Aggression is a symptom of rabies in dogs.
When a human or pet comes in contact with an animal that could have rabies, it is often quite frightening. Whether the person or pet was scratched, bitten or simply touched the animal in question, the transmission of rabies is still a cause for concern. Rabies symptoms occur three to eight weeks after exposure, and people and pets who come in contact with an animal suspected of possibly carrying the deadly disease should receive post-exposure treatments. The symptoms of rabies are varied, yet all should be taken seriously.
Personality Changes
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, humans exposed to rabies may develop changes in their personalities. Common changes include mental depression and restlessness. The Doctors Foster and Smith Pet Education website states that animals experience similar changes. Pets that are typically friendly can become aggressive, whereas shy or timid animals can turn social. In addition, the animal may act nervous, apprehensive and shy. Both humans and animals can become particularly sensitive to sound and light.
Physical Problems
Humans who are exposed to rabies often experience physical issues associated with the disease. For instance, the person may develop a sore throat, muscle stiffness, a headache, fatigue, nausea and loss of appetite. Animals develop similar physical changes, including throat problems. Since rabies first strikes the nerves in the animal's head and throat, the animal may begin to salivate because of its difficulty swallowing. Furthermore, the jaw may drop down permanently as a result of facial paralysis, and the pet may make choking sounds due to his swallowing issues. The animal will start to have trouble breathing and may die as a result.
Extreme Behavior
Both animals and humans can experience seizures or convulsions as a result of rabies. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that humans can also experience episodes of irrational excitement, followed by periods of calm. A person may also become extremely fearful of water or other liquids, due to the severe pain caused by swallowing. Paralysis typically occurs in humans right before they die from the disease. Animals usually become more irritated, and even vicious as the disease progresses. If caged, the animal may even attack the enclosure.
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