How do dogs get rabies?
Rabies is a fatal disease caused by the rabies virus that affects not only dogs but can also be transmitted to humans and other mammals. Understanding how dog rabies is transmitted and how to prevent it is critical to pet owners and public health. The following is a detailed analysis of dog rabies.
1. Transmission routes of rabies

Rabies is mainly spread through the saliva of infected animals. Common ways of transmission include:
| Communication method | Detailed description |
|---|---|
| bite | Bites from rabies-infected dogs or other animals are the main route of transmission. |
| scratch | If an infected animal scratches its skin, the virus may also enter the body through the wound. |
| mucosal contact | The virus can enter the body through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose or mouth. |
2. Symptoms of rabies
The incubation period for rabies is usually 1-3 months, but can be as short as a few days or as long as several years. The following are common symptoms of rabies in dogs:
| stage | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| prodromal stage | Abnormal behavior, loss of appetite, fever, sensitivity to light and sound. |
| violent period | Increased aggression, salivation, dysphagia, hydrophobia. |
| paralysis period | Muscle paralysis, difficulty breathing, and eventually death. |
3. How to prevent dog rabies
The most effective way to prevent rabies is vaccination. The following are specific recommendations for preventive measures:
| Precautions | Specific content |
|---|---|
| Get vaccinated regularly | Dogs should be vaccinated against rabies for the first time when they are 3 months old, and then annually. |
| Avoid contact with wild animals | Keep dogs away from wild animals, especially bats, foxes, and raccoons. |
| Treat wounds promptly | If your dog is bitten by another animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention as soon as possible. |
4. Treatment of rabies
Once a dog shows symptoms of rabies, it is almost impossible to cure, and the mortality rate is close to 100%. Therefore, prevention is key. If a person is bitten by a suspected rabid dog, the following measures should be taken immediately:
| steps | Specific operations |
|---|---|
| Clean the wound | Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. |
| Get vaccinated | Go to the hospital as soon as possible to receive rabies vaccine and immune globulin. |
| observe animals | If possible, quarantine the biting dog for 10 days to confirm whether it has rabies. |
5. Recent hot topics and rabies-related developments
In the past 10 days, discussions about rabies have mainly focused on the following aspects:
| topic | Content summary |
|---|---|
| Rabies vaccine shortage | Insufficient rabies vaccine supplies have been reported in some areas, sparking public concern. |
| Stray dog management | Stray dog management has been strengthened in many places to reduce the risk of rabies transmission. |
| New vaccine development | Scientists are working on more effective and safer rabies vaccines. |
Summary
Rabies is a fatal disease but can be effectively controlled through scientific preventive measures. Dog owners should vaccinate their pets regularly, avoid contact with wild animals, and treat wounds promptly after being bitten. The public should also increase their awareness of rabies and jointly safeguard public health safety.
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