Rabies: How It Spreads, Symptoms, Dog Signs, First Aid & Precautions

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system of humans and animals. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, but the good news is that it is 100% preventable with timely action and awareness.

This blog explains how rabies spreads, its symptoms in humans and dogs, first aid after a dog bite, and essential precautions everyone should know.

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is caused by the Rabies virus, which belongs to the Lyssavirus family.
It spreads mainly through the bite or saliva of an infected animal, most commonly dogs.

Rabies affects:

• Brain
• Spinal cord
• Nervous system

Once the virus reaches the brain and symptoms start, there is no cure. Prevention and early treatment are the only lifesaving steps.

How Does Rabies Spread?

Rabies spreads through the saliva of an infected animal when it enters the body through:

• Bites
• Scratches
• Open wounds
• Broken skin
• Mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose)

Common Ways of Transmission

• Dog bite (most common)
• Scratch by an infected animal
• Licking of open wounds by an infected dog
• Rarely, contact with saliva through the eyes or mouth

Rabies does NOT spread by touch, hugging, or sharing food.

Which Animals Can Spread Rabies?

Rabies can be spread by many mammals, including:

Most Common

• Dogs (major cause in India)
• Cats

Others

• Bats
• Monkeys
• Foxes
• Wolves
• Jackals

Both stray dogs and pet dogs can spread rabies if they are infected and not vaccinated.

What Type of Dog Can Spread Rabies?

Rabies is not linked to breed.

 Not only street dogs
 Not only aggressive dogs
 Not only wild animals

Any dog can spread rabies if:

• It is infected
• It is not properly vaccinated.
• It has been bitten by another rabid animal

Even healthy-looking dogs can carry the virus during the early stage.

Symptoms of Rabies in Humans

Symptoms may appear after 1 week to several months, depending on:

• Bite location
• Virus load
• Distance from the brain

Early Symptoms

• Fever
• Headache
• Weakness
• Tingling or pain at the bite site
• Anxiety
• Restlessness

Advanced Symptoms

• Fear of water (Hydrophobia)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Excessive saliva
• Confusion
• Aggressive behaviour
• Hallucinations
• Paralysis
• Seizures
• Coma

Once these symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.

Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs

A dog with rabies shows clear behavioural and physical changes.

Common Signs in Dogs

• Sudden aggression
• Biting without reason
• Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fear or unusual shyness
• Restlessness
• Barking strangely
• Loss of coordination
• Paralysis (especially back legs)
• Seizures

Two Types of Rabies in Dogs

• Furious Rabies – aggressive, biting, restless
• Paralytic (Dumb) Rabies – silent, weak, paralysis

Never try to touch or treat a suspected rabid dog.

What To Do Immediately After a Dog Bite (First Aid)

First aid within minutes can save a life

Step-by-Step First Aid

1. Wash the wound immediately.

   • Use running water

   • Wash for 15 minutes

   • Use soap if available.

2. Apply antiseptic

   • Povidone iodine

   • Betadine

   • Alcohol (if available)

3. Do NOT

   • Tie the wound

   • Apply turmeric, oil, chilli, mud, or herbs.

   • Cover tightly with a bandage.

4. Go to the hospital immediately.

   • Start Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV)

   • Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) if advised

Do not delay treatment even if the bite looks small

Is There a Cure for Rabies?

No cure once symptoms appear
100% preventable before symptoms

Prevention includes:

• Immediate wound washing
• Timely vaccination
• Full vaccine course

Important Precautions to Prevent Rabies

For Humans

• Avoid touching stray or unknown dogs.
• Teach children not to tease animals.
• Do not approach aggressive or sick dogs.
• Always complete the full vaccine course after a bite.
• Seek medical help immediately.

For Dog Owners

• Vaccinate pets regularly
• Keep vaccination records
• Do not allow pets to roam freely.
• Observe the dog for unusual behaviour.
• Isolate and report suspected rabid dogs.

Community Level

• Control the stray dog population humanely.
• Mass dog vaccination
• Public awareness programs

Key Takeaway

Rabies is silent, deadly, but preventable.

• A small bite can be dangerous.
• Immediate action saves lives.
• Awareness is the strongest protection

Never ignore a dog bite. Never delay treatment.