SaberVet pet diagnostic tests: How to know if a dog has rabies?

Rabies is a deadly infectious disease caused by the rabies virus that not only affects dogs, but can also spread to humans and other animals. Knowing how to recognize if a dog has rabies is critical to protecting ourselves and other animals. Here are some possible signs and symptoms that can help us determine if a dog may be infected with rabies. If you’re not sure if a dog near you has rabies, you can use the SaberVet Rabies Rapid Test Kit.

1. Abnormal behavior

Dogs with rabies usually exhibit abnormal behavior. They may become very agitated, restless and even aggressive. Sometimes, the dog may show excessive excitement or fear and overreact to stimuli from their surroundings.

2. Difficulty in swallowing

The rabies virus affects the dog’s nervous system and causes difficulty in swallowing. The dog may seem to have particular difficulty in trying to drink or eat, showing symptoms such as salivation and difficulty breathing.

3. Altered barking

Dogs with rabies may make unusual barking sounds such as growling, squealing or high-pitched barking. These sounds may sound different from their usual barking and even frightening.

4. Visual impairment

When the virus affects the nervous system, dogs may develop visual impairment. They may become photophobic, be especially sensitive to light, or show disoriented, uncoordinated eye movements.

5. Muscle spasms

In some cases, dogs with rabies may experience muscle spasms. These spasms may involve any part of the body, but are most common in the face and neck. The dog may exhibit abnormal behavior such as biting its own limbs and chewing on air.

6. Increased salivation

The rabies virus affects the salivary glands of the dog, leading to increased salivation. The dog may salivate frequently, even in the absence of obvious stimuli.

7. Fever and weight loss

In the early stages of the disease, dogs may show signs of fever and weight loss. These symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, but rabies should be highly suspected if other symptoms of rabies are also present.

Note: While the above symptoms may indicate that a dog has rabies, they alone do not confirm the diagnosis. If you suspect your dog may have rabies, which also be diagnosed with the Itgen Rabies Antigen Rapid Test and the Rabies antibody rapid Test kit currently on the market, or contact your local animal control agency or veterinarian immediately for further evaluation and management. Also, to avoid the spread of the rabies virus, avoid contact with animals that may have rabies and clean and disinfect wounds promptly after contact.

If a dog shows signs of rabies, here are the steps you should take to ensure your safety and the safety of others, and to try to provide the dog with the necessary care:

Ensure personal safety

Keep your distance: First, you need to keep a safe distance from a dog that may have rabies. The rabies virus is transmitted through bites or saliva, so direct contact with dogs should be avoided.

Wear protective equipment: If you need to approach the dog for any operation (e.g. isolation), wear protective equipment such as long-sleeved clothing and gloves to minimize the risk of being bitten or exposed to saliva.

Observe and record symptoms

Record symptoms: Closely observe the dog’s symptoms and record them. This helps the veterinarian determine the dog’s health more accurately.

Pay attention to abnormal behavior: Pay special attention to whether the dog shows symptoms such as aggression, difficulty in swallowing, change in barking, visual impairment, muscle spasms, and increased salivation.

Take emergency measures

Isolate the dog: isolate the dog in a safe place and make sure it cannot bite other animals or people. This could be a separate room or an outdoor secure enclosure.

Contact a veterinarian: Contact a veterinarian immediately and inform them of the dog’s symptoms and the possibility that it may have rabies. The veterinarian will provide further advice and guidance.

Follow instructions: Take the necessary steps to care for the dog according to your veterinarian’s instructions. This may include providing a comfortable environment, keeping quiet, avoiding stimulation, etc.

Pay attention to preventive measures

Get vaccinated: If your dog has not been vaccinated against rabies, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to get vaccinated. The rabies vaccine is effective in preventing dogs from contracting the rabies virus.

Avoid contact: If you or anyone else is bitten by or comes into contact with the saliva of a dog that may have rabies, wash the wound immediately and go to the hospital as soon as possible for treatment and evaluation.

Summarize

Rabies is a serious disease that, if left untreated, poses a great threat to the health of both dogs and people. Therefore, as soon as you notice symptoms of rabies in your dog, you need to take immediate action to ensure your personal safety and take emergency measures to take care of your dog. 

The SaberVet Rabies Rapid Test Kit provides a quick diagnosis with accurate results. It is also important to take preventive measures, including vaccinating your dog against rabies and avoiding contact with animals that may have rabies.

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