Dog Rabies

Rabies (Lyssavirus) is an infectious central nervous disease that is transmitted through the saliva (bite) of an infected mammal. The virus can only survive for a short period of time when exposed to open air. A dog infected with rabies becomes contagious to humans and otheranimals during the final stages of the disease when its body is shedding the virus. Dogs inflicted with rabies often appear agitated, disoriented, excessively drunk and will drool excessively. It's important to keep both your dog and family safe by having your dog regularly vaccinated.

Rabies is a potentially deadly disease that you can prevent with yearly checkups for your dog. Once the disease develops, rabies cannot be cured. The only way to be sure that a dog has rabies is by brain examination after the dog is dead.

Rabies is a disease that can affect all warm-blooded animals. While the disease is most common in wild animals such as raccoons, foxes and skunks, the disease can be easily transmitted to your dog if it bitten by an infected animal. Most states currently require all pets to be vaccinated against the disease to prevent them from contracting it should they come in contact with an infected animal. If your dog has been bitten by a rabid animal it could take weeks or even months for the disease to show signs of the typically fatal infection. If you suspect your canine companion has come in contact with a rabid animal, there are a few symptoms you can look out for.