Rabies is a deadly disease that can affect both humans and animals. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of the dangers of rabies, and they often do not take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their pets. This article will look at some of the things that can happen when a pet gets rabies to help you better understand what could potentially happen. It will also provide information on protecting your pet from this deadly virus.
What Are Rabies?
Rabies is a serious virus that attacks the nervous system, causing several severe symptoms. The virus usually spreads through the bite of an infected animal, but it can also transmit through contact with saliva or other body fluids. Fortunately, a vaccine can prevent the disease if you give it before symptoms start to appear. However, once symptoms have developed, rabies is almost always fatal.
As a result, it is essential to be aware of rabies risks and seek medical attention immediately if you think you or your pet may have been exposed to the virus. As scary as it may sound, you should know a few things about what could happen if your pet contracts rabies.
What Happens If My Pet Gets Rabies?
Like many viruses, the effects of rabies will not be the same for every pet. In fact, the only certain thing is that rabies will be deadly if it goes untreated. The virus can cause various symptoms, and the severity will depend on the individual pet. Here are a few to be mindful of:
Anxiety
Anxiety is a common symptom of rabies in pets. An animal with the rabies virus begins to experience a range of neurological symptoms, including changes in behavior and increased sensitivity to light and sound. In some cases, anxiety may be the first sign that something is wrong. If your pet suddenly becomes anxious or agitated for no apparent reason, it could be a sign that they have the rabies virus.
If you notice unusual changes in your pet’s behavior, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Some common actions you may notice include pacing, panting, drooling, and restlessness.
Fever
One of the hallmark symptoms of rabies is a fever, which can occur in humans and animals. In pets, a rabies-related fever may be one of the first signs that something is wrong. As the disease progresses, other symptoms may develop. The fever caused by rabies typically lasts for several days before eventually subsiding. And while rabies is not the only disease that can cause a fever, it is important to seek medical attention if your pet suddenly develops one.
To check if your pet has a fever, use a rectal thermometer to take their temperature. A normal temperature for a dog or cat is between 100 and 102. If your pet’s temperature exceeds this range, it is a fever.
Aggression
In some cases, the rabies virus can also cause aggression and seemingly irrational behavior. This is because the virus attacks the brain, causing swelling and damage to the amygdala responsible for regulating emotions. As a result, animals with rabies may become aggressive, attacking other animals or people without provocation. However, aggression may also cause other emotional issues in pets.
Some animals may even exhibit strange behaviors, such as fearlessness or an unusual tolerance for pain. While rabies is rare in pets in the United States, it is still a serious concern for animal owners, and it is a good idea to monitor your pet’s emotional state for any changes.
