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OK, you think to yourself, the first thing I need to figure out is why is my dog tearing up the carpet. You have this great dog, but carpeting is expensive plus, when the landlord finds out, you may be homeless. Why is my dog ripping or tearing up the carpet? Tagged With: Infectious Disease, Reviewed By Dr.3.7 Visit the vet. It’s crucial to keep your dog up-to-date with the rabies vaccine and all other necessary vaccinations. Be sure to check your state’s laws so you know the requirements for your canine. Some states require the booster vaccine to be given yearly while others require it every three years. After this initial vaccine, booster shots are required, but the frequency varies by state. Puppies must be vaccinated initially at three months of age in most states. The rabies vaccine will help prevent your dog from getting the virus, and it’s legally required in most U.S.
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While it can pass between pets, rabies in dogs most frequently comes from exposure to wild animals like bats, raccoons, and foxes Dogs can also become infected if they have a scratch or open wound that’s exposed to contaminated saliva. Rabies is secreted through saliva and can pass to canines through a bite from an infected animal.
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As the virus progresses, dogs may experience seizures or lack of coordination. Animals can lose the fear of people and other animals and may bite or attack without being provoked. Behavioral changes are often extreme and sudden. The furious form of rabies is the classic “mad-dog” syndrome, although it is seen in other species as well as dogs. Animals with the paralytic form of rabies may not be vicious and rarely attempt to bite. Paralysis often starts at the throat and jaw muscles leading to excessive salivation and difficulty swallowing. Dogs suffering from paralytic rabies experience weakness, loss of coordination, and eventually paralysis. Paralytic rabies, also referred to as “dumb rabies,” is the more common type in dogs. Ultimately, death is caused by progressive paralysis throughout the body in both forms. It’s possible to display signs of one or both forms. Initially, after infection, dogs may be asymptomatic and then progress to two main forms of the disease: the furious form and the paralytic form. The rabies virus attacks the nervous system of the dog. Unfortunately, once the symptoms of rabies appear, the virus is fatal.
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Seeking immediate veterinary attention if you suspect your dog has been exposed to the rabies virus is essential. Rabies is an incurable virus, however, it can be treatable if caught early on. It can affect dogs, cats, humans, and any other mammal. Rabies is a virus that infects the central nervous system, causing disease in the brain and spinal cord.