Rabies in Dogs: Everything Pet Parents Must Know

Rabies is one of the world’s oldest and most feared diseases, and for good reason. It attacks the brain and nervous system of mammals, including dogs and humans, and once symptoms appear it is almost always fatal. Yet here’s the crucial fact: rabies is 100% preventable through timely vaccination and prompt medical care after exposure.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies still causes tens of thousands of human deaths every year, with India alone accounting for more than one third of those fatalities. Children are the most frequent victims. Recent dog bite incidents in Delhi NCR serve as a wake up call that this is not a distant or rare threat. It is a present and ongoing public health challenge in our own neighbourhoods.

Every year on 28 September, the global community unites to raise awareness and work toward eliminating dog mediated human rabies deaths by 2030. This guide from K9 Vitality brings together the latest science and practical steps every pet parent, community member, and concerned citizen needs to protect their pets, their families, and their wider community.

Understanding Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of mammals, including dogs and humans. It spreads from animals to humans (a zoonotic disease) and, once clinical symptoms appear, is always fatal. The virus travels from the site of infection through nerves to the brain, causing inflammation and irreversible damage.

Global and Indian Landscape

• Worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates nearly 59,000 human deaths every year due to rabies.
• India accounts for over one third of global rabies deaths, making it a critical public health concern.
• Most victims are children under 15 years of age.
• India is part of the global "Zero by 2030" goal to eliminate dog mediated human rabies deaths.

How Rabies Spreads

• Primary Transmission: Bites from infected animals.
• Secondary Transmission: Saliva entering an open wound or mucous membrane (eyes, mouth, nose).
• Not Transmitted By: Petting or feeding a dog with intact skin contact.
• Any warm blooded mammal can transmit rabies, not just dogs. Cats, bats, monkeys, and other wild animals can also be carriers.

The virus can incubate for 2 to 12 weeks (sometimes up to a year), allowing an infected animal to look completely healthy while already carrying the virus.

Recognising Symptoms in Dogs

Rabies symptoms progress through distinct stages and may vary, so careful observation is critical.

Early Stage (Prodromal):

• Behaviour changes such as unexplained anxiety or withdrawal.
• Fever and restlessness.
• Excessive licking or scratching at the bite site.

Furious Stage:

• Sudden aggression or unprovoked biting.
• Roaming aimlessly and hypersensitivity to light and sound.
• Difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, or choking sounds.

Paralytic (Dumb) Stage:

• Weakness and loss of coordination.
• Drooping jaw and inability to swallow.
• Gradual paralysis leading to coma and death.

Important: A rabid dog does not always look angry or foam at the mouth. Some become unusually quiet, hide away, or show only subtle neurological signs.

Recognising Symptoms in Humans

• Early signs: fever, headache, and tingling or burning at the bite site.
• Progressive symptoms: anxiety, confusion, muscle spasms, and hydrophobia (fear of water).
• Late stage: paralysis of breathing muscles, coma, and death if untreated.

Immediate Action After a Bite or Scratch

• Wash the wound immediately with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes.
• Apply an antiseptic such as iodine or povidone iodine.
• Go to a hospital without delay for post exposure prophylaxis (PEP): full vaccine schedule and rabies immunoglobulin if needed.
• If the biting dog remains healthy and shows no signs of rabies for 10 days, it was not rabid at the time of the bite.

Preventing Rabies in Your Pet

• Vaccination Timeline:
• First dose at 12–16 weeks of age.
• Booster after one year.
• Annual boosters for life.
• Keep accurate vaccination records and set reminders for boosters.
• Do not allow puppies or unvaccinated dogs to roam where they may encounter strays or wildlife.
• Supervise outdoor time and discourage contact with unknown animals.

Protecting Humans and Families

• Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): Recommended for veterinarians, animal handlers, and frequent travellers to high risk areas.
• Educate children about safe behaviour around animals: never tease, corner, or suddenly approach dogs.
• Promptly clean and disinfect any bite or scratch and seek medical attention immediately.
• Support community anti rabies vaccination drives to reduce local risk.

Recognising a Vaccinated Stray

Only documentation confirms vaccination. Common indicators from municipal or NGO drives include:

• Ear notching: a small V shaped notch on one ear.
• Coloured collars or tags provided by sterilisation or vaccination programmes. Remember, appearance alone is never proof of safety. Many community dogs are vaccinated and sterilised through ABC (Animal Birth Control) programs, creating a protective shield for the entire neighbourhood.

Community Responsibility

• Support and demand regular Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Anti Rabies Vaccination (ARV) programmes.
• Educate children on safe behaviour around dogs.
• Report suspected rabid animals to local authorities immediately.
• Choose humane solutions: vaccination and sterilisation are proven to control rabies long term, whereas culling is ineffective.

Common Myths vs Facts

• Myth: All street dogs carry rabies.
• Fact: Only dogs exposed to the virus can become infected. Many street dogs are healthy and vaccinated.
• Myth: Rabies spreads only through dog bites.
• Fact: Any rabid mammal (cats, bats, monkeys) can spread rabies through bites or saliva.
• Myth: A rabid dog always looks aggressive and foams at the mouth.
• Fact: Symptoms can include quietness, hiding, or paralysis, not just aggression and drooling.
• Myth: Puppies can’t get or spread rabies.
• Fact: Any dog, puppy or adult, can get rabies if exposed. Vaccination is essential at all ages.
• Myth: One vaccine protects a dog for life.
• Fact: Rabies vaccines require regular boosters to remain effective.
• Myth: Street dogs are dangerous because they’re unvaccinated.
• Fact: Many have been vaccinated and sterilised; vaccinated dogs help create a safety shield.
• Myth: Rabies is untreatable if bitten.
• Fact: Rabies is 100% preventable if treated immediately with wound washing, vaccine, and immunoglobulin if required.
• Myth: If 10 days pass after a dog bite and the dog is alive, the person still needs treatment.
• Fact: If the dog stays healthy and shows no signs of rabies after 10 days, it was not rabid at the time of the bite.
• Myth: Killing or caging street dogs is the only way to control rabies.
• Fact: Mass culling doesn’t work. Vaccination and sterilisation are the proven, humane, and effective methods.

Key Takeaways

• Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but entirely preventable when addressed promptly.
• Vaccinate your pets and support community vaccination drives.
• If bitten or scratched, wash the wound thoroughly and seek immediate medical attention.
• Educate children and family members about safe behaviour around animals.

Conclusion

Rabies is a disease we have the power to stop. Every timely vaccination, whether for a family pet or a community stray, creates a barrier that protects not just one animal but entire neighbourhoods and human families. By recognising symptoms early, acting fast after any bite, and supporting mass vaccination and sterilisation programs, we can bring India closer to the Zero by 2030 target set by the World Health Organization.

This September 28, join the global movement: vaccinate pets, help vaccinate community dogs, educate children, and share life saving information. Together we can protect our dogs, our loved ones, and our future from a disease that no longer needs to take lives. One vaccine and one community effort can save countless lives.

Recommended Resources and References

For readers who want to learn more and take action, explore these trusted sources:

• World Health Organization – Rabies Fact Sheet
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Rabies
• World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH/OIE) – Rabies
• Global Alliance for Rabies Control
• Government of India – National Rabies Control Programme

These authoritative resources provide up-to-date global and Indian guidelines on prevention, vaccination, and community action.