccine.
5. Summary
The mortality rate of rabies is close to 100%, but the risk can be effectively reduced by observing symptoms, prompt detection and scientific prevention. If the dog experiences abnormal behavior or suspected symptoms, be sure to isolate and contact a professional institution for treatment. At the same time, be sure to comply with the local rabies immunization regulations to protect the health of pets and family members.
(Note: The content of this article is compiled from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and recent hot news on pet medical care.)
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